Looking after the environment is important to almost everyone nowadays, and if you want to satisfy your customers you need to be offering more sustainable solutions.
To help, I’ve researched 9 simple things you can do to make your business more sustainable.
Go paperless – If you haven’t already then it’s time to embrace the digital revolution. Make sure you’re offering digital versions of things like quotes, invoices and receipts.
Invest in longer lasting equipment – It’s often the initial manufacturing of a tool that accounts for the majority of its carbon footprint. So, buying multiple ‘cheaper’ versions of a tool can be less sustainable. Avoid this wherever you can and invest in high quality power tools that will last longer.
Choose your suppliers wisely – Look at the sustainability credentials on the company websites and see what they are doing. From paint, to tools and workwear, choosing environmentally conscious suppliers can make a big difference.
Limit your travel – Buy your materials and work locally if you can. Not only is it better for the planet, but you’ll likely save on travel expenses too!
Recycle – This is a simple one that has been rammed down everyone’s throats for a while now. For the most part we are quite good at recycling when we’re at home. But make sure you’re doing it on site too!
Avoid single use plastic – Ok, sometimes you’ll need to use plastic, but if there is a more sustainable alternative, then make sure you consider it. Even if it’s a bit more expensive.
Get an electric van – Yes, they are pricey at the moment, but electric vans can reduce your carbon footprint. When you next come to change your work vehicle make sure you have a look at the options. Oh, and whilst we’re talking about vans, could you downsize yours?
Manage your water waste – Cleaning tools like spray pumps can use a lot of water. But with practice you can reduce the amount of water you use doing this significantly. Be conscious of what you’re doing, and it’ll add up to a big saving over time.
Use longer lasting paints – Every tin of paint comes with it’s own carbon footprint. Raw materials often come from all over the world before they are manufactured into paint and end up in your van.
Take timber windows as an example.
Properly maintained, a timber window could last 60 years.
If you use a long-lasting paint each time, it might only have to be repainted 10 times in its lifetime.
If you use cheap paints, it could easily be 20 or 30 times. That’s a massive increase in the lifetime carbon footprint of that window!
Next steps:
Measure your efforts and try to continuously improve them year on year.
Start to publish what you do on your website to keep yourself accountable.
Customers love to see what businesses are doing to reduce their environmental impact.
Who knows, this could end up being what gives you an edge over the competition!
Want more free advice like this?
Get your FREE copy of my 60-page eBook
‘7 Marketing Secrets Guaranteed to grow your painting & Decorating business’
by joining my email list below
Leave a Reply