November 28, 2025
As well as being a responsibility that all entrepreneurs should take seriously, running an eco-friendly company is also good for business. People are more willing than ever to pay extra for products if they come from a place that takes its environmental credentials seriously. Even if you run a business that just operates online, there are still plenty of things that you can improve from an eco standpoint. If you are struggling to think of ways that you can do this, here are just a few to get you started.
Advancements are always being made in packaging, so you should look into how you can make it more environmentally friendly. You could switch to printed stand up pouches instead of heavier bottles and cans - you may also find that this is the more cost-effective approach to take as well. If something is recyclable, you should make this clear to your customers to encourage them to do this.
A waste program is especially important if you run a business in a physical location, but it can also be implemented if your company is online-only. And it doesn’t have to be complicated. Staff education is a good starting point - simply leading your team and telling them what can be recycled and encouraging them to use less paper etc. Look into mini skip hire from time to time for bigger clearout projects. You could also provide reusable water bottles, plates and cutlery to stop wastage in these areas.
Cutting your electricity usage is something that is beneficial for the environment and your wallet. Even if you just run your business from home, the basics remain the same. Turn off your lights, unplug things that are no longer in use, switch to energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances, turn down your thermostat a degree or two. All of these things will add up in the long-run. And since winter is the most expensive time of year, it is the perfect opportunity to implement these changes.
A lot of cleaning products release harmful chemicals into the environment, so you should aim to use natural products wherever possible. If you want to reduce costs further, there are plenty of ways that you can make your own highly effective cleaning products.
As well as the changes that your business can make itself, another positive step to take is to align your company with a cause, which is a great thing to do for your community, your staff, and your reputation in general. People like to know that the companies they buy from are serious about improving the world around them. You also have the fantastic feeling of supporting a cause that is close to your heart.
So, there you have it, a few simple ways that you can run a more eco-friendly business. None of these things is overly complicated, but they all add up to ensure that you are playing your part in running a company that takes its green responsibilities seriously.
Beyond the environmental benefits, running an eco-friendly business can be great for your brand. Consumers are increasingly willing to support and pay more for products from companies that demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainability.
A great starting point is a simple waste programme. Educate your team on what can be recycled, encourage less paper use, and provide reusable items like water bottles and cutlery to cut down on single-use plastics.
Even if you operate entirely online, you can make a difference. Focus on using green packaging for any products you ship, reduce your electricity consumption at your home office, and consider partnering with an environmental charity. The principles shared by Online Business Startup apply to digital and physical companies alike.
Not necessarily. In fact, switching to lighter options like printed stand up pouches instead of heavier bottles or cans can often be a more cost-effective solution for your business in the long run.
You can lower costs by adopting basic energy-saving habits. Always turn off lights when not in use, unplug electronics, switch to energy-efficient bulbs and appliances, and adjust your thermostat. These small changes add up to significant savings.
The Entrepreneurs Guide to Launching a Fast, Lean and Profitable Online Venture.
This is where the magic happens.
