Marketing Responsibly: How to Work Toward A Greener Future

As consumer trends evolve with the changes in our climate, marketers across the globe are modifying their strategies to include more sustainable practices for a greener industry. Environmentally friendly marketing can improve how your business relates to the world around you and your stakeholders. With a revived sense of responsibility for mother nature, you can enhance your brand loyalty and increase your sales from greener marketing efforts.

There are plenty of ways to reduce your business’s carbon footprint. This kind of effort positions your brand as an industry leader in sustainability and creates a healthier environment for your staff and customers.

Follow these tips and tricks to make your business practices better for the environment and better for you.

Save Paper, Save a Tree.

According to JustTech.com, the average office employee prints 10,000 pages a year. That’s approximately 1-3% of business revenue. When you reduce your business’s printing, you’ll save money, use less water, conserve energy, and help reduce deforestation. Encourage your employees to utilize digital alternatives such as note-taking apps, digital filing, and minimizing the number of copies made.

While there will be instances when printing will be unavoidable, it’s important to keep in mind some tricks to limit paper usage: printing double-sided, eliminating color, and even reusing scrap paper.

Promotional Items

A branded plastic pen may seem like a great leave-behind but in reality, it will end up in a landfill one day. Ensuring your promotional items are functional and eco-friendly is a great way to show your customers you are making strides in being sustainable.

Direct Mail vs. Email

While direct mailings can be effective depending on your audience, overuse can be destructive to the planet and your budget. Sending too many mailers can become overwhelming and unsuccessful in growing your business, eventually landing in the trash. It might be time to reexamine your direct mailing strategy and opt for email marketing to save the planet.

Give Back

Want to get your office more involved outside? Volunteer with a local environmental organization. Whether you want to plant trees in your area, pick up trash or participate in a stream clean, there are several local organizations that can help plan an office outing that makes a difference in your community.

Green Office Supplies

Do you pay attention to the office supplies your business uses? A few simple changes to your recurring order can reduce your impact on the environment. Energy Star provides a list of certified electronics including monitors, printers, and more that help reduce power when available and monitor your energy usage. Additionally, opt for items made with recyclable and compostable materials.