5 Ways to Take Care of Your Clients and The Environment
As a Canadian Green Business Owner, you’ve got customers coming every day and their needs are many. If you’re in the service industry, there are several areas of your business where you could be cutting down on your environmental impact while still providing the amenities people have come to expect. The waiting room and the bathroom are two places you can substitute green products and practices and your customers won’t even notice the difference. And those that do will appreciate your effort.
Bottleless water coolers
It’s not news that your municipal water is just fine and probably cleaner and better than the stuff that comes out of a bottle. Add the transportation cost, plastic containers, and the cost of the water itself, you’re laying out good money and damaging the environment for something that pretty much free.
Now I’m not about to suggest that you ask your customers to head to the bathroom to pour their own but bottleless water coolers let you take advantage of the municipal system that runs right into your building, gives your customers the feeling that their getting a superior product, and cuts out bottles and delivery costs completely. Sure, you’ll still pay for filters and service but a filter weighs a whole lot less (and needs to be replaced less often) than a jug of water. And no more schlepping massive jugs out of the storeroom and tossing the empties back in for pickup! Gain some storage space and save your back.
Green soaps and cleaners
It doesn’t take much to go green. Swap out those manufactured on the other side of the globe soaps for a local variety that’s organic.
Recycled towels
Customer’s hands now clean? Don’t make them wipe their hands on their pants. If you haven’t already, go with a green paper towel supplier instead of the stuff made from virgin paper.
Motion sensitive hand dryers
Oh you hi-tech fellow you! You’ve got the hot air hand dryer. How about getting even more cutting edge with the motion sensor variety? When folks walk away, you’re not footing the bill for wasted heat. And if you really want to look like you belong on the Jetsons, consider the new Dyson Airblade. Dry hands in 12 seconds flat! And no post-drying wiping. Can’t beat that.
And for the record, we’re not into the various hygienic arguments between paper and hot air. You’ll have to decide for yourself. And most folks seem to agree that those long rolls of fabric towels just don’t cut it hygiene-wise. Transport and cleaning costs also disqualify them from the running.
Magazine exchange
People are always idling flipping through month-old copies of magazines. No one seems to mind reading last year’s Men’s Health so why not swap mags with the doctor next door. You’ll cut down on your magazine subscription costs and have a fresh supply of outdated reading material! What more could customers want?
posted by: Steve | posted on: 18 03 2009 | categories: EfficiencyRecycling