Eco-Friendly Money Saving Tips for Businesses

The water used, trash generated, and energy expended to operate your business directly impacts your utility costs. Some low-cost changes can have high cost savings. Check out our top 10 tips below. Click each listing for more information.

Stop paying for more serving ware! Reusables can be purchased one time and used for years. Although we understand that the handling of reusables can increase labor and water costs, they don’t need to be purchased again and again. The California Green Business Network has comprised eight case studies of food-service businesses that traded disposables for reusables. On average, these businesses saved $6,818.10 in annual net cost savings after making the switch. Some businesses also reported no change in labor costs. Reusables are also attractive to consumers and are a highly visible way to show that your business is combating waste. If you don’t want to purchase reusables, you can offer customers a small discount for bringing their own (cups, bags, to-go containers, etc.) and start relying less on disposables. 

Not a customer facing business? Make sure that your office breakroom and staff members are using reusables. 

P.S. AB 1276 requires businesses to only offer disposable items like straws, utensils, and condiments, upon request.

Native plants combined with the use of rocks and pavers can create beautiful landscaping. The biggest benefit is drastically reduced water bills and maintenance needs! Drought tolerant landscapes and hardscapes can also create a “defense zone” around your business in case of a fire. Head over to the Water Conservation page to learn more about drought tolerant landscaping in the city. Check out the California Native Plant Society to learn more about natives. The Inland Empire Resource Conservation District also has a native plant nursery.

Small upgrades can lower your utility bills. Low-flow plumbing devices, LEDs, motion-activated lights or replacing weather stripping can benefit your bill. Some upgrades are more costly, but could have significant energy savings. Upgrading your building’s HVAC to use heat pump technology, adding electric vehicles to your company fleet, or installing solar panels can significantly reduce natural gas, fuel, and electricity use.

Implement resource saving policies throughout your business. These policies can include turning off lights, unplugging appliances and equipment when not in use, alerting maintenance of leaks, and printing only when needed. Create a culture of resource conservation throughout your business.

Some items have free disposal programs, use them!

  • PaintCare allows businesses (and residents) to drop-off their paint for free at participating locations. 
  • Most ink and toner brands are accepted for free. For example, HP has a free mailback and drop-off option. 
  • Got mattresses? Free disposal is available through Bye Bye Mattress. Hotels or dormitory facilities with over 100 units can arrange a free pick-up.

Carpooling and telework can reduce overall vehicle miles traveled and staff can save money. Some businesses offer incentives to their employees for alternative commuting. This tip is especially useful if parking is limited at your place of work.

Hazardous waste is extremely costly to dispose of, and exposure to hazardous materials can be very unsafe for employees. We suggest finding natural alternatives to items when possible. For example, instead of using harsh weed killers, use physical weed abatement strategies. Businesses that sell coffee can apply used grounds to plants as a natural fertilizer. 

And if you use hazardous materials for your business, make sure to use them! Hazardous materials are safest when they are used for their intended purpose. Use your items completely to avoid the high cost and labor involved in hazardous waste disposal. 

Large organizations that produce a lot of electronic waste can have their e-waste collected for free. Some businesses even pay you for your electronic waste. Learn more about state-approved e-waste recyclers and collectors here.

Most importantly, properly dispose of your hazardous waste. Click here for more information about San Bernardino County’s business hazardous waste program.

When furnishing your place of work, first look to secondhand options. Buying secondhand reduces demand for new materials and can be significantly cheaper. Some older items may even be higher quality than new items. Plus, vintage items can add a great unique look to your business. 

Conversely, donate items that you no longer need! Find other businesses that could use old equipment or supplies. Food service facilities and retailers can also donate surplus food to local non-profits. Some businesses are required to donate their surplus food under SB 1383.

Anyway your business can conserve resources and reduce waste will save you money. For example, businesses in the City of Redlands can save on their trash bill by reducing waste. Lowering your trash service from three cans twice a week, to two cans twice a week, would result in a cost savings of about $185.00 per month.

This tip may not save you any money. However, we think that getting involved in your community can provide huge benefits to your business. Contact us if you want to participate in Redlands Earth Day, or if you want us to promote your community sustainability event.

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