Would you like to save more money while running your business and making the environment safer at the same time? Would you like to stand out from the competition by doing what most other businesses aren’t doing (yet)? Would you like to boost your sales and profits by attracting eco-conscious customers?

You can get all these above-listed benefits just by going green; by making your business environmentally friendly – and showing it off to the world.

But how exactly do you make your business eco-friendly? Here are 8 creative ways:

1. Recycling

This naturally comes to mind first, and for a good reason, whenever the topic of going green comes up. Recycling is the greatest way to reduce waste, since materials that would otherwise have been disposed of are used to create something new.

The key to becoming eco-friendly is to recycle as much as you can. Before you dispose of anything, try to consider what other use it could be put to. And if nothing comes up, put them (the recyclable ones) in a recycling bin. Needless to say you should have a recycling bin for the use of all employees – with pictures depicting what goes into it.

Recycling also extends to repairing and refurbishing old furniture, instead of getting rid of them to buy new ones.

2. Go paperless

You want to go green? Then go paperless. Go digital. Or at least, reduce your paper use as much as possible. Instead of printing out memos and meeting agenda for every member, you can just email it to them.

When purchasing paper – which in practice isn’t 100% avoidable – try to choose eco-friendly papers. These are papers that aren’t made with toxic materials and have the recycling symbol on their box.

3. Reusable materials

Use and encourage reusable products around the office, and in promoting your brand. Reusable products, made from recycled materials, like custom bags, pens, umbrellas, jotters, and even business cards, can be used to promote your brand as souvenirs for your customers.

This will show that your company is environmentally friendly, and will attract more eco-conscious customers to your business.

4. Power saving

Saving power is both saving money and saving the environment. You want to save as much power as possible in the office. This includes shutting down unused systems completely instead of “sleeping” or using screensavers; switching off and unplugging all devices from socket after work; using compact fluorescent or LED lights that use lesser energy compared to traditional incandescent bulbs; resorting to natural lighting (like transparent blinds); and so on.

5. Renewable energy

In order to become more eco-friendly, you can resort to renewable energy, especially solar power. It might be expensive to install, but the long-term benefits you’d reap from this move will supersede your initial investment.

6. Green appliances

Another great way to make your business environmentally friendly is to stick to eco-friendly appliances –those that are energy friendly. You can confirm each appliance’s energy requirements from its label.

You don’t have to change all your appliances at ones. Instead, you gradually replace appliances that need change with their eco-friendly counterpart.

7. Biodegradable cleaners

Yes, almost everything has its eco-friendly version. Sticking to biodegradable cleaners made with natural ingredients in the office protects you from harmful chemicals and toxins you’d otherwise have been exposed to.

8. Plants

Finally, go green literally by planting flowers and trees around the office. Other than making your work environment look relaxing and beautiful, plants help absorb pollutants and keep the air fresh and clean. What better way is there to show some love to the environment?