Entrepreneurs: the benefits of recycling for your business

Recycling is’t only good for the planet, it can also save you money, boost your bottom line and benefit your business in countless other ways.

1. Reduce your expenses with a recycling program

Waste management isn’t the most appealing topic to talk about! So a lot of companies just pay their annual bill and don’t give it a second thought. But did you know if you start recycling, you can reduce your waste production and, in turn, negotiate a lower waste management fee? And if you use your city’s garbage collection service, you may be able to reduce your waste collection frequency from twice a week to once a week, or even once every two weeks. There are also a bunch of private waste management companies that can save you 15 percent or more on your waste expenses.

Another way to cut costs is to take advantage of device trade-in programs, which are offered by several companies like Microsoft to help offset the cost of new devices. These tech recycling programs are great for the planet—and your wallet.

2. Improve your image by adopting eco-friendly practices

According to a report by leading consumer trend firm TrendWatching, eco-image is a big deal in 2020. Just five short years ago, high-end trends such as the original Tesla Roadster were only available to the elite. But now that environmentally friendly products and processes are as widespread and affordable as their mainstream counterparts, a growing number of consumers are choosing green companies over traditional ones. Strive to be that company, and make sure your customers know about your efforts to protect our planet.

3. Win customers over with eco-friendly actions

Beyond brand image concerns, sustainability is a growing issue for people around the globe. With an estimated 12.6 million people dying from environmental health risks every year, it’s become a matter of life or death in some parts of the world.

A survey conducted by Nielsen in 2018 found that 81 percent of global respondents felt strongly that companies should help improve the environment, while another Nielsen global survey in 2015 found that 66 percent of respondents were willing to pay more for products and services that came from environmentally friendly companies. If you embrace recycling and other sustainable business practices, you’ll attract more customers and grow your business.

4. Go green to obtain government grants

In 2019, the Government of Canada’s Climate Action Incentive Fund (CAIF) SME Project Stream provided grants ranging from $20,000 to $250,000 to small and medium-sized businesses to help them go green. The first intake is now closed, but keep an eye on the CAIF website and the Government of Canada’s Environmental Funding page for future opportunities.

5. Keep your employees happy with sustainability initiatives

According to a global sustainability survey conducted by HP in 2019, 61 percent of office workers agree that “sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have for companies, it’s a need-to-have”. If you want to keep your employees happy and boost staff retention, set up a recycling program in your office today!

6. Help protect our planet for future generations

Beyond boosting your business and profits, implementing a recycling program in your business will help protect our planet by:

Reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills
Lowering carbon emissions
Using less energy
Reducing water and air pollution
Conserving natural resources
Protecting wildlife and natural habitats

Follow your true nature with Eska

Another positive step you can take is to align your business with other eco-responsible companies. By purchasing products and services that leave as small a carbon footprint as possible, you’re making a big statement about your company’s values.
Eska’s spring water bottles are all 100% recyclable and we’re moving towards 100% recycled plastic (rPET) across our entire non-carbonated line in 2020. When you serve Eska water in your workplace, you can be sure (and show your employees) that you’re making a responsible choice for our planet and future generations.