Minimising the Effects of Running a Business to the Environment

Minimising the Effects of Running a Business to the Environment

pile of plastic bottles on the process of recyclingOne-third of the world’s natural resources have been used up in the last three decades. One of the main causes of this excessive consumption is commercial activity. Responsible business owners can help conserve resources by recycling and proper waste management.

Commercial activities damage the environment in many ways, from adding to fuel emissions through transportation of goods to the destruction of natural habitats. Huge amounts of waste, such as wood scrap, metal, paper and office supplies end up in landfills that are already full to the brim.

Commercial waste comes from agriculture, construction and demolition or any other industry.

Traders’ Responsibility to the Planet

Business owners have certain legal responsibilities to safeguard the environment. These are:

  • To store business waste safely
  • To choose a waste carrier that is fully registered
  • To ensure no fly-tipping or other illegal methods of waste disposal occur
  • To complete a waste transfer note for every load of waste that exits the premises
  • To undertake ‘greener’ practices, such as recycling commercial wastes and using the existing resources

Other Ways to Reduce Carbon Footprint

Other ways the ethical business can nurture the environment is to get their supplies from local companies. This reduces greenhouse gas emissions from long-haul transportation, as well as supports the employment and economy of the local community. Agricultural businesses can go organic and avoid harmful pesticides. Financial institutions can avoid funding projects that harm the people or the wildlife.
Business is the biggest cause of environmental pollution and with no established human right to live in a clean atmosphere, many businesses flout the rules to put profit first. A sustainable and responsible company can still make a profit while taking simple steps to conserve the environment. Reusing and recycling are among those important steps.

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