When it comes to running a successful business, your company’s reputation is key. After all, it often dictates how customers  - both old and new - will respond to your business and will have an effect on whether or not they make a purchase. However, when you are first starting out, it can be hard to garner the kind of reputation you deserve - as you need to find a way in which you can boost your company’s profile. 

One way in which you can do this is by implementing a strong environmental policy in your workplace. This can be established in a variety of ways, such as: 

• Going paperless.

• Reducing your office size.

• Switching to an eco-friendly energy provider.

• Sourcing eco-friendly materials.

• Putting together a waste-disposal plan that focuses on recycling or reusing products wherever possible.

While the above list is by no means exhaustive, it is clear that there are various steps that a business owner can take to make their company eco-friendly. Applying them to your business is, quite simply, the right thing to do - as it helps protect the planet for future generations. However, there are plenty of benefits to going green that can significantly improve your reputation and business prospects.

For example, as a business owner, you must clearly understand what modern customers look for in a company. While this could include quality products and a fast delivery time, studies show that customers tend to prefer brands with strong eco-friendly policies in place. This is because ethical consumerism is on the rise - meaning that companies that fail to adapt to these changes will quickly fall out of fashion.

Therefore, there are various ways in which you can use your eco-policies as a marketing opportunity. This could include: 

• Adding a section to your website that discusses what your company does for the environment. Whether you work closely with a recycling company or use a specific energy provider - the more transparent you can be about the steps you are taking - the better. This can help customers make a more informed decision about whether or not they want to work with you. 

• Promoting your brand as eco-friendly every step of the way. For example, if you attend local fair or trade shows, you should make it part of your presentation or displays. For example, you can work with exhibit display companies to put together a display made from eco-friendly materials that discusses the steps you are taking to work towards a better, greener future. This could be a great way of drawing in new customers and making connections with other businesses. 

• Discussing your eco-friendly policies on your social media channels or using them to discuss important environmental topics. For example, you can make interesting and informative posts that align with global celebrations such as Global Recycling Day (18th March), or World Paper Day (6th November). You can also work to ensure that the vast majority of your marketing is undertaken online - as it would make little sense to promote yourself as an eco-friendly brand only to send out thousands of paper flyers the next day. 

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