Product sustainability is becoming more and more critical for businesses and consumers alike. It not only benefits the environment but also helps to keep a business transparent with its customers.
A few simple changes to your business practices can make a massive difference in your impact on the environment. Here are five ways to create sustainable products that will benefit the planet!
Use Recycled Materials
Using recycled materials is an excellent way to sustainable product creations that benefit the environment. Recycling materials prevents waste from ending up in landfills and incinerators and reduces the amount of raw material used.
When a product is produced from recycled materials, it can be used repeatedly without negatively impacting the environment. It also uses less energy than making new raw materials, which helps protect natural resources and the environment.
It can also help keep harmful chemicals out of the environment and stop them from causing harm to humans and animals. For example, using recycled paper can save up to 40% of the energy used in making it from virgin wood fibers.
Using recycled materials can also help preserve forests, rainforests and biodiversity. It prevents trees from being cut down, rivers diverted, wild animals harmed or displaced and other environmental impacts.
Reduce Waste
In addition to reducing energy and using recycled materials, creating sustainable products that benefit the environment also requires minimizing waste. Reducing waste is essential to protect the environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
One way to reduce waste is by ensuring that you and your employees understand their role in sustainability initiatives. You can make sustainability a company-wide goal by incentivizing and challenging employees to do their part.
Another way to reduce waste is donating nonperishable goods instead of throwing them away. This is an easy way to decrease the trash your business produces and can help your local community.
When designing a product, take the time to think about how it will impact the environment throughout its life cycle. This includes the resources used and the production process.
For example, when designing a razor, eco-design will factor in the blades and any other parts that need to be made or cleaned during use. This will reduce the overall environmental impact and save you money in the long run.
Use Energy-Efficient Appliances
Energy-efficient appliances are a great way to save energy and reduce greenhouse gases. Last year, US consumers saved $12 billion on their energy bills by using more efficient models.
When choosing new appliances, look for Energy Star labels on dishwashers, refrigerators, washers and dryers. These symbols are government-backed and provide unbiased information on the energy efficiency of products.
ENERGY STAR standards are based on energy and water conservation and have reduced the use of fossil fuels in the United States by more than 500 billion kilowatt-hours over the past 20 years.
In addition to being more environmentally friendly, ENERGY STAR-certified appliances may also offer post-purchase rebates from local utilities. Ask your local utility for details on this and other incentive programs available to help you purchase more energy-efficient appliances.
Energy-efficient appliances use ten to fifty percent less energy and water than standard models. They are also more durable and easier to repair. Switching them off when you’re not using them can also save you money on electricity and gas.
Choose Energy-Efficient Lighting
Lighting is one of the most important aspects of any home or office. It accounts for a significant percentage of energy consumption and can be an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint and lower your power bills.
When choosing light bulbs, selecting energy-efficient ones that produce less heat and less energy is essential for a more sustainable solution. To save money and help the environment, consider switching to energy-efficient LED bulbs instead of traditional incandescent.
Energy-efficient light bulbs are available in different shapes and sizes and in varying wattages. When you’re shopping, make sure to look for products that have earned the ENERGY STAR.
Energy-efficient light bulbs can help you save up to 90% on your electricity bill, lasting up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. They also use fewer harmful chemicals and emit much less heat, making them safe for children to play with. They are also easy to replace if you need to upgrade your lighting.
Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances
When you purchase a new appliance, one of the first things you should do is look at its energy efficiency label. Often overlooked, it provides essential information about how much energy the product consumes and how long it will last.
Choosing energy-efficient appliances is an excellent way to save money and reduce your environmental footprint. These devices are also often more convenient and don’t need to be replaced as often as traditional models.
You can also help lower your energy bills by choosing Energy Star products and switching to an energy provider at a lower rate. To find electricity rates in your area, check out SaveOnEnergy.
It’s also worth noting that choosing energy-efficient appliances can make your home more comfortable by reducing the amount of electricity required to heat and cool it. It also helps you reduce greenhouse gas emissions, significantly contributing to global warming.
