Issues like pollution and global warming are serious challenges. If we are to protect the earth for future generations, we need to take action now. That certainly includes action from businesses both large and small. Make sure you are doing your part by instituting green policies into your company where you can. Below are four such strategies you should give serious consideration.

Make Your Office Paperless

One thing offices do is waste a lot of paper. The average US office employee uses about 10,000 pieces of paper a year. All this waste leads to the clearing of forests. That means fewer trees to transform harmful carbon dioxide into breathable oxygen. However, thanks to things like email and PDF files, there really is no longer a need for paper in the modern office. Do your part and go paperless.

Start a Carpool Program

One of the biggest sources of pollution created by businesses doesn’t come directly from the business itself. Instead, it’s all the gasoline that must be burned to allow employees to drive to and from work. Thankfully, there is a way to change this and curb your workforce’s carbon footprint. You should consider starting a company carpool program. Employees will benefit as well since they will have to spend less on gas each year.

Waste Less Water

Most states in the US expect significant water shortages in the future. We will have to start treating more wastewater to make up the difference. You can do your part by using less water in your facilities. Consider installing low-flow plumbing fixtures like toilets, faucets and more that use a lot less water so more of this valuable resource can be saved for the greater community.

Perform an Energy Audit

Many businesses are completely oblivious to the ways they are wasting energy. Your factory, store, warehouse or other facility may be needlessly wasting energy and electricity in ways you are not even aware of. Perform an energy audit through the use of a third party. The results of the audit can then be used to lower the amount of energy your facilities are using. This increased efficiency will also do the job of helping to slash your overhead expenses.

Businesses are not free of moral and ethical obligations. One of these obligations is doing what you can to lower pollution and protect your community as well as the earth in general. Hiring someone with a civil engineering degree to help analyze your companies influence can help you with this. The four strategies above should only be a starting point for going green with your company.