Becoming more eco-friendly

Published 31st Jan 2023 by Nikki Marshall

It is universally accepted that we all have a part to play in helping to protect our planet, not only for ourselves but also for the generations to come. We all need to reduce emissions to limit global warming and take an active role in preservation. Businesses have a key role in this, and initiatives need to be part of a company’s agenda and active objectives. The UK and USA have pledged to reduce its greenhouse-gas emissions to net zero by 2050. 

At Lively, sustainability is high on our agenda. We use technology to reduce our travel, use a leasing service for our tech and have a hybrid working model, using a shared workspace to minimise our overall impact. For us, it is not only about our internal practices but also our external ones too. We use local suppliers as much as possible.

During our event activation at Cannes ‘22, we were one of the only suppliers to liaise and instruct local French suppliers vs those from further afield - more of this case study to come soon. But like others, we can be doing more…  

We should all know about going paperless, recycling and overall waste reduction but what are the other ways companies can start to look at to reduce overall environmental impact? Let’s look at 5 key areas where businesses and individuals can play their part.

Be Greener with Data

It is not a well-known fact that the act of email hoarding can have a negative impact on the environment. Research has shown that the average email user hoards about 10,000 emails in their account. When you apply this to how this affects the world, UK email inboxes consume as much energy as it would take to light up London for 40 days. If you add on the fact that pre-pandemic, 64 million emails are sent unnecessarily in the UK every day, an individual’s IT footprint is at a record high and is increasing.

So how can we counteract this? Firstly, clean out your inboxes and only save the absolutely necessary communications. Secondly, think about emails that are being sent and whether they are needed. Could a phone call or a conversation suffice? (Source: rewardagency.co.uk )

Buy refurbished technology 

Refurbished tech is not a new thing on the market; however, some businesses may be sceptical based on its reliability. Refurbished tech and electronics can have not only a positive impact on the environment but can also help your business save money too. This is because refurbished equipment creates a circular economy by using existing resources rather than new ones every time. Furthermore, it allows businesses to provide their staff with top-notch products at a fraction of the cost. It is also important for firms to think about recycling the tech they already own or donating it to charity to help those less fortunate gain access to services online.  


Encourage active commuting

The Netherlands has over 22 million bicycles with more than 17 million residents already using bicycles for commuting purposes. They are known as the nation of cyclists which is having a big positive impact on an individual’s carbon footprint. People may argue that the country is set up to allow for this type of commuting and you are not wrong. Flat roads, dedicated cycle lanes and priority for cyclists have made it easier for people to commute by bike. It is understandable that this is not for everyone, but having an active interest in how you commute can make a difference.

Small changes can have a positive impact. Perhaps try to walk, get a train, a bus, a bike, or run. Or if you do need to drive, perhaps consider car-sharing with a colleague or opting for an electric vehicle. 


Find sustainable partners

They say you are only going to be as good as the people you surround yourself with. In a business context, you could be the most sustainable company on the planet but if you choose partners or suppliers that do not echo your values and practices, they will only bring you down in terms of credibility with your customers and the outside world. Local suppliers may be more costly but when you factor in the unnecessary travel to get equipment from overseas, you are adding to an already big emissions issue. 

Community initiatives

Doing good starts at home. And this often starts in the office. Community engagement is often a key pillar in a business’s CSR initiative and a company's overall responsibility for its impact on society. If your business or company does not currently have a CSR programme, now is the time to start. There are many ways employees can get involved:

  • Encourage staff to volunteer for community activities

  • Pay staff for volunteer days

  • Participate in clean-up activities

  • Sponsor a local initiative

  • Ask employees what matters to them and get involved 

Alternatively, if it is tricky to physically get involved, there are other ways. Why not consider planting a new tree for every new client, or for every new employee that comes through the doors? Or use your expertise for good, helping support those who need new skills or knowledge. Sometimes it is the little things that can make a big difference.

Photo by Daniel Funes Fuentes on Unsplash.