When it comes to supporting local businesses, consumers want more than just a great product and exemplary customer service. More and more, consumers also prioritize eco-friendliness and environmental stewardship. 

Studies show that more than three-quarters of all consumers prioritize eco-friendliness, with about half saying they will pay more for a business that is environmentally conscientious. Meanwhile, 84% of customers say that poor environmental practices actually alienate them, making it less likely that they will spend their money with the company in question.

In other words, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword. It’s good business sense. Being able to boast about your eco-friendliness can give you a distinct advantage over your competition. The question is, what steps can your service company take to emphasize its environmental stewardship?

Invest in recyclable materials
A good place to start is with your supply chain. You may not be able to focus on sustainability with every purchase, but always be on the lookout for sustainably sourced materials you can use in the field and at your headquarters. It’s also smart to make sure your office supplies are chosen on the basis of energy efficiency, as well as longevity. (Not only does this help with eco-friendliness, but it can also lower your utility expenses over the long run.)

Start a recycling program
What about your waste management practices? Does all the trash generated from your team end up in a landfill somewhere? If so, consider investing in a recycling program, providing your employees and technicians with an easy way to responsibly discard plastics or cardboard. Your waste management vendor can likely provide a simple and efficient in-office recycling option.

Donate unused materials
Often, service companies wind up with a surplus of materials, many of which are in perfectly fine condition and could easily be reused. Consider donating these items to Habitat for Humanity or a similar organization; again, anything you do to keep trash out of the landfills helps boost your environmental bona fides.

Invest in a "green" fleet 
Service companies have little choice but to dispatch trucks, generating no small amount of carbon emissions. Assuming it’s cost-prohibitive to invest in an all-new fleet of hybrid vehicles, consider making financial donations to organizations that plant trees, a simple way to offset your carbon generation.

Green is good for business

The bottom line: Consumers like supporting companies that do their best to safeguard the natural world. Keep that in mind and remember that whatever you do to help the environment may ultimately boost your bottom line, as well.

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About the author
Amanda Clark is the president and editor-in-chief of Grammar Chic, a full-service professional writing company. She is a published ghostwriter and editor, and she's currently under contract with literary agencies in Malibu, California, and Dublin. Since founding Grammar Chic in 2008, Clark, along with her team of skilled professional writers, has offered expertise to clients in the creative, business and academic fields. The company accepts a wide range of projects; often engages in content and social media marketing; and drafts resumes, press releases, web content, marketing materials and ghostwritten creative pieces. Contact Clark at www.grammarchic.net.