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Laundry Business
Running a green business involves making many smart decisions, from clever design and a strong brand to eco-friendly and sustainable features that will help you not only build your company image but also make a profit and grow your customer base.
Running a laundry service can be harder than most people think! It’s not just about getting your clients’ clothes clean, but it’s also about running a business that is environmentally friendly and a great example for the community. If you are looking to make this dream a reality, here are several tips on how to green up your laundry business.
Changing the lights
Laundry business is high on electricity consumption as it’s not just the washers and dryers that use it, but also the lighting throughout the space. If you’re open long hours or even around the clock, your lights can add a lot to the bill. To help decrease the consumption, consider replacing all your bulbs with eco-friendly LED bulbs that save up to 80% of electricity and have a lower environmental impact. Another option is to dim the lights at daytime and only max them at night.
Carpooling the clothes
A green business projects a great image in the community and you can use it to your advantage to make stronger connections. For instance, introduce a system of pick-up and delivery laundry service, where for a fee, your employees can pick up customers’ clothes, have them washed and dry-cleaned and then delivered to their home. In this way, there’s no need to drive to and from the laundry service, which will significantly reduce your business’s environmental impact.
Reusing and recycling
In every business, waste management is an important aspect. If you’re aiming at becoming truly green, find ways to reuse and recycle. Nowadays, there’s technology to help you out. Don’t print coupons, but send your promotions via e-mails. Let your customers sign in their e-mail address at the counter when paying and you’ll be able to save paper in the long run. In addition, place recycling bins all around your store so that certain waste can be reused later.
Having the right equipment
When starting a business, the initial costs are usually big, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re in deep trouble. The high cost of machines is surely a big obstacle for a store that should be full of energy-efficient equipment but in the long run, it will pay off.
By replacing your old dryers and washers with new, Energy Star labelled models, and installing a gas steam boiler for efficient clothes pressing, you will quickly reduce the amount of electricity and water used. In addition, there are different financing options and grants that can help counterbalance these expenses and get your business on the right green track.
Controlling your HVAC system
One of the aspects that also requires your attention is the use of a heating/cooling system. A lot of energy will be wasted if you overuse the system. Try to lower the temperature for a few degrees in winter when you close the shop instead of turning it off completely. In this way, you will save more energy than if you had to restart the whole system and heat up the place in the morning.
Also, in the summer, make use of the natural airflow in the space by opening doors and windows. Any kind of alternative heating/cooling option will help a lot in saving both money and energy.
Running a green laundry business is a responsible task where you need to make sure you practice what you preach. Have all your employees follow the company principles and be a shining example yourself. A green business has numerous benefits as it doesn’t only leave a low carbon footprint, but it also helps improve your company’s public image and saves you money along the way.
