How to Go “Green” as a Small Business
A green business isn’t just an environmentally friendly and responsible business; it’s a financially savvy business. Being green saves money. Whether you own a large or small business, saving money is great. It means more money in your personal pocket.
Here are simple ideas to help your small business go green.
Eliminate the Need for Paper
Almost everything is digital today. You can pay bills, sign contracts, and create books without using a single piece of paper. And let’s face it, printing is expensive. You have to pay for the printer, endless ink cartridges, and paper. Even if you’re using recycled ink cartridges and recycled paper, it’s still expensive and it consumes a lot of materials.
Also, instead of selling print products, sell or give away digital ones. EBooks are environmentally sound and they’re cheaper to produce.
Buy Local
When you buy products from local companies you’re not only supporting the local economy – you’re also cutting back on pollution from distribution. For example, you might choose to buy your office furniture from a local manufacturer instead of from a big box warehouse that ships desks manufactured in China. Instead of traveling thousands of miles to get to you, your new desk travels less than a hundred.
Remember, buying from a local company also means buying products that are made locally or at least in your residing country.
Remanufactured/Refurbished
From computers to office furniture, you can find great deals on remanufactured and refurbished equipment. Instead of an object going into the landfill, it is polished and made good as new for use. You can save a lot of money, too.
Reduce Energy Consumption
There are a few basics that can help you reduce the amount of energy you use. They include but are not limited to:
* Turn off equipment when you’re not using it.
* Use power strips and turn everything off at night.
* Use LED or CFL lights.
* Get a programmable thermostat and turn it down so your furnace doesn’t run as much during the winter.
* If you have a car for business, consider an energy-efficient one like a hybrid.
* Use the sun to heat your office during the winter and keep the curtains closed during the summer.
Recycling is also an important way to keep the costs down and to be green. It’s about reducing consumption and asking yourself if you need to use something before you do. Being “green” makes good business sense.
