More and More Businesses Are Going Green These Days, Find Out Why and How You Can Be One of Them

It seems today you can't go anywhere without seeing someone talking about "Going Green". The message is everywhere; from the presidential debates last year to the mom and pop owned store down the road. Recycling and conserving energy is gaining in popularity right now with no end in site. With many consumers realizing the benefits of becoming greener, many are taking this way of thinking to work with them. Business owners are also beginning to realize the benefits of going green.

Benefits can be both financial and emotional. Taking care of the environment can be emotionally rewarding as well as save you money. Here are steps that your business can take to become more environmentally friendly:

Change the Lights. Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents, or older T-12 fluorescents with energy-efficient T-5 or T-8 fixtures.

Review Energy Use. Implement a "turn off the light policy." Get into the habit of turning off lights in all rooms and areas not in use. Turn off computers at night. If you don't already have one, install a programmable thermostat that can be programmed to reduce energy while the building is not occupied. If you are building a new commercial space or remodeling an old one consider going green. Many states offer larger tax rebate programs for doing so.

Consider offering invoicing and other documents electronically rather then printed. Many companies you work with are also finding ways to conserve energy and will appreciate it.

Recycle. There are many ways you can recycle. The first way is of course paper. Place recycling bins in employee work areas for not only paper, but glass and plasters as well. Purchase recycled paper, or partially recycled paper. The costs of recycled paper may be slightly more but you can offset that costs by refilling your ink cartridges. Recycle obsolete office equipment and donate no longer used equipment to a worthy cause.

Begin to introduce less-toxic supplies and materials. One good source is The Green Office, which is an online retailer of recycled, environmentally friendly office products and paper.

Minimize Driving. Provide incentives for employees to carpool, or to take mass transit. Consider allowing employees to work from home one day a week. This will save the employee money and your office money from not running the equipment used during the work day. If you purchase a company vehicle, consider a hybrid vehicle.

Going green can save your business money and make you feel good. Do your research and try to do what you can to help. More and more consumers are also seeking green companies to do business with.

Additional resources to check out for more hints and helpful information:
www.business.gov/expand/green-business
www.earthday.net
www.greeningyourbusiness.org
www.carbonfootprint.com