Though the statement "going green" may sound cliché, businesses around the country are learning that providing green products and services can be very profitable. In addition, green efforts are environmentally friendly and can make businesses more competitive and appealing to consumers.
There are a myriad of ways businesses can go green, from utilizing green transportation to selling organic products. Industry giant Bank of America has reduced paper use since 2000 by more than 30% with an internal recycling program that recycles 30,000 tons of paper a year. Small businesses are catching onto the trend as well - a small Utah caterer uses biodiesel blended with their own cooking oil to fuel their trucks and is 100% wind-powered through the Blue Sky Program.
Small businesses often have the most difficult time converting to green endeavors. But take heart! You can become eco-friendly even on a limited budget:
- Research local recycling programs and find out how your business can take advantage of them. Items you should be recycling include glass, paper, and plastic products.
- Use energy efficient light bulbs (compact fluorescent bulbs) in all lighting fixtures. CFLs are 4 times as efficient and last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
- Use a programmable thermostat in the office to control heating and air conditioning, which can translate into big utility savings.
- Purchase recycled or organic products whenever possible. Contact your vendors to see if they offer any eco-friendly goods.
- At the end of the day, have all employees turn off their computers completely (as opposed to just "standby" or "sleep" mode).
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