Living Green
Three Steps to Going Green in Business
By Christine Smith
Chances are that you either own a business, know a friend who has their own business, or you’re working for a business. So why not think a little bigger… and encourage “going green” wherever you work. “Going Green” is not only good for the environment, but it provides an additional way for a company to market itself and it can even save the company money!
So, where does a company begin? With the three R’s: Reduce, Reuse, & Recycle. Here are three action items your company can take to make a difference… starting today.
1) Conduct a waste audit.
Request a waste audit. Be sure to review utility bills and purchase orders to help you understand your average annual (and even monthly) energy, water, paper, and other consumption and waste generation. After the waste audit is complete, create a team to educate and monitor the “Going Green” program that you implemented.
2) Go paperless.
Send paper invoices to clients only if they ask for it. Otherwise, send all invoices electronically. This is easily accomplished by creating a PDF and sending it through email. You can also have contracts signed electronically, or at least only print the signature page of the contract to sign. Another idea for going paperless is to use regular dishes and flatware that can be washed and reused. And instead of using paper cups for the break room (because I already know you have made the switch from Styrofoam to paper), have all the employees bring in their own coffee mugs. Oh, but what about the clients? Make or have special coffee cups made for them (there’s an opportunity to order a great advertising specialty). Get rid of individual water bottles too. Instead, go to the water cooler and refill your reusable sports bottle. When you have to buy paper products, try to buy products already made from recycled paper. You’ll be saving money, helping the environment, and making your clients feel special!
3) Reduce energy.
Request an on-line energy audit. As light bulbs need to be replaced… replace them with energy efficient bulbs. They may be more money at the purchase, but they use a fraction of the energy of a traditional bulb. That can save you real money in the long run! And did I mention that they last longer than traditional bulbs? Perform regular maintenance on your air-conditioning systems too. Include cleaning and or changing your filter every 2-4 months and checking the system for coolant and air leaks, clogs, and obstructions of air intake. How about this for a huge leap? Consider installing solar panels and have the electricity company pay you for a change. Now, there’s a concept! To learn more about solar panels and how you can save money click here.
Christine Smith is a Principal, as well as the Director of Marketing for Fine Lions, Inc. Fine Lions specializes in a proprietary Eco-friendly wood graining process that is applied to non wood products to give them the appearance of natural wood. This earth conscious application may be done on exterior and interior doors, garage doors, kitchen and bath cabinets, as well as other surfaces. To learn more, visit http://www.finelions.com.