20 Ways to Green Your Business

Finding ways to reduce, reuse and recycle is not only good for the environment — it’s good for your bottom line. Reducing your carbon footprint will help you save money overall, proportionate to the size of your company. In other words, the bigger your company, the bigger your potential savings.

Here are our top 20 ways to green your business:

1. Reuse waste. General Mills has found ways to reuse or sell as much as 86 percent of its waste, generating revenue and savings. For example, the company sells the hulled oats that are left over from making Cheerios for use as fuel. Take a look at your company’s waste: What can you reuse or sell to another company?

2. Recycle. Set up bins around your office to recycle paper, cans, bottles and any other product that can be recycled. You may find even be able to find a center that will pay you for some of these items.

3. Use teleconferencing. Eliminate costly business trips and opt instead for video conferences done via Skype or other software. You’ll save costs and recue your carbon footprint.

4. Digital banking. Use direct deposit for your employees and online banking for your accounting. You’ll save paper and save costs, putting more money back into your account.

5. Use your computer as a fax machine. Send and receive faxes from your computer, and print out only what you absolutely need in hard copy. Most computers are set up to send and receive faxes, so you won’t need to invest in new technology. You can also eliminate a piece of equipment, which requires energy use and costly maintenance.

6. Scan documents instead of copying. Again, you’ll save on paper and will have documents that are easily accessible by everyone on your network.

7. Use recycled paper. For everything else that you just have to print, use recycled copy paper.

8. Turn off the lights. You can install a motion sensor system that turns off the lights when people are not in the room. Or you can just be sure to turn them off — just as in the bathroom when no one is in there, or company-wide at night when no one is working.

9. Turn off your computer. Don’t just restart your computer and leave it to flash a screensaver at an empty office all night. Turn off your machine and you’ll save on energy and extend the life of your machine.

10. Use energy-efficient products. Wherever possible, look for Energy Star or other energy-saving products and appliances.

11. Buy local. Look for local vendors and suppliers wherever possible. You’ll reduce your carbon footprint, save on the costs of shipping, and invest in the local economy.

12. Hire local. Save on recruiting costs such as airline travel and lodging by looking for local applicants. If hired, they’ll also save you on relocation expenses. And it all adds up to a reduced carbon footprint.

13. Telecommute. More and more employees are working from home. Not only will they travel less, but you’ll also save on overhead costs at the office. If you’re worried about productivity, you can set up metrics or quotas to ensure the same output.

14. Encourage carpooling. If you’re not ready to allow telecommuting, or you’re business model doesn’t lend itself to it, encourage your employees to carpool. Set up a program or a series of incentives to promote it.

15. Perform an energy audit. You can hire an expert to analyze ways in which your office can save on energy costs. This can include using energy-efficient bulbs, patching air leaks, using better insulation, or using alternative sources of energy.

16. Install dual-flush toilets. These toilets use less water for liquid waste and more water for solid waste.

17. Use green office supplies. Look for environmentally friendly cleaners rather than those that use harsh and harmful chemicals.

18. Replace your water cooler. Rather than buying bottled water, choose a water filtration system that utilizes tap water.

19. Clean air. Encourage employees to bring plants to the office, which act as natural air filters.

20. Green marketing. Gone are the days of mass mailings. Online advertising, social media, and direct Web sites offer your company limitless opportunities for marketing.

Alexis

Alexis Bonari is a freelance writer and researcher for College Scholarships, where recently she’s been researching male nursing scholarships as well as Marines scholarship. Whenever she gets some free time, she enjoys watching a funny movie or curling up with a good book.