What Is A Green Business?

According to Energy Star, there are over 23 million small businesses in America. And, they account for over 54% of all U.S. sales. If you own or work for a small business, then you’re part of a group of over 8 million other people in this country.

In this country, small business are actually not small at all.

This means that when it comes to making an impact on the environment, small businesses are making big strides, perhaps even more so than large corporations. Large corporations are big and clunky, so change often happens slow. But small businesses are lean; if you want change to happen, you can usually do it pretty quickly.

And, many businesses are deciding to go green not only to help the environment, but because it also positively impacts their bottom line.

What Is A Green Business?

A green business is one that is working to help solve our environmental problems, not contribute to them.

Green businesses use less energy, produce less waste, get supplies and materials using eco-friendly, sustainable means, and create a workplace that’s safe, healthy, and comfortable for their team.

How To Green Your Business

Want some tips on how you could make your own business more eco-friendly? Here are some easy ways to get started:

1. Produce Less Waste

  • If you provide bottled water for your staff, switch to a large water cooler instead. And instead of providing disposable cups, stock up on some inexpensive glass or plastic cups that can be washed and reused.
  • Same goes for coffee. Use reusable coffee filters and washable coffee mugs. You’ll not only save money with reusables, but your business will contribute far less waste to local landfills.
  • Think twice before printing emails, or printing anything for that matter! If you need to print something out, make sure you’re printing on both sides.
  • Recycle, recycle, recycle! It’s so easy for businesses to start recycling, especially when it comes to paper. Contact your local municipality to learn how to get started in their recycling program. You can also use Earth911 to locate a recycling center in your area for everything from batteries to computers to toner cartridges.
  • If your business’s bathrooms use paper towels, switch to an air dryer. They save trees, and save money. Also, use recycled toilet paper instead of regular. Recycled toilet paper is tree-free, which means it’s made from recycled newspapers and junk mail.
  • Instead of buying regular printer paper, buy recycled paper. It costs the same, and the quality is on par with regular paper.
  • If you need office furniture, consider buying used first. This means you’re consuming no new resources, you’re giving life to something for a second time, and you’re saving money in the bargain. Scour Craigslist and Freecycle, or look at local Goodwill outlets.
  • Does your business ship products? Use shredded paper or recycled peanuts instead of brand new padding. And, reuse cardboard boxes as often as you can. Many companies are even starting to use old cell phone boxes or shoe boxes to ship products in. Think it’s tacky? Most consumers are thrilled with their thriftiness, especially when there’s a small note inside explaining why the box is so “different”!

2. Be More Energy Efficient

  • Purchase Energy Star equipment whenever possible. Computers, monitors, copiers, even refrigerators can all be purchased with the Energy Star logo, which means they use less energy than other models.
  • Laptops consume far less energy than desktop computers. How much less? Well, the California Energy Commission reports that it’s a whopping 90% less! If you can, purchase a laptop over the desktop version to save energy.
  • Electronic equipment still sucks energy when it’s turned off, which is called “vampire power” or “phantom loads”. And, Business.gov reports that 75% of a home’s energy use for electronics is going to power that equipment when it’s turned off. Which means that figure is probably pretty close for your business as well. Completely power down equipment when you’re done for the day, or purchase Smart Strips, which are surge protectors designed to stop vampire power.
  • Switch to CFL bulbs. The California Energy Commission reports that CFL bulbs use 75% less energy than regular bulbs, and will last up to 10,000 hours (versus the 600-1,000 hours of a regular bulb). This means that each bulb saves an average of $90 in energy costs over its lifetime.
  • When the summertime heat rolls in, consider using fans instead of bumping down the air conditioning. Fans use much less energy, and yet will make you feel 4 degrees cooler.
  • Insulate your building’s hot water pipes. This will save energy by preventing heat loss.
  • If your building gets a lot of sun during the summer months, invest in blinds to keep the interior cool. This means your air conditioning will use less energy (and you’ll have a smaller utility bill).

3. Drive Smarter

  • If your business has a fleet of cars, or even just one, get the most fuel-efficient model you can.
  • Consider switching to a four day work week. Several companies, and even some state governments, are going this route, and it’s working out for everyone. The employees are happy because they’re saving 20% on their commuting costs and getting to spend more time with their family.  Plus, the organizations are saving 20% on energy costs because they don’t have to heat/cool and light the building one day per week. It’s a win-win!
  • Encourage your staff to bike or carpool to work. And, give incentives! Give carpoolers preferred parking, or perks like extra time off at lunch.
  • Think about your business travel. Do you really need to fly to Atlanta for that meeting? Couldn’t you have a teleconference instead? Online services like Skype allow you to host meetings with your team without ever leaving your office. You’ll save a ton of greenhouse gasses, and plenty of money, in the bargain.

4. Communicate With Your Team

  • Make sure everyone at your business or organization knows that you’re trying to go green. Get them involved, and ask if they can think of other cost-saving, eco-friendly measures that you could implement. You just might be surprised at all the great ideas you get from them!
  • When it comes to communicating, make sure your customers know about your efforts. Start Up Nation reports that green companies have a better ‘brand image’ than companies that aren’t making the effort.