| As advancements in technology progress and | | | | external hard drives and all electrical devices or |
| more companies look for ways to begin helping | | | | gadgets into a power strip that can easily be |
| the environment, it is not only becoming more | | | | turned off or even unplugged at the end of each |
| cost effective to 'go green', it just makes sound | | | | work day. Make it a habit to unplug all power |
| business sense. Operating a green business is not | | | | cords when not in use and you will save money. |
| only good for the environment but good for your | | | | 4. Watch Your Waste |
| business's bottom line. Conserving resources and | | | | Recycling becomes second nature with practice. |
| cutting down on waste, simply saves money and | | | | Place paper recycling bins in convenient locations all |
| helps our environment. Take a minute to examine | | | | around your office. Keep clearly labeled bins near |
| these simple ideas on ways you and your | | | | every trash can and remember to separate your |
| business can become more environmentally | | | | waste. Plastics in one bin, paper and cardboard in |
| friendly. Implement some of these ideas and | | | | another and aluminum cans or other metal waste |
| watch as your bottom line begins to grow. | | | | in another. In time, watching your waste becomes |
| 1. Become Educated | | | | second nature and you will find yourself looking |
| Start by learning everything you can on ways to | | | | for ways to cut back on waste. In addition to |
| become more sustainable. There are new | | | | recycling the usual paper, cans, bottles, etc., don't |
| technologies at work everyday which offer ways | | | | forget about the e-waste. Always recycle old |
| to help your triple bottom line. Stay informed with | | | | electronics like cell phones, computers, cameras, |
| environmental news and green business trends to | | | | etc. Many electronic and computer companies |
| identify areas you can improve on. By becoming | | | | now offer 'take-back' programs for old |
| educated in ways to be more sustainable, you will | | | | computers and other electronic devices. Make use |
| not only build your green brand, you will earn | | | | of these. |
| respect from potential clients, customers and | | | | 5. Work With The Like-Minded |
| your peers. | | | | Part of being a green business is making sure that |
| 2. Use Less Paper | | | | you do your best to ensure your supply chain is |
| Even though it's one of the easiest materials to | | | | green too. Seek out other like-minded businesses |
| re-use and recycle, paper makes up almost 35% | | | | to partner with. Weather it's printing business |
| of office waste. Help reduce this waste by using | | | | cards, hosting your web site or cleaning your |
| as little paper as possible and be smart about the | | | | office building, look for other environmentally |
| paper you do use. Instead of printing out every | | | | conscience businesses to work with. Chances are, |
| email you receive and filing them away in storage | | | | there are businesses in your area that are also |
| containers, organize your inbox and back-up | | | | going green. By working with as many local |
| copies of important files and emails and keep | | | | suppliers and vendors in your area you are helping |
| them on an external drive. When you do need to | | | | your local economy which is just one more |
| print important documents, make sure to use | | | | important aspect of being a sustainable business. |
| recycled paper and set your printer to print on | | | | While there are clearly many more ways to |
| both sides of the page. | | | | operate an environmentally friendly business, use |
| 3. Pull The Plug | | | | this list to begin doing your part to help our planet |
| Whether in use or not, all electrical devices draw | | | | and your bottom line is sure to grow. Let this |
| energy when plugged in. You're not working all | | | | article inspire you to find as many ways as you |
| night, so why does your computer need to be on | | | | can to cut back on waste and become more |
| all night? Turn off everything you can when you | | | | green and your business will only grow. |
| leave your office. Plug your computers, printers, | | | | |