17 Methods to Make Your Small company More Earth Friendly
Sunday, September 25th, 2011Whether or not you believe climatic change may be the end of civilization, there are other compelling reasons to do something to become environmentally friendly inside your business. Respect for the planet and life all around you is easily the most basic of these reasons, but here are three others: it will lower your costs, improve your efficiency, and supplment your USP (unique selling position).
By following the familiar reduce, reuse, and recycle mantra you can save financially, that will allow you to invest more into growing your company or free up family finances.
You can improve your efficiency and obtain more organized by making small “green” changes for example printing less. For example, fewer piles of overflowing paper can make it simpler to keep that working space clean and uncluttered so you can keep a clear head.
Sharing that you simply care, be it about the planet, the people, or some other angle, or another cause entirely, can help you interact with your market and become more “real” than just a hidden person behind a faceless website. It’s okay to allow your personality and passions to shine through your site and marketing. In fact, it’s smart marketing!
So with those benefits in mind, here are some small steps you can take to make your company greener:
1) Lessen the quantity of paper you use. Before you decide to print, think. Would you *really* need to print that email or document? Should you just need a backup copy, pick up a relatively inexpensive USB thumb drive and use it in order to save copies of important files.
2) Reuse and recycle. Keep a little box or tray for paper that you have printed on but no more need and announce for your children that they’re thanks for visiting color, paint, cut, etc using the paper. Kids don’t mind recycled paper plus some really creative projects migh result from paper that’s recently been used.
3) Buy EnergyStar appliances. Watch the energy usage on any appliances you purchase–computers, sergers, sewing machines–whatever tools are needed for your trade. Always turn them off when not in use.
4) Go paperless for billing. Many business models easily lend themselves to e-billing. If yours does, do it. It will save you not just paper/envelopes, but additionally some time and postage. Bills get where they need to go quicker, too.
5) Use organic, recycled and/or natural elements. If you have choices in the materials you utilize, take a few minutes to research your options. You may be pleasantly surprised by the selection of choices available.
6) Choose reusable. Instead of notebooks and paper for your to complete lists, think about a dry erase board or visit a digital online version. Try Google Calendar rather than a paper planner. In case your products require certain materials during the production process, do you need something reusable instead of disposable?
7) Buy in bulk. You’ll save time as well as trips back and forth to the store if you purchase in bulk.
Improve your lighting. Open the windows in your house office or course and enjoy the beautiful, natural light! Replace your old-style light bulbs with energy-saving fluorescent bulbs in order to save energy and lower your utility bill.
9) Choose a VA (va) rather than an in-person assistant. Work with employees or contractors who work from their homes and you will assist saving the gas and emissions from cars driving backwards and forwards as well gain as numerous, many other benefits.
10) Combine errands and schedule meetings selectively. Are you able to do them all on a single day? Fewer trips in your car are better. If you can eliminate some errands with the USPS carrier (who’s already driving by) pick up packages or ending up in clients via Skype rather than in-person, contemplate it.
11) Buy Green Tags. With green tags you are able to make amends for your CO2 usage. I order mine through Green Tags USA.
12) Go 100% Replanted. Through Replant Trees you can have trees planted to create up for your paper usage.
13) Choose your packaging materials carefully. You can find green packing materials starting at sustainablepackaging.org Recycle or reuse when feasible.
14) Deliver your product or service digitally. Are you able to offer a digital version of your products? What about offering your patterns as a PDF download? Or a PDF ebook option of your printable book? Let the digital options. Take a look at e-junkie.com for an easy way to sell digital items online.
15) Sell locally. No requirement for shipping if you sell to local customers. Try craft shows or farmers markets if they match your products. You’ll find listings online at Indie Craft Guide or Indie Craft Shows. Depending on your products you might exercise discounts or commission based handles tourist shops, museums, locally owned bookstores and other businesses or organizations in your local area.
16) Support green businesses. Does your webhost power their servers with green energy? Does your printer offer recycled paper for brochures or business cards? Search for methods to support other businesses who are making an effort to become green.
17) Share your commitment! Several websites (EcoFirms, EcoBusinessLinks, Green People, Coop America, and others) maintain link directories of eco-aware businesses. Add yours if you’re taking action steps to be earth friendly.