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Businesses Going Green
Businesses Going Green
By Sharon Housley
A business that makes the decision to
be environmentally-conscious will often promote goodwill
among potential customers, while making the world a
better place for future generations. Many businesses
hesitate to adopt green practices because they fear
it will hurt their bottom line and negatively impact
profits. But many eco-conscious businesses discover
that they can actually save money and bring in new customers
who specifically patronize companies that actively make
an effort to be environmentally friendly. Many customers
may even be willing to pay a bit more for a product
or service from a company that is green.
Many businesses already do things that
are eco-friendly, not necessarily because they are sensitive
to green living, but simply to save money. That does
not, however, diminish the value of their green efforts.
The trick for businesses is to be eco-friendly without
compromising profitability.
Here are a few ways to help develop a
green business strategy...
Telecommuting
Implementing a telecommuting program for employees can
often have additional benefits beyond simply saving
money on gasoline and reducing transportation-based
emissions. Allowing alternative working arrangements
for employees, such as allowing them to telecommute
and work from home, even if only on certain days, will
often result in those employees being more productive,
and it will also serve to endear them to your company
Electronic Invoices, Statements, And
Quotes
You can not only save money on postage, but also cut
down on the use of paper by converting routine business
documents such as invoices, statements, and quotes into
an electronic format such as PDF, and then delivering
them via email when possible. That is far more green
and much cheaper than the traditional method of printing
them on paper, putting them in an envelope, and mailing
them via the postal mail service.
Downloadable W-9
You can further reduce paper use by creating and posting
a downloadable W-9 form on your website, rather than
printing and mailing them to everyone who requests a
copy.
Reduce Energy Consumption
Reduce expenses even further by encouraging your staff
members to minimize energy consumption. Whenever possible,
use Energy Star Compliant equipment in the office. You
can also use energy-saving light bulbs, now available
in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, along with encouraging
staff to turn out lights and shut down equipment when
not in use.
Shipping
Minimize packaging materials by using boxes that are
more properly sized to the item being shipped. Also,
use recycled materials for packing and packaging. Offer
an electronic delivery option for any digital products
such as software or music.
Hybrid Delivery Vehicles
Utilize environmentally-friendly hybrid vehicles for
delivery, service, and sales calls. While the initial
expense of the vehicle itself may be more, the long-term
savings in fuel and possible tax advantages may make
an updated fleet of hybrid vehicles a good investment.
Natural Lighting
When modernizing office space, consider how you can
utilize natural lighting to help illuminate the space.
A brighter office will make it a friendlier and warmer
atmosphere for employees. And using natural lighting
will help reduce electricity costs.
Patronize
All companies buy supplies and use the services of other
companies, so consider patronizing companies who also
follow green principles. Simply put, it is the right
thing to do.
While not all companies may be considered
Eco-Entrepreneurs, be reasonable when possible, and
take proactive steps toward being green, which are not
only good for the environment, but also good for your
bottom line .
About the Author:
Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com
software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds
and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for
RecordForAll http://www.recordforall.com
audio recording and editing software.
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