Friday, September 18, 2009

GREENING your business


If you are an owner of a small business, you may be interested in knowing that you can make your small business green easier than you think. Using the following tips will not only save you energy costs, but will help the environment. Go Green! 
Steve Strauss by Steve StraussSteve Strauss, MrAllBiz, author of The Small Business Bible, also writes for USATODAY.com

Here are a few simple ways to make your business greener and save some money at the same time:

Around the office: Yes, those funny squiggly bulbs (called CF bulbs) really do make a difference. Sure they cost a bit more, but they are supposed to last up to 15 times longer. Other simple steps include reusing packaging, packing peanuts, and turning old file folders inside out. Even better: Each of these green steps save money.
Reduce paper use: Consider getting a printer that offers two-sided printing (called duplex printing). By doing so, you cut your paper costs, and paper consumption, in half.
For instance, I recently did some work with Brother and was impressed with a printer that automatically prints on both sides of the paper (the MFC-9840.). It was also Energy Star certified, and fast. How easy, and green, is that?
Also, of course, buy some recycling bins, mark them, and use them.
Install timers and motion sensors: By automatically having lights and computers go off when not in use, you can save lots on energy costs.
Buy green: No, green products are not cheaper, but by the same token, these days, they also should not be more expensive since demand for them has reduced prices. You might also want to check into purchasing green power from your local utility.
Buy Energy Star products: The Department of Energy Energy Star certification means that you know the product you are buying is highly energy efficient, and again, it shouldn't cost any more.
Bottom line: Going green has never been simpler, or more affordable.
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Here in our own community (Eugene, Or) we are fortunate to have organizations like NextStep Recycling championing the green campaign! Please check out their website www.nextsteprecycling.com

Also, have you heard about one our most informative and fun networking groups, GreenLane?
Check them out:
(they have a facebook group too!)

Then there are our friends at Green Solutions Printing headed up by Daniel Swantek: www.printgreen.com
(also on facebook)

And, last but not least - go visit Julie at Bring Recycling:

Have a green day!

Denise


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