How to Go Green and Save Money in the Workplace

December 16, 2008 · Posted in Green Business 101, Green Industry, Starting a Green Business 

Little Known
Creative Commons License photo credit: Victorrjr

How does a business manage to go green while saving money? This article explains how everyone from small businesses to corporate giants can cut costs and save resources, while promoting the environment.

A big reason why many businesses, especially small businesses, aren’t promoting the environment is that they simply don’t realize how simple and cost-effective it is to do. But there are actually steps one can take to reduce his or her company’s carbon footprint that require little effort or cost. The following list will describe how creating a green office environment can benefit a business tremendously.

Fax Online: There is a wealth of information about the personal and environmental costs of using traditional methods of fax. Fax machines are costly devices, requiring paper and toner refills, as well as maintenance. They are also major contributors to energy waste.

However, new bridge technologies like Internet fax are making it easier for businesses to transition from fax machines to email transmission of documents. Internet fax companies archive your fax documents, send and re-send those documents at your request, and eliminate junk faxes and spam, which saves paper and toner. This service results in significant savings for a business.

In addition to online fax, use an online PBX service, which routes calls to home offices or cell phones. You won’t need to buy any new hardware or replace hardware in the future.

Institute an Electronic Recycling Policy: As more and more people are moving towards a virtual office, more outdated hardware begins to pile up in offices. Always make sure that you call companies, such as Dell, whose products can be taken back and recycled for free. Also, take old electronics to Goodwill, which maintains a new recycling partnership with Dell. You can write it off on your taxes.

Also, depending on which state you live in, your company may be able to receive additional tax benefits from various recycling initiatives. Research online to see which benefits may be available for you and your company.

Buy Energy-Saving Equipment: Consider buying EnergyStar equipment, which is usually low-cost and low-energy consuming. Also, try to use InkJet printers over laser ones, which consume much more energy.

Hire an Environmental Specialist: If your business has the resources, you should hire someone or pay part of your staff to maintain a green office and enforce rules and procedures related to saving energy, paper, and other resources.

While it sounds like it may cost more, it will actually save you much more in the long run. You’ll have lower utility bills, lower monthly expenses, and an opportunity to save your revenue for bigger and better things.

For additional information regarding internet fax services and other virtual office services, visit http://www.faxcompare.com

Zilker Ventures, LLC is a web publisher that consolidates information and reviews various business and financial products.

Contact:

Jennifer Silva

Zilker Ventures, LLC

(512) 448-9031

Jennifer Silva has researched the latest business products and services on the market today. She has written reviews on various websites and articles about improving business practices and office environments. She writes to uncover the truth about what’s on the market now. Her interests include the programmed, categorized and easily referenced.

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