Converting your Small Business into a Green Business

June 22, 2010 · Posted in Green Business 101 · Comments Off 

As the world moves towards a more globally accepted environmental solution, there is an increasing responsibility being placed upon individuals and businesses to adopt a ‘greener’ outlook.

Businesses are being scrutinised more now than at any time in the past. Legislation dictates that rules and procedures are stringently adhered to in a series of areas including utility use, waste disposal and emissions.

Although much of this legislation has a bigger impact on larger companies, the implications are slowly but surely trickling down to the smaller business.
Compliance is vital, and failure to meet standards can results in legal action, loss of reputation and even closure.

But there are many things that a small business can do to make things more environmentally friendly today.

Equipment should always be turned off when not in use. This not only reduces energy use by around 25% to save costs but also has a beneficial effect on the environment. Turning computers off at night can reduce PC usage costs by over 50%.
Management should encourage staff to communicate by e-mail. Not only is e-mail a greener option due to the fact that natural or recycled sources aren’t being wasted, but they’re free and there’s plenty to be save on telephone costs if everybody complies.

Fax paper can be saved by making use of fax modem facilities that are probably already on a business computer anyway. These modems allow fax copies to be sent over a computer without the need for a hard copy. If printing is absolutely necessary, printing double sided documents will shave 50% off of paper usage and costs.
Taps in washrooms should be tightened thoroughly after use. Just one drip per second from a tap equates to the loss of 10,000 litres of water in a single year. If a tap needs a washer, fit one.

Another washroom must is the addition of one or two plastic containers filled with stones into toilet reservoirs. The displacement caused will save around 4 litres every time a receptacle is flush, which equates to a massive yearly saving.
When choosing suppliers, especially for office goods, try to find somebody with a creditable green company policy that makes good use of recycled materials in the paper or products they sell. If a supplier takes back their packaging for re-use, even better!

Try to make sure these suppliers are within your local area. Having to travel further to deliver leads to more emissions from the delivery vehicles. If possible, try to send a member of staff to pick up small items. It’s good for the environment and good for the employee as well!

When considering buying new office equipment, stop for a moment and see whether or not your existing furniture can be refurbished. This will not only save large sums of money but also won’t produce any waste.

Making a small business greener needn’t be expensive or time consuming. The application of a little thought, some common sense and getting everybody pulling in the same direction will usually be enough.

To learn much more about the things you can do to reduce your impact, visit AllAboutGreenLiving.com where you’ll find this and much more, including eco-friendly products and ways to reduce your electricity bill.

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