Ten Simple Ways to Make Your Business Green
Reducing your impact on the environment or, “going green” isn’t just good for the planet, it’s good for your bottom line. I’m a TPE, so I’m always looking for ways to save money. Which is why I was delighted to discover the following “green business” tips would also save me some serious cash.
1. Go Virtual – Save trees and pennies by eliminating your need to buy and store paper. Set up an eFax account to send and receive faxes and file all of your documents electronically, and share files using Base Camp, Google Docs, or iDisk for Mac.
2. Set the Temp – In winter, program your thermostat switch to a lower temp at night and on weekends and set the temp to a few degrees cooler. In summer, set the A.C. to a few degrees warmer, and turn off the cooling system entirely on nights and weekends. You’ll save a bundle.
3. Get Some Exercise – Walking or biking to work not only saves on gas, but it eliminates the need for a parking space! Ka-ching!
4. Disconnect – Unplug computers and other electronics when not in use, or if you can’t be bothered to bend down, pick up a “smart” power strip that senses when you’ve turned everything off and cuts off the energy supply.
5. Use a Filter – Stop buying bottled water! Instead, install a water purifier on your faucet or purchase a filtering system, and buy some reusable glasses or mugs.
6. Get it Used – Rather than buy what you need new, check CraigsList, Freecylcle, Freesharing or your local penny saver for gently used items. Or, shop Goodwill, Salvation Army, or thrift stores.
7. Spring for It – If you have to buy new, go for quality. Buying cheap, poorly made products means you will have to replace them more often, which means less waste all around.
8. Share Stuff – Do you really need your own scanner, projector, or even your own coffee machine? Share appliances with other people in your building. Or, if you work at home, share with other people in your neighborhood or your network.
9. Mix it Up – Make your own non-toxic cleaning products using lemon juice, water, vinegar, and soap. You’ll save money and improve the air quality in your office. Bonus!
10. Go to the Freakin’ Library Already! – So many people are clueless about how the resources available to entrepreneurs at your local, and especially your State Library. You can borrow the books and DVDs you need (even download online from your desk), get the research materials you need, and pull together the mailing lists you need—all without spending a penny! Did you know you could save so much “green” by “going green?” Hit me with your best ideas in the comments section, would ya? I’m off to bike to work. Later.
By Mike Michalowicz, Author of The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur
May 11th, 2009
Wonderful tips! I practice #2; #3- when running errands, bc my office is at home; #6; #7; and #9.
I just did a few things to go green in honor of Earth Day in April, and wrote about them on my blog: http://lorriewalker.com/2009/04/lakeland-public-relations-firm-goes-green/
May 11th, 2009
Another great USEFUL blog –
I am going to have to learn more about #1 and the rest a I am proud to be already doing, The exercise part is my walking down the stairs (Work at home)I guess I could bike around the block and come back home! Might just have to try that one ;0)
Here is a TIP that I suggest:
This is for those businesses that enjoy giving a THANK YOU gift to your clients/customers…
Think about giving an ECO/GREEN gift to say Thank you! I have enjoyed helping many business owners appreciate their clients by giving them gourmet green gifts.
The response from their clients are amazing as well as the referrals they receive because of this kind and GREEN gesture.
If you want to see what they are giving…click on my name and it will take you to my product page where you can order online, or you can ALWAYS contact me!!!
Enjoy -
May 11th, 2009
I’m all about using a water filter! I recently bought one from http://www.lifeionizers.com/?utm_source=A&utm_medium=B&utm_campaign=C, and I’m constantly drinking water from it so that I don’t go buying bottles. I feel like I’m cutting down on energy and waste!
May 12th, 2009
We are on a Green Business marketing campaign. Taking the idea of Green/Carbon Foot Print/Energy Conservation etc. (which surely doesn’t hurt our world) we have turned it into a model; Business Energy Conservation. We help our client’s with their top 5 Natural Business Resources; Time, People, Processes, Information and Infrastructure by reducing waste in each category.
Its a fun concept for us and it allows us to focus on our customer needs; saving money.
May 15th, 2009
[...] 10 Simple Ways To Make Your Business Green by Toilet Paper Entreprenuer. [...]
May 22nd, 2009
Great tips! I wrote an article specifically for those who work from home on how they could be a bit more eco-friendly. One small change makes a difference.
Sincerely,
Donna L. Johnson
May 23rd, 2009
I got a business idea just reading this post. THANKS! I may use it after I stablize the business that I am currently working on.
May 23rd, 2009
@Ashanti – That’s awesome!!!! I hope the business idea brings you $$$. Best of luck with it and best with the current biz too!
@Donna – one small change, by many people results in one big change for sure.
- Mike