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

 

 

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