5 Easy ways to Make your Small Business Greener

Over the last few years, both businesses and consumers have become more aware of the astronomical damage the United States has done to our environment through production. Practices that we’ve held for years, we’re now being told are unsustainable, irreversible, and wasteful. However, even with the severity of the environmental damage we’ve caused, it is taking businesses a bit longer than expected to jump aboard the green-train. This could be for multiple reasons, but the most common reason being that business owners think it costs too much to make the change. But I’ve got some simple suggestions for businesses big or small, and even ones run from home, that are a sure-fire way to decrease your carbon footprint, and even save you some money in the long run!

1. Shut down, or unplug if possible, all electronics at night. Many people leave their computers, monitors, and even fans running when they leave for the night. This is a super simple way of using less energy, and it will also save you some monthly utility money! Why unplug? You may ask. Well even when appliances and electronics are turned off, they still use a tiny bit of energy while they’re plugged in. So taking the extra second to unplug will save you even more money, and is better for the environment.

2. Go paperless! This is the most common green practice. It should almost go without saying, especially in today’s electronically saturated world. However It is one of the most important steps in decreasing energy and resource usage, so I feel the need to mention it. Things like making a mandatory email policy rather than handwritten notes, letters, or bills will save paper. Look into making any invoices or statements completely paperless. Push your employees to use direct deposit instead of issuing standard checks. Offer emailed receipts to customers rather than paper versions. The list could go on and on forever, but making a conscious effort to reduce your paper trail is of utmost importance, and probably one of the easiest ways to make your business greener.

3. If you’re a business that sells refreshments of any sort, offer real dishes and utensils rather than paper or even worse, Styrofoam, dishware. Cutting the use of these products will most definitely save your business money, but also save hundreds of pounds of waste every year!

4. Make Recycling easy for your employees and customers. Make sure to have separate and clearly labeled bins for recycling. Most people, given the chance will recycle rather than throw away their cans, bottles, and paper. As long as you provide the proper receptacles you certain to reduce your weekly garbage load.

5. Get an energy audit. There are multiple companies or engineers that can come to your business or home even, and tell you what you can improve on to reduce your energy usage. This is definitely a good idea to do at some point, even if not right away; in the long run you’ll save an enormous amount of energy and money.