5 Green Business Tips

Despite a shaky economy, green business is booming. Whether it is a design company, an energy company, or consulting green is in as businesses are lending Mother Nature a helping hand. Even if you don't have a business that pertains specifically to green issues, you can still do plenty of things to ensure that your business is environmentally conscious.

Green Business Tip #1: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

The three Rs of living green are just as important in the business world as they are at home. In fact, given the sheer amount of materials that are used in businesses around the globe, the three Rs are paramount to creating a sustainable business.

Green Business Tip #2: Conserve energy.

You save energy in your business in several simple ways. By turning off computers and lights when they are not in use, you not only save energy you also also cutting your electricity bill.

You can also make sure to turn off printers fax machines, copy machines, and scanners when they are not in use. If these machines are used too much during the day, just make sure to turn them off every night. This not only conserves energy, it also keeps the ink in these machines from being ruined.

Finally, make sure to set your thermostat at an appropriate temperature so as not to waste energy on heating and cooling. If you have windows in your office, take advantage of Mother Nature's breezes to cool the office instead of relying on a thermostat. Likewise, in the winter months you should make sure that your business is well insulated in order to avoid drafts and monstrous heating bills.

Green Business Tip #3: Look into socially conscious investments.

Investing is a big part of business and finances, and now is as good a time as ever to look into socially conscious investing. Plenty of green companies are doing well despite the economic downturn and their stocks are looking for investors.

Green Business Tip #4: Encourage telecommuting, carpooling, and public transit.

Telecommuting, carpooling, and the utilization of public transit are great ways to reduce fossil fuel waste. You can start by seeing which employees can do most of their work from home rather than driving to the office. The next step would be to encourage those that must come to the office to set up a carpooling schedule or use public transit.

Green Business Tip #5: Encourage employees to brown bag their lunch.

Eating out is one of the main culprits in fossil fuel and food waste. Furthermore, it is a key factor when it comes to weight control. Encourage your employees to brown bag their lunches so as not to waste resources and so they can stay healthy. You can even have a weekly pot luck so that every employee is encouraged to bring something.

Sources:
Small BusinessTrends - 100 Green Business Tips
GreenBiz.com