Easy Ways to Turn Your Business Green

So you're wanting to take the necessary steps required for you to go 'green' in your business? Becoming a 'greener' company and joining the league of business owners who are getting in sync with the future is really not that difficult. Getting in line with other entrepreneurs and businesses owners is easy with just a few changes to some of those common business practices shared by all, simple and easy suggestions like buying recyclable materials, organic cleaning products and utilizing every resource that is available to your business. The key to going 'greener' is having a new mind set, thinking eco friendly, being more environmentally responsible and of course getting everyone in your company onboard the 'green' train.

If you have the desire to go 'green' but are not sure how to go about it, just know that there are numerous resources available everywhere that fill your head with wonderful ideas on taking your business to the next 'green' level.

One of the first steps in taking your business 'green' is to calculate the amount of energy you are using and how much it's costing you. Begin with a simple energy audit. Measure your energy usage and compare with figures from the past months and also with other similar businesses. If you want more precise results you may want to consider having your audit done by someone from the outside, a professional auditor. After your audit, you will need to take action to adopt new company policies that will save you money on your energy bills. Of course that will require changes such as using LED lights, minimizing the use of paper products and even buying insulating blankets for water pipes. For more information on saving energy in your business, which can lead to creating a less expensive and more overall 'green' environment visit www.energystar.gov.

Another idea for taking your business to the 'green' side of the times is to decrease your carbon footprint. This is a measurement of carbon dioxide and CO2 that is emitted into the atmosphere by people and or machines in a business. To find a carbon calculator online that will help you in determining your carbon footprint visit www.epa.gov or www.carbonfund.org/site/pages/carbon_calculators.

When designing and decorating your office, consider a 'green' design; one which, in everything you choose or do, you are considering the earth and its resources. You can even keep this in mind when choosing paint, always choose those that have low VOC levels (Volatile Organic Compound), use organic latex in any furniture you have made for your office. Even choosing carpeting can be a 'green' decision, as there are many types that are made out of recycled polyester. A company called Interface has perfected the art of carpet tiles, which is a relatively new idea that is taking off in businesses and even homes that consider themselves 'green'. Visit them on the web at www.faceflor.com for more information and interesting ideas. When looking for new eco friendly furnishings and accessories you might also consider using less gas and less emissions by doing your shopping online or ordering direct through the manufacturer or warehouse. You also want to consider yourself an eco friendly shopper by visiting stores where they practice the same 'green' principles that you are wanting to incorporate into your business. Shop locally to minimize gas use, look for products that are durable and will last longer, select Energy Star products which are always the best in saving energy. Always buy products from suppliers who do not use excessive packaging, say no to Styrofoam peanuts and bubble wrap. When you are shopping take along your own cloth bags rather than use the ones offered by the store.

Begin an office or business recycling program that you offer to your employees. This is a very basic 'green' step you can offer to those who you employ. Also rid your office of unnecessary items like paper towels and paper cups. These are items that make up about 60% of the trash in just about every office in America. Replace them with hand towels and assign someone to take them home at the end of the week to wash, or if you have enough space invest in a small washer for the office. Use reusable mugs and dishes for lunch instead of paper items. It is also important to recycle all paper, plastic and glass items. Contact www.recyclingcenters.org to find a pick up center in your local area. To get more information on recycling check out www.earth911