Simple Changes

Small businesses and large corporations alike are being encouraged to help the environment and save energy. Whether you are an employee or a business owner, we can all make a difference with even small acts.

Here are some ideas to help you along the way.

1. Remember your 3 R’s.  Recycle, Reduce and Re-use.
2. Let clients know you are serious about being “green” by offering incentives. For example, for every purchase, you donate X amount to environmental causes.  You gain clients and you also give back.
3. Reuse your paper by printing on both sides or create note pads out of single side printed paper.
4. Refuse flyers and un-solicited mail at your place of business. Instead of subscribing to magazine for your waiting area, consider other sources for these materials such as garage sales or sharing with another office nearby.
5. Buy used office equipment, furniture and even computers. Sources such as Kijiji, eBay, craigslist and more have excellent quality if you snoop around.
6. Recover or refurbish (or refinish) furniture if in need of a new look.
7. Advertise and promote online (or in person) more and advertising in paper-related media less. When you tell your customers, you are “green” you are making a passionate statement.
8. Scan or save documents and file electronically.  Use monitors or projectors to share rather than printing.
9. Insist on eco-friendly cleaning supplies for your business.
10. Replace disposables in your work place:
    • Dixie Cups for glasses
    • Styrofoam coffee cups for Ceramic
    • Paper coffee filters for permanent coffee filter
    • Plastic utensils for stainless steel
    • Single use batteries for rechargeable batteries, etc.

When we all do our small part, it makes a big difference while saving money in the long run.

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