How to Green my Business

There are hundreds of ways to green your business. Implementing simple tools at the office, in the store, and at home can reduce your carbon footprint and save money. An easy slogan to help you remember to integrate eco-friendly methods into your business practices is the three “R’s”: reduce, reuse, and recycle.

• Cut down on energy use by switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs and using energy efficient appliances. Unplug electronics and set computers to sleep when inactive.
• Open your windows for natural lighting and air conditioning.
• Reduce water usage by installing low-flow toilets, faucet aerators, and fixing leaky faucets.
• Use less paper by printing double sided.
• Reduce waste! Sell, give away, or donate reusable items instead of throwing them away. Compost your food and yard scraps, and sort your trash to be recycled.
• Organize a carpool for your staff to lessen gasoline consumption and air pollution.

• Buy refurbished or second-hand furniture and office supplies.
• Buy high post-consumer recycled content paper and remanufactured ink and toner cartridges.
• Use Tupperware and reusable dishes and silverware instead of disposable products.

• Recycle everything!
• Take your old batteries, light bulbs, and electronic waste to recycling facilities in your area. Check out I Love a Clean San Diego’s website to find proper places to dispose of certain materials. http://www.ilacsd.org/recycle/index.php
• Set up a recycling system in your workplace for paper, plastics, aluminum, and glass.

Endless tricks can help make your business a greener place, and small improvements add up. Encourage your employees, customers, and colleagues to green their lifestyles, at work and at home. Taking an initiative in your business will help increase awareness about reducing impacts to the environment and green your corporate image. Plus, it will save you money on energy, water, and supplies. Help spread the word by implementing eco-friendly practices and sharing your ideas with others.

Helpful links:
http://www.wastemanagementsd.com/env/environmental.asp
http://www.thegreenoffice.com/
http://www.nrdc.org/business/default.asp

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