There are lots of actions you can take, for little or no cost, that can save your small business money and be good for the environment too! We’ll start off with some small and simple changes that you can think about implementing today.
Paper Usage
We all use a lot of paper. Whether it’s because it’s easier to print off a document rather than read it on the computer screen or taking notes throughout the day, we all consume this product. However, there are a few simple ways to reduce your paper consumption that not only save you money, but also help the environment. One way to do this is to always print on both sides of a sheet. Another way to reduce your paper consumption is to take notes on paper that may have been used previously (ex. if only one side has been printed on make your notes on the blank side of the sheet, or make your own notepads out of previously printed sheets of paper). One final way to save some paper is to practice reading documents on the computer screen and only print when necessary.
Lighting and Electricity Usage
While many of us prefer to work in a lighted area there are simple ways to reduce your small business’s lighting and electricity related costs. Simple steps such as turning off the lights when you leave the room can reduce your energy consumption and costs for your business. You can also change the light bulbs in your work area to the fluorescent bulbs which last longer and consume less electricity (the long term savings outweigh the higher initial cost and output). Focusing on using natural light in your work area can also help reduce your electrical consumption. Other steps you can take to reduce your electricity costs are turning off all electronics (ie. computers, printers, etc…) at the end of the work day so they are not drawing on power overnight and unplugging chargers and power bars when not in use.
Other Actions
Depending on your business, how you operate, what equipment you use and what your needs are there are many other ways to reduce your operating costs, save you money and make your business greener. For some additional tips check out the following websites:
http://www.smallbusinessbc.ca/growing-a-business/20-green-tips-small-bu…
http://www.livesmartbc.ca/green_business/steps.html
http://www.bchydro.com/guides_tips/green_your_business.html
http://www.metrovancouver.org/about/publications/Publications/TenStrate…
IMAGE SOURCE: Canopy: Giant hemlocks near Nescopeck Creek, Luzerne County, within Nescopeck State Park created by Nicholas_T on January 26, 2013. Photo made available under an Attribution 2.0 Generic license. Last viewed on January 30, 2013.