Even as a small business, there is a lot any manager can do reduce waste and be more energy efficient. Going green does not need to be a chore.

One easy solution is to switch to energy saving light bulbs wherever possible. Energy saving bulbs last longer, which means you are saving money and reducing waste. They also do indeed save energy, which will have a positive impact on the company’s electricity bill.

Any business, even a small one, tends to go through a lot of paper per year. A lot of paper is used just for the scribbling of notes and reminders. This amount can be reduced by using the backs of paper thrown away because of failed print-outs and faxes. If the printed material is not of a sensitive nature, it will do just as well as using a whole new sheet simply to note down a thought or to scribble down the time someone called. Afterwards, the paper can be shredded like always.

In the long run, this will save on paper and is therefore more environmentally friendly. It also saves on waste and money.

If your business produces items using packaging, have a look at how much packaging you are using. With media attention focussed on landfill and biodegradable goods, there could be room for improvement. Plastics especially are a cause for concern. Products with an elaborate amount of packaging are scrutinised. If you can minimise this, and possibly use a better, recyclable/biodegradable solution, you are reducing your carbon footprint, your products will appeal to consumers and again you are cutting down on waste and expenses.

Where possible, do not leave electric goods on standby or on for longer than needed. This may sound simple, and it is. Many a business leaves computers running, to name an example, when they could be shut down for hours on end because the users are in a meeting or elsewhere in the building.

Recycle. It is wise to look at your company’s waste and see what can be recycled. Recycling makes sense, is good business practice, reduces landfill and is good for the environment.

If you would like to move beyond those simple solutions, it would be worthwhile to have a look at the company’s electricity provider. Are they using renewable energy? If so, why not? There are plenty of providers around these days offering energy from greener sources.

Additionally, you could have a look at encouraging your employees to use public transport to travel to and from work. The practicality of this will depend on your location, the average distance of travel and your budget, but there are companies that offer employees money towards travel expenses. This is a good incentive to use public transport, avoid delays because of traffic congestion and again a step closer to going green.

Solar panels are becoming increasingly practical. They are, however, still rather expensive. It is advisable to see what difference they could make for your business. Some smaller companies are already switching over and they are getting media attention because of their efforts. Positive advertising will never hurt business.

All this may seem like a lot to look into and to put into practice. However, the switch-over to a greener way to do business is not as daunting as it seems. Many employees would be happy to make minor changes. After all, these changes do not get in the way of day-to-day business and will soon become part of the normal way of doing things.

A green company is a company with a conscience. This tends to get noticed. What’s good for the environment is certainly good for business!

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