Saving the Environment Also Can Save Money

Every March, things turn green. Spring brings green grass and green leaves, and St. Patrick's Day means wearing green clothes. March is a good time to turn your business green, too - by adopting environmentally friendly business practices.

Being green isn't just good for the environment, it's also good for your bottom line. Have you looked at the price of energy lately? You don't have to be a tree-hugging environmentalist to want to find ways to save money by using less gas, electricity and heating oil.

Here are a few easy ways to save both money and the environment:

• Replace high-energy-use light bulbs, fixtures, and equipment. The quickest thing you can do is to switch to low-energy use light bulbs. Next, if you have old equipment, it may be time to upgrade.
• Buy recycled products. Look for "post-consumer waste" products, including stationery, packaging materials, paper towels and other kitchen and bathroom supplies. This keeps waste from ending up in landfills.
• Buy environmentally friendly products. The market for non-toxic supplies has exploded, giving you more affordable choices in items such as cleaning supplies, inks and other materials.
• Use recycled and non-toxic materials for production. If you're a manufacturer, ask suppliers for environmentally friendly materials.
• Offer environmentally friendly alternatives. If you're a retailer, look for non-toxic, recycled, or organic products.
• Reduce commutes. For most businesses the biggest energy impact comes from commuting. Encourage carpooling. Perhaps some employees could work from home a few days a month or work four 10-hour days instead of five eight-hour days.
• Conduct more of your business online. Do you really need to take the trip to the bank to transfer funds? Can you send a document via e-mail rather than by delivery service? That's a lot less expensive as well as reducing overall fuel consumption.
• Open the windows or doors. In my office, we're often able to avoid using the air conditioning altogether.
• Buy hybrid cars. When buying a new vehicle for your business, look for cars or trucks that are energy-efficient, especially hybrids. Regardless of the vehicle, make sure your cars and vans are well maintained and tires are properly inflated.
• Find innovative uses for excess inventory or waste or recycle. If your business generates a lot of waste, sit down with your employees to come up with ways to turn that waste into something useful.

Remember, little things add up. Turn off extra lights. Put recycling wastebaskets throughout the office. Turn off office equipment overnight and on weekends. Wear a sweater when you're cold and open a window when you're warm. You'll find you've got more greenbacks in your pocket when you choose to go green.

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