greenliving


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Operate a green office: Take office supplies, materials and space to the next green level by making eco-friendly choices, which may mean eliminat- ing some items entirely. For example, replace disposables with a durable or permanent equivalent.


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HOW TO GREEN A BUSINESS


Simple Steps to an Eco-Friendly Bottom Line by Derek Markham


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o business owner relishes spend- ing extra money for something that won’t immediately pay for itself


with increased revenue, and greening one’s operations is such an endeavor. However, one common misperception is that going green costs money that cuts into the bottom line, when in fact, some options will end up saving money, adding to profits or making it possible to offer lower-priced products and services than the competition. Here’s how:


Integrate green into the business plan: Start designing green elements into any business from day one or as soon as possible.


Write an environmental mission statement: Craft a green mission state- ment, display it prominently and review it periodically. Having a clear vision helps to


22 Hartford County Edition


define being green and communicate it to customers.


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Join green business groups: Use green business networks to learn from others or to form partnerships or collaborate. In an effective network, any associated cost will likely pay for itself through increased knowledge, customers and collaboration.


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Appoint a sustainability director: Make one person with authority responsible for coordinating green efforts, tracking results and being accountable for increasing sustainability.


Practice green marketing: Add digital messaging to the mix, using social media, a blog and banner advertising. The Internet provides a real-time network for communicating with business stakeholders.


www.NAHRT.com


Choose renewable energy: Power operations with renewable energy or invest in alternative options.


Choose green communications: Explore obtaining telephone and In- ternet services from a green or socially responsible company. Use teleconfer- encing or video calls to reduce trans- portation and explore the many free options available, such as Skype.


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Implement paperless banking and billing: Choose electronic bank statements, invoices and billing for sup- pliers and utilities. Use the computer to send and receive faxes instead of producing printed copies.


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Green the air: Clean indoor air by using live plants. Install an air


filtration system to protect employees and customers.


Clean green: Purchase eco-friend- ly alternatives for cleaning and maintaining the office and manufactur- ing sites; a greener alternative exists for just about any related need.


Build a culture that’s conducive to reusing and recycling: Making both the norm means such initiatives will flourish without having to continu- ally change people’s habits.


Encourage alternative transpor- tation: Give employees incen-


tives to carpool or ride bikes. Provide telecommuting options.


Source from green suppliers: In- vestigate sourcing options and give more weight to green businesses. Purchas- ing from a green business doesn’t always mean extra cost, and might make more sense overall.


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