Small Businesses Help With Combating Global Warming

What role does small businesses have in combating Global Warming?

Whether you call it global warming or climate change, we all have an obligation, as buiness owners, to do our part to protect the environment. And, of course, it doesn't hurt to reduce our energy bills along the way either.

• Reduce any waste that you have with packaging materials and excess raw materials or supplies.

• Turn off the heat or lights in empty rooms. Unplug printers and monitors overnight and on weekends.

• Examine your production and operations to see how you can reduce waste and save money.

• Replace high-energy-use light bulbs, fixtures, and equipment with low-energy, fluorescent light bulbs.

• Upgrade old equipment. Look for office and production equipment that's energy-efficient.

• Buy recycled products including stationery, packaging materials, paper towels and other kitchen and bathroom supplies.

• Buy environmentally-friendly products. There are many non-toxic supplies such as cleaning supplies, inks, and other materials.

• If you're a manufacturer, ask suppliers for environmentally-friendly materials.

• If you're a retailer, look for non-toxic, recycled or organic products to sell.

• Reduce commutes and encourage carpooling.

• Look for businesses online that you do business with. For example: Make bank transfers online instead of driving to the bank, or send documents via email rather than by delivery service.

• before turning on the air conditioning, try opening the windows and doors.

• When buying a new vehicle for your business, look for cars or trucks that are energy-efficient such as a hybrid car.

• If your business generates a lot of waste, come up with ways to turn that waste into something useful. Try donating unused items to non-profit groups instead of sending them to a recycling center.

Federal Government's Energy Star at www.energystar.gov/smallbiz.

Greenbiz, www.greenbiz.com for a searchable database of government programs and assistance.


So....remember to 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 and don't forget to turn off the extra lights.

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