11 tips for a more eco-friendly business

Widespread discussion in mainstream media stress the need to think more about the environment and how we are interdependent with ecosystems and other creatures. That's all well and good, but many people are more interested in concrete suggestions of how to take action.  At the same time, people are also concerned about their livelihoods and how they could strategically revise what they do now to be more sustainable.  Consider a comprehensive assessment of how you live and how you run your business.

1) Review energy use. Take a look at your monthly bill. Where can you cut back? Do you use energy efficient light bulbs? Do you turn off lights in areas which aren't being used? How and when do you adjust thermostat temperatures? Are you aware of the state of ceiling insulation?  Learn how to install timers which turn lights off automatically. Ask utilities about energy audits.

2) Sift through your trash. Do you know what you're throwing away? Paper can be used on both sides.  Empty boxes can be re-used for packaging or storage.  Organic waste can be composted. many materials can be recycled. You can investigate options for larger-scale office recycle programs for specific kinds of materials.

3) Evaluate office materials. What do you really need? How can you reduce monthly office supplies? Analyze your office habits.  Electronic communication like e-mail can store copies of letters and reduce or eliminate the need for paper. Do you buy pen and typrwriter cartidge refills? Do you recycle photocopier ink jets? Do you recycle computer parts and other items? If you haven't already, investigate what is possible. You have more options than you really think.

4) Go digital. Radiology departments and offices, libraries, photography shops and other companies benefit from eliminating film and replacing it with digital systems. Film materials can be recycled. Electronic versatility and storage reduces or eliminates need for toxic chemicals.

5) Explore the telecommute.  Would it be reasonable for employees to work at home part of the week?  Computers permit teleconferencing, email, intranets and other means of staying in touch.  Encouraging independent work can improve team spirit when staff get together.  Ask your in-house IT person about options of connecting people on distance systems.  Reflect on tasks that staff can do at home. This reduces cars on road, gas, utilities and other office supplies used too.

6) Tax breaks. Governments offer tax breaks to businesses for taking different initiatives to help the local environments. Are you informed about what is available and advisable in your area? This goes further than sponsoring local events in exchange for a tax deduction. You can do subsidized renovations on office buildings and make them more eco-friendly.  You can also look into partnering with government departments for mutually-benficial results. You're limited only by imagination and ingenuity.

7) Incentive for staff teamwork. Interact with your staff and suggest monthly competitions for different departments to develop more eco-friendly office practices and staff behavior. Offer them incentive for everything from changing coffee brands and cleaners to be as innovative as possible.  Encouraging self-directed accomplishments and creativeity can come back and benefit the business in other ways, such as increased energy level, enthusiasm and belief in the future. 

8) Revise technology use. How many employees are on perks like mobile phones, beepers and office vehicles? Are you aware of the best plans, leases and outsourced services possible or do you need them at all? You may be using things you really don't need. Do  a complete overhaul.

9) Sharing space. Could you share space with another company to reduce costs? If you use an office only part of a week, perhaps you'd consider renting space in another company's larger office. If you work at home, two home businesses could function in smaller space than you might realize.

10) Networking.  if you network once-a-year at an annual convention, this isn't the same as commuting to events every week or every month. Do you need to send as many salespeople as you do to each function? Could you choose to participate in fewer in-person events and develop clients and relationships in other ways? Get creative. Reduce travel time, use of energy and consider new alternatives. How could you do things differently with the same or better results?  This goes beyond increaing sales objectives. What else adds value? Forums, business journals on-line and blogs will help.

11) Set an example. Whatever you suggest to other people, remind yourself you set the standard.  It would be advisable to raise the bar as a motivator and inspiration.