The world of business is changing fast. Consumers are pushing companies towards sustainability and many business owners and managers are eager to step up. But how? There is no shortage of advice; if anything, it’s difficult to choose between all the different tips on getting more efficient, more socially responsible, more planet-friendly.
I’m about to give you even more, in fact a whole series of posts on greening up your business. But these posts will be green tips with a difference 
.
Each and every post will stick to the all-important ‘KISS, KISS, KISS’ principle (i.e., ‘keep it simple, stupid’). Bite-sized bits that go down easily one at a time. And then I’ll provide links to other resources in case you want to drill down for more detail. Simple.
the first bite: efficiencies
The first bite may feel like the most difficult, but really it’s pretty straightforward.
Efficiency is the first target when businesses try to ‘go green’ for one simple reason. Use less (energy, water, raw materials, etc.), pay less.
Usually there are upfront costs for adopting more efficient ways of doing business, but if you plan well you’ll recover that initial investment, and then embark on the sweet path to savings. Mr. Sustainability Himself, Ray Anderson of Interface, provides a compelling case study of how this can work.
The basic message here: use less stuff. Save money, save the planet. Simple.
less electricity
- Turn things off. Lights, when you don’t need them. Computers, when you’re not using them. Set the power management options on all computers to do this automatically in case anyone forgets. Beware of vampires.
- Replace your old clunkers with more energy efficient equipment, e.g., computers, microwaves, heating systems . Energy Star is the international rating system that can guide you on this. Be sure to recycle your old equipment to avoid creating a new problem. Check out eDay in New Zealand, or E-cycling Central in the U.S. for more information on how to dispose of your old equipment. [update 3 Nov: if you're in Auckland, check out ComputerRecycling.co.nz]
- Yes, we need to talk about light bulbs. The much-maligned incandescent light bulb, the much-mocked directive to change to CFLs or LEDs. It won’t save the planet, it’s not enough on its own, but it’s one small piece of the puzzle. And yes, CFLs do contain some mercury; here’s a useful discussion on that and other helpful info.
- National and local authorities can sometimes provide advice and financial assistance to improve energy efficiency. Canadians check here, Kiwis here, and Americans here to start your search.
less paper
- Try to use electronic communications where possible (e.g., email, intranet posts) instead of paper memos, and look into applications like Google Docs when you need shared access to files.
Back up important records electronically rather than printing copies wherever possible (make sure you’re clear on your legal requirements, though). Backing up ‘in the cloud,’ for instance with a company like Carbonite, is cool, easy and affordable, but there are some risks too, as with any method of back-up. Multiple back-ups are advisable.- When you do need to print, do it double-sided, and use paper with a high ‘post consumer waste recycled paper’ content. Paper that’s produced using recycled paper, basically.
- Send faxes directly from your computer rather than printing out. Avoid cover sheets where possible.
- Moving? Consider employing a company like this that will bring you reusable boxes rather than cardboard. Recycling is great, but reducing and re-using are even better.
less water
- Fix leaks. The wasted water adds up very quickly.
- Install water efficient toilets.
- Landscape with plants that will thrive in your local climate conditions with minimal watering, and consider xeriscaping instead of planting lawns.
- Do you manufacture something that requires water? Can you use less?
- If you’re really ambitious, think about setting up a system to capture rainwater or utilize gray water.
less
. . . whatever else you can think of. The most obvious is this: if you produce some ‘thing,’ can you use less raw materials in producing it? The means to achieve this will be as varied as the products themselves and the people producing them, so get your creative juices flowing!
I look forward to hearing your stories and suggestions. See you soon for a second bite.
