Sustainable Business Tips

by Steve Kaye

Here are things that you can do to save money, conserve energy, and protect the environment. All of these are current practices in my business and home.

Electricity

1) Use CFL bulbs.

2) Turn off lights when leaving a room.

3) Leave printers turned off until they are needed to print a document. Then turn the printer off after the printing has finished.

4) Put all transformers on circuit strips that are turned off at the end of each day.

5) Use a flat panel computer monitor with LED lighting. For example, I use an iMac i5.

6) Make sure your TV is turned off when not in use. Some cable systems and game boxes leave the TV on even though the screen is black.

7) Use Energy Star rated appliances.

8) Put your garage door opener on a circuit strip that you can turn off when you're inside. This saves electricity and gives you added security while you're home.

Result: Save money on electricity.

Transportation

1) Drive a fuel efficient car.

2) Walk to local stores. For example, I walk to the Post Office and local stores as often as possible, typical distances range from 3 to 6 miles round trip.

3) Use public transportation when possible. For example, I ride Amtrak for appointments in Los Angeles and have taken the train for vacations in Yosemite and in New Mexico.

4) Purchase carbon offsets.

5) Minimize driving by combing trips.

6) Use neighborhood stores and restaurants. For example, I seldom travel more than 5 miles from home for shopping or entertainment.

7) Drive as if you were riding a bicycle. Coast into stops and accelerate gently.

8) Turn off the engine as soon as you park and at railroad crossings. (Note: Every two minutes of idling uses as much gas as driving a mile.)

Result: Save money on gas. Gain better health from additional exercise.

Supplies

1) Buy fair trade products when possible.

2) Buy organic foods. These were grown without pesticides and other toxic chemicals.

3) Buy personal care products made out of natural, organic ingredients. They often last longer and do a better job than their traditional counterparts without exposing you to toxic chemicals.

4) Buy paper products (tissues, napkins, etc.) made from recycled materials.

5) Buy recycled or FSC papers for office use.

6) Buy printed materials from a printer that uses eco-friendly work practices and recycled materials.

7) Support Green merchants and other businesses.

8) Use a sustainable web hosting service. For example, Canvas Dreams provides web hosting where all of their electricity comes from wind power.

Waste

1) Recycle all paper.

2) Recycle all vegetable waste.

3) Plan purchases to avoid landfill waste.

4) Use cloth bags to carry purchases.

5) Reduce junk mail by asking to be removed from mailing lists.

6) Ask the phone companies to stop sending phone books.

7) Reduce magazine subscriptions to essential publications.

8) Donate unneeded goods to Goodwill.

9) Stop buying bottled water. Instead, use refillable stainless steel water bottles.

More Ideas

The Green Business Bureau offers a check list of steps that you can take to save money and protect the environment. Some of their suggestions will produce huge saving for a large office.

The Future

Adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle is an evolving process for everyone. As we learn more, we can save more. Let me know if you have ideas that can help. I'll add them to this list and post them in articles.

Want information on how Steve Kaye can help improve your business?

Call 888-421-1300 or 714-528-1300

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