Environmental awareness and energy conservation have recently been pushed to the forefront of many American’s minds, and women-owned small businesses are on the cutting edge of sustainability. Environmental efforts among small businesses can include everything from producing environmentally friendly products for consumers, such as all-natural shampoos or organic cotton, to outfitting offices with energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs.

Many small business owners that go green at work find that the biggest payoff comes from passionate customers, committed employees, and their own personal fulfillment. A Women’s Business Enterprise National Council study found that 71 percent of its more than 1,200 members are trying to make their businesses “greener,” primarily through their products or how they run their business from day to day.

A great way to start the process of going green is to form a “green team,” or a committee to chart plans and progress in the office. Set a large goal, such as reducing office energy consumption and waste by a certain percentage or incorporating more environmentally products into you product line, to inspire and motivate employees.

Buy locally to cut transportation costs and fuel emissions and to support your local economy. Cut energy by using compact fluorescent light bulbs and put set computers to enter “sleep” when not being used, and set printers to print on both sides.

Distribute memos and office communications digitally. Incorporate green, high-performance building technology and practices when designing work spaces, and encourage employees to car pool by organizing a car pool signup. Going green can be difficult, particularly during slow economic times, but the satisfaction and customer goodwill and loyalty gained are often worth the sacrifice.

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This entry was posted on Friday, November 28th, 2008 at 6:35 am and is filed under Business ideas. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.