There are lots of good reasons why small and midsize businesses should go green -- but the most compelling is its positive impact on the bottom line
The green movement is worming its way into the corporate world, and smaller businesses are -- or should be -- getting into the act. Greening the office is unquestionably good for the environment, but its impact can be felt perhaps most significantly for the -- frequently cash-strapped -- small and midsize business, on a company's bottom line.
"Tens of thousands of small companies -- from mom-and-pop stores to manufacturers -- are going green by cutting energy costs and reducing the "carbon footprints" from their facilities, offices and fleets of vehicles," writes USA Today.
The article highlights Ohio-based restaurant owners Peter and Laurie Danis who embraced environmental practices at the behest of their 16-year-old daughter. The couple own restaurants in Columbus and Dayton, and they launched a recycling program, installed energy-saving light bulbs, and began buying produce from local grocers rather than overseas suppliers that burn more fuel to ship produce.
The result? "Peter Danis says his restaurants, with $5 million in sales, will save tens of thousands of dollars in the coming years."
There are a myriad of ways for smaller businesses to go green to see similarly impressive cost saving results. Many of these green ideas are universal and can be translated to impact the bottom line of nearly all offices.
Start with Simple Acts
These ideas start with acts as simple as turning off PCs at the end of the day, printing as infrequently as possible, using double sided copies when it's necessary, and making sure to activate the sleep settings on monitors and PCs. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that this alone can save up to $75 per computer in annual power costs.
Recycling computers is also easy and incredibly effective. Most computer manufacturers have their own recycling programs -- some do it for free and some charge a fee -- but be sure that your company's data isn't jeopardized in the process.
Buying green PCs or even building your own green PC is now a financially viable option, and easier than ever, as is going green with your and printing options.
Next Page: Green IT Investments That Pay
