‘Going green’ seems to be a hot-button phrase these days as experts continue to predict how consumption and manufacturing will affect the world in years to come.  As packaging and production of hardware comes under scrutiny, many responsible business owners are looking for a way to reduce their carbon footprint on the earth at work as well as at home.

What are some ways business owners can do this without reducing profit?  We came up with three:

1.  Create a recycling/reduction plan.

We don’t just mean putting a paper-only few recycling bins around the office.  We mean a real plan.  One that includes the recycling of paper, plastics, and office products like toner cartridges that can be sent back at no charge to companies like Dell who encourage recycling.  Establish a point person in the office who will take care of implementing a recycling plan.  Post a sign above the copy machine reminding staff to be sure the copier is set for the size of paper they need before running erroneous copies that will be thrown in the trash.

2.  Purchase refurbished IT equipment.

With technology now moving at lightning speed, many companies find themselves upgrading hardware including desktop computers, phones, switches and routers, more often than they ever did before. Buying these products refurbished means one less router that will end up in a land fill.  Find a reputable company like MULTI-LINK Communications Products that sells reliable refurbished equipment guaranteed by a warranty and you’ll be in as good of shape as if you’d purchased the product new from manufacturers like Cisco or 3Com.  You can also sell your used equipment back to MLCP.  They’ll refurbish and resell it (providing you with trade-in credit of course), which allows other companies to reduce their waste as well.

3.  Encourage employees to reduce personal waste.

Encourage your staff to use re-usable, washable Ziploc containers for lunches instead of disposable ones. Provide washable coffee cups, flatware, and water glasses instead of paper or plastic ones.  Devise a system where staff can take turns washing the cups at the end of the day or install a dishwasher in the employee lounge.  Include tips on ‘going green’ in company newsletters or in staff meetings.  Hold contests for employees who bring in the most recycling or challenge them to raise money through recycling and donate it to a local school or charity.

‘Going Green’ is a good idea not just because it’s the right thing to do.  But companies that make the effort to take these steps tend to be attractive to ecology-minded consumers who appreciate working with and purchasing from businesses who share their goals of preserving the environment for future generations.  Some consumers only buy from companies they know are like-minded in the green efforts. Why not be one of the growing number of businesses dedicated to reducing waste and consumption and making this planet a better place?