SmallBusinessNewz

If every day is Earth Day for small businesses, maybe it's time to ask yourself if this applies to your own business.

Let's face it. Not all businesses are out to help the environment. I'd be interested in seeing the actual percentage of small businesses that are creating environmentally friendly products or those that are dedicated to actually cleaning up the environment.

Perhaps there are ways that you can contribute, though, even if you are not in the business of waste clean-up or solving the ozone problem.

Recycling

Probably the most obvious way you can contribute is to recycle materials. It is obvious, yet there are so many people still not doing it. Just keep recyclable materials separate from other waste around your office, and encourage your employees to do the same. Something that takes so little effort can have a tremendous impact.

Conserving Energy

Leave your computer off when you are away from it and encourage your employees to do the same. Leave lights off when they don't need to be on. Only use lighting that is sufficient for your work environment. Aside from conserving energy, you may save a good deal on your electric bill.

Encourage your employees to carpool. In these times of unbelievable gas prices, they may just find it to be a good idea. Not only would they be conserving fuel, they'd be saving money.

Evaluating Toxic Substances

No matter what kind of business you are running, there is a good chance that you have some kinds of toxic substances around. Try to find alternatives to these substances. Greenbiz.com notes:

Even an office operation can use toxic substances in the form of computer or copier toner, cleaning supplies, glues, batteries, and other supplies. Evaluate all parts of your company, from the front office to the loading dock to the factory floor, to identify opportunities to reduce the use of toxic substances. Talk with suppliers about alternatives to solvents, paints, cleaners, and other products that may contain toxic substances.

In fact, GreenBiz has a nice resource section on evaluating your business, providing a whole slew of tips to help make it greener. These are just the tip of the melting iceberg.

For a little inspiration on the possibilities of what a business can do to go the greener route, check out what these companies are doing. What kinds of things are you doing as a business owner to help the environment? Do you plan to make any changes?