Did anyone stop by Target this weekend? On Sunday, at least, the retail giant was giving away one reusable bag with each order, which seemed earth-friendly. But new stats show that small businesses might go a lot further if given the opportunity and a little financial aid.
The National Small Business Association recently surveyed small business owners on a number of "green" issues. A key finding is that 52 percent of respondents consider cash flow their main obstacle to making their businesses more energy-efficient.
Under that constraint, then, small business owners appear to be making an honest effort. Within the last 18 months, a full 24 percent of respondents converted at least one business vehicle to something that gets better mileage. Moreover, 38 percent of respondents invested in energy-efficiency programs during the same time period.
A full 67 percent of respondents would be even willing to invest in alternative sources of energy for their businesses if they were given more support in the form of technical assistance, grants, or rebates.
So small businesses appear to be doing their part to save the planet. If this holds true of your company, consider trying to advertise it so that potential customers actually think of you the next time a big corporation runs a "green" promotion.
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going green and staying in the black
It's a misconception that going green has to cost more. Sustainable business practices can be cheaper. Electronic billing is a perfect example -- check out the figures on going to paperless billing and you'll find that it's usually cheaper as well as far better for the environment.
Using less energy by going with online meetings instead of driving, switching to energy-saving lightbulbs, and switching off lights and AC when possible saves money as well as resources. Using nontoxic cleaners, inks, etc. is no more expensive. Giving up automatically printing and filing documents that could stay in the computer is another lean, green option.
The list could go on for a long time. The point is, people fail to look into what it takes to make a greener office because they assume it will cost more. Look into it before giving up -- or waiting for subsidies.
I honestly think that this
I honestly think that this was the best thing one can do. Going green will help the environment. Mike at the regcure and drivercure guide.
Great News!
This is great news for the industry and a welcome change from the selfish money grabbing corporations. It’s great to see small businesses addressing global issues especially when they have worries about the economic situation.
I have recently met a few people who work in the Online Business Marketing sector and the main topic of conversation was “Going Green”. One even mentioned that it was good karma for the company which would give them better luck in the future.
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