Not Too Small to Go Green        
Written by:
Iris Sasaki, Principal
Iris Sasaki HR, LLC        

 
OK, out of that chair, and get busy!   There is no excuse for you not to move your business toward going green.  It doesn’t take an Intel to make a difference.  Many Mom and Pop companies can create a massive impact for the good.  Let’s do it together.

Here are some quick, easy and impactful ways to get started:

• Begin buying recycled paper/folders.  Recycle paper products are available at all major office supply stores.
• Recycle your used paper.  If you are too small to have a recycle center, simply take your recyclables home and mix them with the personal paper.
  
• Switch out your energy-draining bulbs for energy conserving bulbs.  No need to swap out all your bulbs at one time!  Simply replace each as needed.  If you can swap out, do so and remember to follow instructions for discarding old bulbs.
  
• Recycle your printer ink.  Several office supply stores have a recycle program and your company can earn credits toward future purchases.
  
• Recycle PC’s, Printers, Cell Phones, Etc.  It is simply unconscionable to toss office electronics in the dump.  Simply look online for your closest recycle center.
  
• Send holiday e-greetings.  Your clients will respect you for living your values.
  
• Turn your PC’s/printers, etc off during down times.  
  
• Give up disposable pens.  It is way too easy to just toss the pen, rather than use a refill cartridge; it is also irresponsible.  Do the right thing!
  
• Think before you print…print double-sided whenever possible, on draft setting.
  
• Use Smart Strip Power Strips  Some even have times which will turn off automatically.
  
• Get your name off mailing lists and receive what you can digitally.  Take the lead in receiving information digitally.  If you really need to have an issue of a magazine, buy it from the rack.
  
• Have recycle bins/boxes close at hand to make recycling a “no brainer”.  If your company can’t afford special bins, use an old box(es), and mark accordingly.
  
• Buy rechargeable batteries.  Be sure to recycle  all spent batteries.
  

It’s a simple list.  Make the time, use your energy to make it happen.  After all, this is our planet we are working to save.  Become part of the solution, not the problem.

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