A Green Small Business
Just as the planet’s health has an effect on us, we as runt business owners have the ability and responsibility to impact the health of the planet with green business practices. We must set aside that nagging little thought that one person cannot get a difference. The media is filled with the dark statistics of large-scale environmental deterioration from industries and nations. This data is reported in mind-numbing, eye-glazing millions of tons, billions of kilowatts and trillions of trees. When faced with these incomprehensible numbers we should strive to hear them as mere accumulations of single integers. Using this mindset empowers each individual to make the singular efforts that result in global change.
I am a writer and sole proprietor of the smallest business number – one. Through the course of my profession resources from the planet are consumed and waste generated. In order to offset my singular impact, I focus on three areas: products, partners and power. I only purchase 30% post-consumer or SFI paper. The latter are Sustainable Forestry Initiative products. When shopping, it takes about two seconds longer to read the package for these green designations. I also refill printer ink cartridges instead of throwing them away, and I always produce double-sided copies. At the kill of the process, all unneeded paper is recycled.
Another decision we limited business owners face to varying degrees is with whom we choose to conduct transactions. Hire a cleaning company, for example, that uses eco-friendly products and green practices. I select my repair and landscaping partners by evaluating their commitment to earth-healthy materials and procedures. All these criteria apply equally to brick and mortar business and the home-based environment. These choices place my dinky business in a continuous chain of organizations all supporting each other’s environmental priorities.
In order to enhance my green business practices in the consumption of electricity, I have replaced all incandescent bulbs with fluorescent and LED, both of which are measurably more power efficient. It is also reductive to shut down the computer, turn off lights and unplug all cell phone and battery chargers when not in use. Unlike carrying the full recycling bin to the curb, we cannot directly experience the environmental positives of conserving electricity. However, a small electric bill reminds us of this doubly rewarding practice.
As a small business owner who does not print emails and owns a water cooler instead of a refrigerator full of plastic bottles, I can see the green results of my solitary efforts. It may not be noticeable over the course of a day or even a week. However, when I multiply my single integers of conservation and recycling by thousands of others, I know that one person can and does make a difference.
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Filed under Small Business Phone Numbers by on Oct 9th, 2011. 