Ecologically correct business is all the rage—everyone seems to be considered with making a lighter footprint on the planet. Are there ways that you can modify your home-based business to make it more ecologically friendly?
So what does it mean to be eco-friendly? Does it mean that you use less water and packing materials? (sometimes) Does it mean less electricity and green-friendly products? (sometimes) Does it mean that you recycle your paper products? (maybe) The truth is, there are all sorts of ways that you can make your business more eco-friendly and things you can do that run the spectrum from a little earth-friendly to all out amazingly super green.
At one end of the eco-friendly business spectrum is the basics—recycling and using recycled materials. Everything from your computer printer ink cartridges to the paper you use to print your invoices on can have an ecologically advantageous spin to it. I am of the opinion that there are some environmental-friendly things that are inherent to a home-based business—you probably use less transportation if you don’t have to drive to work every day, and you might be using less throw-away items if you eat lunch and other meals at home. Minimizing waste and excess can be much easier when you are a one-person operation than if you are a large corporation with dozens or hundreds of employees.
One thing I also know is that if you are making an effort to be eco-friendly, you should let your customers know about it! People respond to knowing if you are using recycled packing materials, or if you use specific supplies that are earth-friendly, include it in your marketing and written materials—it may be the tiny difference that makes someone choose you over a competitor, and it will not hurt your general public relations either.
Also: Going Green Part 1–What is a Green Home?