FINANCIAL BENEFITS OF GIVING:   In addition to tax advantages to donating to non-profit organizations, studies indicate that a company's social and environmental reputation positively impacts their employee retention, market share, reputation in the community and consumer loyalty ... all of which directly relate to reduced expenses, more dependable earnings and increase revenues.

INSTALL ENERGY EFFICIENT LIGHTING

WHY:   According to ENERGY STAR, energy efficient fluorescent lighting reduces CO2 emissions up to 75% compared to incandescent lighting.  LED lighting can reduce CO2 emissions nearly 95%.   If each household changed one incandescent light bulb to compact fluorescent, it would be the environmental equivalent of removing one million cars off the road.  To learn more about how to choose Energy Star rated lighting, click on the Energy Star logo.

 FINANCIAL BENEFITS OF ENERGY STAR PREFERRED LIGHTING:    ENERGY STAR qualified bulbs use about 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs; last up to 10 times longer;  saves about $30 or more in electricity costs over each bulb’s lifetime;  produces about 75 percent less heat, making them safer to operate as well as decreases energy costs associated with cooling.   High efficiency light bulbs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, allowing them to fit almost any fixture, both for indoor and outdoor use. 

A small business with less than 1,000 square feet can save upwards of $2,000 in energy costs when they improve their lighting.  Larger corporations are saving upwards of hundreds of thousands of dollars by making lighting improvements.  Many states and energy companies are offering rebates and refunds for businesses that are installing high-efficiency lighting.  These rebates and refunds will not be available forever so make sure you take advantage of the opportunities that currently exist.

PROPERLY DISPOSING OF FLUORESCENT LIGHT BULBS:  Please click on the ENERGY STAR logo to learn about proper disposal and recycling of fluorescent bulbs and tubes and to learn about the risks associated with mercury.

USE A TEMPERATURE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM TO SAVE ENERGY AND MONEY

HOW:  Install Energy Star rated programmable thermostats and set the heat at 68 degrees in the winter and set the air conditioning to 78 degrees in the summer.  During non-employee hours (such as evenings and weekends) program the thermostat to approximately 64 degrees in the winter and 82 in the summer.

WHY:  Less need for heating and air conditioning during non-occupancy times can have a dramatic measurable impact on the environment while having no negative impact on your operations.  And this simple change doesn't required additional effort from your employees.  

FINANCIAL BENEFITS OF MAINTAINING PLUMBING & CHOOSING EFFICIENT FIXTURES:  Maintaining plumbing to prevent drips, leaks and running toilets can help a company save the expense of: wasted water, increasingly problematic plumbing and related issues such as damaged sheet rock, structural  decay, tile, mold, health issues...  Additionally, poor plumbing sends a negative message to your employees and customers which can result in decreased respect for other areas of your business and/or lower revenues.   Consider installing low flow/high pressure fixtures to conserve the water and your dollars even more.  The rate of return is generally quick and worth the investment  Don't forget to recycle old plumbing fixtures and hardware.  Look for opportunities throughout your business to be more water-wise.  You'll be amazed at the opportunities to save water and your financial resources.  Lastly, pay attention to what your business puts down the drain.

ELIMINATE UNWANTED MAIL

HOW:    Here are four websites to help you instantly remove your name from unwanted mail lists and phone book distribution:  

1. National Do Not Mail List
2. Green Dimes Remove Name from Junk Mail Lists
3. Yellow Pages Opt Out of Distribution
4. Dex Stop Delivering Yellow Pages 

WHY:    More than 100 million trees worth of bulk (or junk) mail is received each year in the U.S.   That's the equivalent of deforesting the entire Rocky Mountain National Park every four months.  And most often the unwanted mail is never opened or looked at.

THE FINANCIAL BENEFITS OF REDUCING/ELIMINATING UNWANTED MAIL:    The services that help your company remove its name from unwanted mailing lists can help your company save expenses involved in time spent handling or opening unwanted mail, expenses related to disposal or recycling the mail, especially heavy catalogs and phone books.

IF DIRECT MAILINGS ARE PART OF YOUR BUSINESS'S MARKETING, CONSIDER THIS:   There are new services evolving that help your company more precisely target audiences who are interested in your offerings, helping your company reduce the enormous expense of flock-shoot marketing.  These companies can help you reduce your printing, handling, mailing, and postage fees associated with direct mail by making sure that your mailings are "bulls eyes", therefore helping your company earn a higher rate of response and return on its mailings. But also consider more effective forms of electronic marketing ... give your customers an incentive to receive your promotions & announcements by email!  It is the future ...  best to learn how to capture the benefits from electronic marketing now. The next generation of your customers are 'living' online.

USE RECYCLED PAPER AND AIM FOR PAPERLESS

HOW:    Choose paper for your printer, copiers, fax machines that is manufacturer with post consumer recycled paper.  Choose recycled paper for your letterhead, business cards and marketing materials.  Most office supply stores and printing shops carry 100% recycled paper.  Also, choose napkins, toilet paper, paper towels made from recycled paper (choose paper products that haven't been bleached white). 

WHY:   On average it requires 60% less energy to produce paper from recycled stock than from virgin materials. Producing one ton of virgin paper requires 20 trees and 7,000 more gallons of water than one ton of 100% recycled paper.   Recycle and purchase products  manufactured with recycled materials to: 1) close the loop, 2) to improve the economics of recycling and next-life manufacturing and, 3) to maximize the environmental benefits of recycling.   For more environmental and economic statistics about recycling paper and purchasing recycled paper, click here. 

FINANCIAL BENEFITS OF CHOOSING POST CONSUMER RECYCLED PAPER PRODUCTS:  Work toward ‘paperless’ to offset the sometimes higher costs of post consumer recycled paper and to also reduce the expense of toners, ink, equipment, repairs, and disposal. When possible, double-side the paper used in your printers, copy and fax machines and look for equipment that provides that feature automatically.  The more than organizations 1) recycle, 2) purchase products manufactured with recycled content and, 3) reduce waste, the more that the marketplace and each participating organization will benefit financially with more affordable environmental choices and reduced expenses related to waste. 

FINANCIAL BENEFITS OF BUYING LOCALLY:   Sourcing your products or services from local businesses can help reduce your purchasing costs and can stimulate your local economy.   Locally sourced products can instill loyalty in your customer base and provide reciprocal opportunities between small businesses and the vendors, and large corporations and their community.

FINANCIAL BENEFITS OF INSPIRING OTHERS:  Green is a market share issue. In multiple studies such as Cone Research, Gallup, GoodPurpose, Tandberg, (2007) 92% of employees surveyed have an increased positive image of the company they work for when it practices environmentally and socially responsible initiatives. Improved employee relations, result in a decrease in employee turnover.  Additionally, more than 85% of consumers surveyed stated they will switch companies or products to support ones that are more environmentally and socially responsible if given the opportunity.  Your company will reduce expenses through these basic environmental initiatives, but it can also effortlessly help your business earn market share and become an Eco Hero by being transparent and inspiring others to do the same. 

FINANCIAL BENEFITS OF HAVING AN ENERGY AUDIT:   Energy audits often detect energy saving opportunities that haven’t been realized by the business and can often find energy savings in excess of 15-20% for each company.  Many energy specialists and auditors have access to information that businesses of all size may not be aware of such as rebates, refunds, grants, and federal assistance to make improvements.   These opportunities will not exist forever so it is important for businesses and organizations to take advantage of them while they are available.  Check with your local energy company for more information relating to audits, incentives and rebates.