New Energy Future – We need to turn more green business ideas into action
The way forward is in green investing. No, I’m not talking about dollars, although that too will inevitably come. I’m talking about greening your small business. And the many successful entrepreneurs who have managed to build sustainable businesses without sacrificing ethics or the environment.
The Obama administration has set aside billions of dollars to foster green business ideas and initiatives. Various sources of financing, such as tax credits, loans, and grants, are available to finance green buildings and energy efficiency projects at the national, state, and local levels. Homeowners, businesses, nonprofits, and government organizations can take advantage of these opportunities to turn their green thinking into action.
Alternative sources of renewable energy take advantage of natural resources. Solar energy, wind farms, biogas digestion, rainwater, biomass briquettes, helioculture are some examples of alternative renewable energy. Many businesses, schools, and homes use solar panels and installers to generate heat and electricity.
Major companies in various industries are taking responsibility for reducing their ecological footprint by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Although saving money and reducing risks are the main incentives that drive these initiatives, all efforts are crucial to combat climate change. Green consulting agencies help companies green their facilities and instill green business practices among their employees. Energy efficient products conserve energy and lower consumer bills.
Businesses must support green initiatives with the necessary infrastructure and processes. Low-power computers, monitors, printers, fax machines, scanners, copiers, and multifunction devices that automatically turn off during prolonged inactivity save 50% or more energy. Laptops are much more energy efficient than desktop computers. Consider upgrading your employees to laptops.
Taking business operations online reduces the use of paper and printing ink. Sending customers sales receipts online instead of paper is another step. Online operations also improve business efficiency as data can be managed in a better way. Businesses should use recycled products whenever possible: paper, packages, toilet paper, etc. Water waste should be minimized by installing water saving devices in restrooms and the cafeteria. Energy efficient vending machines are equipped with refrigeration and lighting controls and save up to 30% energy. The key is to save where and when possible.
Where there is a will, there is a way. Nothing rings more true when you see the incredibly innovative small green businesses springing up all over the world. Typical examples are BTTRventures, a 100% sustainable urban mushroom farm using recycled coffee grounds from Peet’s Coffee & Tea, founded in Berkeley, CA by two graduates in 2009; Turning Point Brewery: Canada’s first sustainable brewery; GRID Alternatives – Provides energy efficiency and renewable energy services to low-income homeowners and community members.
There is never a better time than now. While businesses are doing their part to preserve the ecological system, it is also the moral responsibility of each individual to build a safe and healthy future for the next generation. By respecting our environment and following green practices at home and in the office, we pass on the proper education to our children. Reduce, reuse and recycle: this is the mantra that we all need to incorporate into our lifestyle.
