1. Compost
You’ll be blown away by how much you can cut down on your garbage by tossing your food scraps, dying plants/flowers, and even tissues into a compost bin. Use the compost as mulch to help with your landscaping.
Tip: if the idea of a smelly compost pile doesn’t appeal to you, look for a service that will collect it for you, or do what I did and order an enclosed bin that makes maintenance a snap.
2. Switch from paper towels and napkins to cloth.
You’ll buy them once and then pop them in the washing machine to reuse again and again.
3. eSign
The days of printing out every contract and storing it in a file are gone. Instead, consider utilizing a service that will let you sign agreements online and have digital copies. Your clients will likely thank you for the convenience, and chances are you’ll be able to track things down faster in a digital format than going through a long paper trail
4. Natural light
Set up your office to take advantage of natural light rather than electric lamps.
Bonus: natural light has been proven to make you more productive.
5. Solar power
You’ll save money on your electric bill and potentially get a tax credit for utilizing solar panels.
6. Upcycle
When you need a new desk, lamp or even a coffee pot, check out local resources that reuse items rather than ordering new.
Habitat for Humanity’s Restores can be a treasure trove that will save you a bundle, while sites like FreeCycle or Craigslist may let you find what you need for free.
7. Skype
Instead of doing all your meetings in person, use Skype, Zoom, Google Hangouts, or some other video conference program. Staying in one place not only cuts your carbon footprint, but saves you money on transportation costs AND makes your day more productive. Win, win!
8. Recycle electronics
We all need to upgrade our tech sometimes, and when that happens it’s important to make an effort to keep e-waste out of landfills.If you are upgrading a piece of tech that’s only a couple years old, chances are there is a school or charity that will happily take it off your hands.
You may also look to Dell, HP, or Best Buy, who have programs that may give you a credit to trade in your old tech.
9. Buy consciously
Look for fair-trade coffee, or buy recycled printer paper and energy-efficient light bulbs. While it may seem like a small change, it adds up!
10. Green marketing
Go for a digital brochure, business cards printed on recycled paper, or eco-friendly corporate gifts. Get inspired with this list of eight ways to bring green practices to your marketing campaigns.