| The way forward lies in green investment. No, I'm not | | | | that automatically power down during extended |
| talking about dollars, though that too will follow | | | | inactivity save 50% energy or more. Laptops are |
| inevitably. I'm talking about greening your small business. | | | | much more energy efficient than desktops. Consider |
| And the many successful entrepreneurs who have | | | | upgrading your employees to laptops. |
| managed to build sustainable businesses without | | | | Taking business operations online reduces usage of |
| sacrificing ethics or the environment. | | | | paper and printing ink. Sending customers online |
| The Obama government has set apart billions of | | | | receipts of sales instead of paper is another step. |
| dollars to encourage green business ideas and | | | | Online operations also improve business efficiency as |
| initiatives. Various finance sources such as tax credits, | | | | data can be managed in a better way. Businesses |
| loans and grants are available to fund green buildings | | | | should use recycled products wherever possible - |
| and energy efficient ventures at national, state and | | | | paper, packages, toilet paper, etc. Wastage of water |
| local levels. Homeowners, businesses, non-profit | | | | should be minimized by installing water saving devices |
| organizations and government organizations can take | | | | in bathrooms and cafeteria. Energy efficient vending |
| advantage of these opportunities to convert their | | | | machines are equipped with refrigeration and lighting |
| green ideas into action. | | | | controls and save up to 30% energy. The key is to |
| Alternative renewable energy sources harness natural | | | | save wherever and whenever possible. |
| resources. Solar energy, wind farms, biogas digestion, | | | | Where there is a will, there is a way. Nothing rings truer |
| rain water, biomass briquettes, helioculture are some | | | | when one sees the amazingly innovative small green |
| examples of alternative renewable energy. Solar | | | | businesses sprouting across the globe. Typical |
| panels and installers are being used by many | | | | examples are BTTRventures - a 100% sustainable |
| businesses, schools and homes to generate heat and | | | | urban mushroom farm that utilizes recycled coffee |
| electricity. | | | | grounds from Peet's Coffee & Tea, founded in |
| Top companies of various industries are taking | | | | Berkeley, CA by two 2009 grads; Turning Point |
| responsibility to reduce their ecological footprint by | | | | Brewery - Canada's first sustainable brewery; GRID |
| slashing greenhouse gas emissions. Though saving | | | | Alternatives - provides renewable energy and energy |
| money and reducing risks are the main incentives | | | | efficiency services to low-income homeowners and |
| driving these initiatives, every effort is crucial in | | | | community members. |
| combating climate change. Green consulting agencies | | | | There is never a better time than now. While |
| help businesses green their premises and inculcate | | | | businesses are doing their part to conserve the |
| green business practices amongst its employees. | | | | ecological system, it is also every individual's moral |
| Energy efficient products conserve energy and | | | | responsibility to build a safe and healthy future for the |
| reduce bills for consumers. | | | | next generation. By respecting our environment and |
| Businesses should support green initiatives with the | | | | following green practices at home and office, we pass |
| necessary infrastructure and processes. | | | | on the right education to our children. Reduce, reuse |
| Energy-efficient computers, monitors, printers, fax | | | | and recycle - this is the mantra we all need to |
| machines, scanners, copiers and multi-function devices | | | | incorporate into our lifestyles. |