The key to building an eco-friendly business is to save, reuse and recycle. Many small businesses believe “greening” their business entails heavy costs. However, even simple inexpensive measures can help small businesses to conserve energy and increase cash flow.

Optimize on facilities created through the internet and technology advancements

Technology and the internet offer many conveniences that can be optimized by small businesses to improve their bottom line and contribute towards a greener environment. Some simple steps that businesses can take are:

• Take advantage of internet marketing: Businesses can advertise their business via internet marketing strategies. Unlike traditional marketing, online marketing does not involve paper or plastic, can be targeted effectively, can be measured accurately and saves the business many valuable dollars.
• Launch e-commerce websites: Apart from having business websites, companies can also launch e-commerce websites to sell products and services. Customers save on fuel by avoiding trips to retail stores. Businesses gain by saving on overheads. Online credit card processing services also make paper bills redundant, conserving paper and ink.
• Send emails instead of snail mail: Almost all suppliers, partners and customers have an email address. Communicate with them via email rather than the post to save paper.
• Pay employees with direct deposit: Replace paychecks with direct deposit of salaries into employee accounts. Employees appreciate the convenience, while businesses save on printing and delivery costs.
• Use electronic signature capture devices: Businesses should equip point-of-sale systems with signature capture devices. Ask customers if they want printed receipts and bills. Most are happy with invoices and receipts on email.

Businesses can also reduce wastage of resources at their offices. Refurbish rather than buy, buy sparingly and prefer earth-friendly materials, encourage employees to get their own plates and cups rather than using disposable containers, switch off equipment when not in use, and give incentives to employees to save energy.

Small businesses that implement “green” practices win the favor of customers. State and federal programs also offer cost savings and tax deductions to encourage small businesses to be energy efficient.

Tags: E-commerce Solutions, Internet Marketing, POS Systems, small business

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