Simplify Green: Tips on How to Go Eco - Easy Ways for Businesses to Save While Saving the Planet

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS 4.20.12, BY FRAN GOLDEN

For small businesses, going green can be more than a do-good move inspired by Earth Day. Sustainability practices can actually help your bottom line.

"It's saving the planet. It's best to look at everything we do through a sustainable lens," U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) Deputy Administrator Marie Johns tells the Daily News.

"There's also a financial benefit. In the long run, it's going to end up saving costs."

When it comes to going green, you don't need much effort or cash to get started, experts say.

"The infrastructure of your company is an easy place for everyone to make a start," says Marissa Feinberg, co-founder of Green Spaces, a coworking space for eco-focused entrepreneurs in Tribeca.

"A lot of people are scared of going green because they don't know what it is. But even something like switching to recycled paper is a great start."

Going green doesn't mean you have to install solar panels or bamboo flooring or other costly upgrades, adds Zach Fried, a small business sustainability consultant with smartBizNY .

"Businesses that focus solely on products and other 'sexy' aspects of green may succumb to the common misperception that green is too expensive," he says.

"Yet, companies of all sizes that have become leaner and meaner through a sensible implementation of green measures can see reductions of 10% to 30% in their operating costs."

Replacing an old and inefficient boiler in your basement can save money, plus you can get help paying for an upgrade.

"Energy Star, NYSERDA and ConEd offer programs ranging from tax credits and rebates to energy audits," Fried says.

Green projects may qualify for federa
l government guaranteed loans , Johns says. The SBA also has a website in collaboration with the Navy (green.sba.gov).

Whether your business is home-based or brick-and-mortar, you can avoid feeling overwhelmed - what Fried calls "green paralysis" - with simple, basic changes to save money.

Adjusting climate controls, turning off lights and recycling efforts pay for themselves, can build momentum and add value to your business, he says. And greening doesn't mean giving up basic business functions.

At Green Spaces, for example, Feinberg says the Xerox machine turns itself off at night.

Another good way to look at going green is through collaboration. Feinberg says starting a carpooling program or sharing conference room space with other businesses is one way to start.

"Create a sharing movement in your office building," Feinberg says. "Sometimes, we have these huge highrises in the city and everyone does their own thing and don't collaborate."

And if you've got it, flaunt it, she adds. Green practices can put your business in a positive spotlight and attract customers.

Adds the SBA's Johns: "Many customers are looking for busi- nesses that are doing things in a green way."

TIPS ON HOW TO GO ECO

HERE ARE several ways your business can save some green by goin ggreen:

Create a green plan. Get the entire staff involved and nominate one member as the "green leader." Avoid broad state. ments about your commitment to greenness and focus on simple actions instead, says Zach Fried of smartBizNY.

Do more recycling. Try to improve on the city's minimum requirements. Make sure recycling bins are easily accessible to employees. And look at what can be reused, such as packaging materials.

Reduce paper. Encourage communications by email, share reports on PDFs, switch to paperless bill pay, print double-sided documents, and buy recycled paper.

Cut back on gas. Look at ways to reduce the commute of your employees by telecommuting, carpooling and buying hybrid company cars.

Save energy. Turn off lights at night and on weekends, shut down computers and copy machines (standby mode still draws power). Don't overheat or over cool your office. 

Use eco-friendly products. Go for recycled shipping materials, and nontoxic cleaning products. Green Spaces' Marissa Feinberg said the disposable cups used in her office are made of corn and are biodegradable - and are put in the office's compost bin.

Reuse office furniture. If you need furniture, don't shop new - go to Craigslist and look in the free section, or post your specific needs on Facebook or Twitter.