Marketing Your Business Green
Today you can hardly turn on the television or open a magazine and not read about “Being Green”. In business green can mean, green, as in money. We are currently producing a video series on green building and it is astonishing how much we are personally learning during the production, we are also realizing what we can do to contribute to the stewardship of our planet.
One of the fastest growing business segments today is anything regarding green, and that is a growing industry within itself. What does that mean to the everyday small business owner? It gives us all an opportunity to look into how we can run our businesses more efficiently, economically and that can affect our bottom line as well as give us a marketing tool. In this green revolution you will hear the term “carbon footprint”. A carbon footprint is attributed to the amount of CO2 we use from the burning of fossil fuels for heating, hot water as well as the fuel used for our transportation. Our carbon footprint is also impacted from CO2 emissions from consumables including products that make their way to the landfill. There are several websites where you can calculate your carbon footprint and follow their suggestions to lowering it. Ultimately you are trying to achieve a zero carbon footprint.
Being green also means using renewable resources as well as healthier products for you, your employees and customers. Some individuals are experiencing allergies and chemical sensitivities to various chemicals and products. So when remodeling your building or the use everyday cleaning products, care and some education should be taken with use of certain products.
So as a small business owner here are a few inexpensive steps we can take to help reduce the impact.
1. Energy: Many areas have renewable energy options such as solar and wind. These can supplement or be your primary source for hot water, heat and even electricity depending on your location and building orientation. Currently supplementing hot water for domestic use or heat is the most economical choice. When possible connect all of your electronics to power strips that can be turned off by switch or simply unplug the components. Even electronics that are powered down can use electricity. This is referred to as, phantom electricity loads. Change all of your incandescent light bulbs to CF (compact fluorescent) type. As LED light fixtures become more readily available they use considerably less electricity and can last for decades. Any appliances you purchase for your business look for the highest energy star rating available. Also try free lighting when possible, the sun. There are excellent methods from light tubes to proper layout of windows and doors. Maintain your heating, cooling and hot water systems for optimum use. You could promote your greener business on your website, marketing materials and exterior signs. I recently saw a large sign in front of a building promoting 100% wind powered energy.
2. Water: Conserve water, use low flow fixtures and dual flush toilets. There are also some improved methods for water deliver using a manifold system (using home runs) that cuts down on wasted hot water running through the system waiting to heat up. Controlling water runoff from storm water can help prevent fertilizers and silt form going our streams and waterways. Installing rain barrels and even a rain garden help dramatically help reduce this runoff. Be aware of what is going down the drain into the sewer or septic systems. Be sure you are not only in local compliance but try to reduce the impact of chemicals, solid waste and unrestricted water consumption.
3. Transportation: Try using public transportation when possible. For your own vehicle or fleet, look into alternative energy options or at least the highest mpg ratings available. Currently hybrids, electrical and even hydrogen cars are coming to market. Set up delivery or sales routes for all right hand turns when possible. Mapping out your route can save time and fuel=money. Also try phones calls or video conference calls when possible. Instead of flying there are several good conference video options available for your computer. The options are from free downloads to high definition plans that run through your large screen tv. I used to travel 4 times a year for a board meeting of a national trade association which could have easily been done by video conference which could have saved time, money and CO2. Put a vehicle wrap on your car for an inexpensive marketing tool for your business and promote the energy savings or consciousness of your business.
4. 4 Day Week: Many companies are turning to a 4 day workweek and flex hours so the employee can miss rush hour congestion. This will vary with your industry but being create can help. Some builders are even trying to reduce their carbon footprint by building the house quicker to reduce the number of site visits by the subcontractors.
5. Insulation: Improve the insulation qualities of the building you are in for walls ceiling and attic. Also update areas of the building envelope that allow heat to escape, such as wall penetrations, windows and doors. Insulate you water heater and water lines for heat loss and condensation on the cold water lines. Currently there are companies that specialize in energy audits for your building and advise you how to make improvements. Let visitors know what you have done with a plaque or document stating what you have done.
6. Chemicals: When possible look into organic cleaners and low or no voc products. This can include cleaners, carpet, cabinetry and paints. This can create a healthier environment for employees and customers.
7. Paper: We are all inundated with paper whether it is client tracking, reports, marketing materials or bill collection or payments. Depending on your business many of these paper intensive tasks can be performed online. Paying and collecting bills online can also save in postage and physical file organizing and storage. Your website is one of the least expensive marketing portals to your customer when it is properly utilized. You can even create offsite storage of important documents through an FTP server. This can be a paid service or with your own hosting company. Try setting up an email campaign newsletter to stay in touch with clients, instead of printed materials. Let customers know this is your way of contributing to green marketing and a greener business that is not just to save you time and money.
8. Consumables: When possible use locally produced or manufactured products. Getting products delivered from half way around the world impacts the carbon footprint of those products getting to your front door. This is also good for the local businesses and the local economy. Try to use products in season so as not to encourage shipping from across the country for items such as fruits and vegetables. In a restaurant you could market a green menu. Including printing on renewable resources or recycled paper; but be sure to put that on the menu.
9. Comply: Be sure that you in compliance with all local and nation environmental regulations. There are now business, states, organizations where you can get your business listed as a green business. There are even green business standards you can look into. This is an excellent business opportunity to get recognition for showing environmental responsibility, to conserve energy and natural resources. You should also be the innovator, develop and implement procedures to ensure your business and employees practice these initiatives. You can help set an example for your employees, competitors and your communities. How about creating an award through local business affiliations for the greenest business award?
10. Reduce Reuse Recycle: Set up recycling for you and your employees. Try to reduce your waste which will save you money, try to reuse boxes, packing materials, and reverse sides of printed paper (cut up for notes pads). For retailers get rid of plastic bags, offer reusable bags (this is a great marketing tool) print your company on shopping bags for giveaways. Try to stay away from plastic bottles, have reusable water sources. Recycle all electronics, cell phones, computers (etc.) and printer cartridges. Try to request recycled products when available such as plastics and paper. How about having a newspaper interview you about what you are doing to run your business greener or do a press release about being green?
Many people talk about payback periods for investing in vehicles and systems for the building. Well that seems to change month to month depending on the price of fuel. There is also an emotional impact knowing we are taking control of our business, home, our future and planet for our children.
Remember Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Stephen Showalter, President
WebvidcoMarketing Your Business Green
Today you can hardly turn on the television or open a magazine and not read about “Being Green”. In business green can mean, green, as in money. We are currently producing a video series on green building and it is astonishing how much we are personally learning during the production, we are also realizing what we can do to contribute to the stewardship of our planet.
One of the fastest growing business segments today is anything regarding green, and that is a growing industry within itself. What does that mean to the everyday small business owner? It gives us all an opportunity to look into how we can run our businesses more efficiently, economically and that can affect our bottom line as well as give us a marketing tool. In this green revolution you will hear the term “carbon footprint”. A carbon footprint is attributed to the amount of CO2 we use from the burning of fossil fuels for heating, hot water as well as the fuel used for our transportation. Our carbon footprint is also impacted from CO2 emissions from consumables including products that make their way to the landfill. There are several websites where you can calculate your carbon footprint and follow their suggestions to lowering it. Ultimately you are trying to achieve a zero carbon footprint.
Being green also means using renewable resources as well as healthier products for you, your employees and customers. Some individuals are experiencing allergies and chemical sensitivities to various chemicals and products. So when remodeling your building or the use everyday cleaning products, care and some education should be taken with use of certain products.
So as a small business owner here are a few inexpensive steps we can take to help reduce the impact.
1. Energy: Many areas have renewable energy options such as solar and wind. These can supplement or be your primary source for hot water, heat and even electricity depending on your location and building orientation. Currently supplementing hot water for domestic use or heat is the most economical choice. When possible connect all of your electronics to power strips that can be turned off by switch or simply unplug the components. Even electronics that are powered down can use electricity. This is referred to as, phantom electricity loads. Change all of your incandescent light bulbs to CF (compact fluorescent) type. As LED light fixtures become more readily available they use considerably less electricity and can last for decades. Any appliances you purchase for your business look for the highest energy star rating available. Also try free lighting when possible, the sun. There are excellent methods from light tubes to proper layout of windows and doors. Maintain your heating, cooling and hot water systems for optimum use. You could promote your greener business on your website, marketing materials and exterior signs. I recently saw a large sign in front of a building promoting 100% wind powered energy.
2. Water: Conserve water, use low flow fixtures and dual flush toilets. There are also some improved methods for water deliver using a manifold system (using home runs) that cuts down on wasted hot water running through the system waiting to heat up. Controlling water runoff from storm water can help prevent fertilizers and silt form going our streams and waterways. Installing rain barrels and even a rain garden help dramatically help reduce this runoff. Be aware of what is going down the drain into the sewer or septic systems. Be sure you are not only in local compliance but try to reduce the impact of chemicals, solid waste and unrestricted water consumption.
3. Transportation: Try using public transportation when possible. For your own vehicle or fleet, look into alternative energy options or at least the highest mpg ratings available. Currently hybrids, electrical and even hydrogen cars are coming to market. Set up delivery or sales routes for all right hand turns when possible. Mapping out your route can save time and fuel=money. Also try phones calls or video conference calls when possible. Instead of flying there are several good conference video options available for your computer. The options are from free downloads to high definition plans that run through your large screen tv. I used to travel 4 times a year for a board meeting of a national trade association which could have easily been done by video conference which could have saved time, money and CO2. Put a vehicle wrap on your car for an inexpensive marketing tool for your business and promote the energy savings or consciousness of your business.
4. 4 Day Week: Many companies are turning to a 4 day workweek and flex hours so the employee can miss rush hour congestion. This will vary with your industry but being create can help. Some builders are even trying to reduce their carbon footprint by building the house quicker to reduce the number of site visits by the subcontractors.
5. Insulation: Improve the insulation qualities of the building you are in for walls ceiling and attic. Also update areas of the building envelope that allow heat to escape, such as wall penetrations, windows and doors. Insulate you water heater and water lines for heat loss and condensation on the cold water lines. Currently there are companies that specialize in energy audits for your building and advise you how to make improvements. Let visitors know what you have done with a plaque or document stating what you have done.
6. Chemicals: When possible look into organic cleaners and low or no voc products. This can include cleaners, carpet, cabinetry and paints. This can create a healthier environment for employees and customers.
7. Paper: We are all inundated with paper whether it is client tracking, reports, marketing materials or bill collection or payments. Depending on your business many of these paper intensive tasks can be performed online. Paying and collecting bills online can also save in postage and physical file organizing and storage. Your website is one of the least expensive marketing portals to your customer when it is properly utilized. You can even create offsite storage of important documents through an FTP server. This can be a paid service or with your own hosting company. Try setting up an email campaign newsletter to stay in touch with clients, instead of printed materials. Let customers know this is your way of contributing to green marketing and a greener business that is not just to save you time and money.
8. Consumables: When possible use locally produced or manufactured products. Getting products delivered from half way around the world impacts the carbon footprint of those products getting to your front door. This is also good for the local businesses and the local economy. Try to use products in season so as not to encourage shipping from across the country for items such as fruits and vegetables. In a restaurant you could market a green menu. Including printing on renewable resources or recycled paper; but be sure to put that on the menu.
9. Comply: Be sure that you in compliance with all local and nation environmental regulations. There are now business, states, organizations where you can get your business listed as a green business. There are even green business standards you can look into. This is an excellent business opportunity to get recognition for showing environmental responsibility, to conserve energy and natural resources. You should also be the innovator, develop and implement procedures to ensure your business and employees practice these initiatives. You can help set an example for your employees, competitors and your communities. How about creating an award through local business affiliations for the greenest business award?
10. Reduce Reuse Recycle: Set up recycling for you and your employees. Try to reduce your waste which will save you money, try to reuse boxes, packing materials, and reverse sides of printed paper (cut up for notes pads). For retailers get rid of plastic bags, offer reusable bags (this is a great marketing tool) print your company on shopping bags for giveaways. Try to stay away from plastic bottles, have reusable water sources. Recycle all electronics, cell phones, computers (etc.) and printer cartridges. Try to request recycled products when available such as plastics and paper. How about having a newspaper interview you about what you are doing to run your business greener or do a press release about being green?
Many people talk about payback periods for investing in vehicles and systems for the building. Well that seems to change month to month depending on the price of fuel. There is also an emotional impact knowing we are taking control of our business, home, our future and planet for our children.
Check out upcoming videos at:
http://www.showmehowvideos.com/
Remember Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Stephen Showalter, President
Webvidco
http://www.webvidco.com/
"Where Website Development & Video Production Come Together"
Stephen Showalter started a local business and built it up to a national company that he sold in 1995. During this time he developed strategies for a national company brand and developed a national training company that included marketing strategies.
all rights reserved do not reprint without written permission from webvidco
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