| Smart companies worldwide are not waiting for the | | | | $870,564 in 1998. Epson in Portland, OR has reduced |
| economic recovery to green up their business | | | | its waste to zero and has saved $300,000. Interface, |
| practices. The steps they are taking now to improve | | | | Inc. in Atlanta, GA has eliminated over $90M in waste. |
| the sustainability of their operations often help to | | | | Even small companies can get aboard the re-use |
| accelerate their recovery from tough economic times | | | | bandwagon. Lumen Essence Lighting of Portland, OR |
| that much more quickly. | | | | reclaims and restores original lighting fixtures from |
| In the past, bringing environmentalism to the | | | | other eras and ships them to customers in reused |
| workplace has been framed as a choice between | | | | packaging materials and cartons. Customers like this |
| saving the planet and accepting higher cost. No | | | | so much that many return all boxes and packing |
| longer. Sustainability today means not having to | | | | materials to Lumen Essence to be reused again. |
| choose between profit and principles. Here are three | | | | A lean, innovate operation increases efficiencies. As |
| ways that greening up your business practices can | | | | the economy slowly improves, now is a great time |
| immediately improve your business results. | | | | for companies to help their employees work smarter. |
| Reduced energy costs drop to the bottom line. As | | | | People that are already working hard often |
| the price of energy continues to rise, it makes good | | | | appreciate the little things that a company can do to |
| business sense to think hard about improving energy | | | | improve their workplace. Upgrading workplace |
| efficiency inside your organization. What could your | | | | conditions with things like better lighting and air quality |
| company do with the savings produced by reducing | | | | can help improve employee morale and performance. |
| the fuel bill for your truck fleet by even 10 or 15 | | | | Rebates and grants for such improvements are |
| percent? As the price of fuel creeps ever upward, | | | | available in most locations. Engaging employees in |
| the cost to heat and cool your buildings will only | | | | discussions about how to improve efficiencies among |
| continue to grow. Improving the efficiency of your | | | | all the vendors in your supply chain can often reveal |
| heating, cooling and lighting systems can you save | | | | an entire new set of opportunities to help make your |
| you money today and for years to come. A free | | | | operation run greener and more efficiently. |
| energy audit, often offered by your local utility | | | | A growing segment of customers is beginning to |
| company, is a good place to start. | | | | decide whether or not to do business with a |
| Less waste means more cash. Reduction of waste | | | | company based on the sustainability of its business |
| usually reduces costs, since waste is a sign of | | | | practices. Don't be left behind as this trend gains |
| inefficiency in a business process. Savings from | | | | momentum. Getting started today can pay immediate |
| waste reduction can be significant. According to the | | | | benefits to your organization, and can help make |
| Zero Waste Alliance, for example, Hewlett Packard in | | | | your future that much more secure. |
| Roseville, CA reduced its waste by 95% and saved | | | | |