Posts Tagged ‘going green’
Keeping the Green Movement Going: How to Avoid Eco-Fatigue
Monday, September 22nd, 2008
Unless you’ve been hiding under a non-carbon based rock for the last five years, you are probably aware that there is a massive environmental movement under way. This movement is centered around the dangers posed to the planet by global warming, as caused by the actions of human beings.
Governments, businesses, and individuals are all on the green train, but there is a new worry on the horizon: will people eventually tire of being told what to do in order to save the planet?
There is a curve when it comes to marketing of any product or idea. First, the idea starts small, then gains momentum. Eventually the idea has the support of thousands of people, but then a funny thing happens: all of a sudden, everyone gets tired of hearing the same old message.
It Ain’t Easy Being Green
This has happened time and again in marketing, but the problem with consumers and so- called eco-fatigue is that the very life of the planet depends on people continuing to live greener - and supporting businesses that conduct business in a greener manner.
In other words, no one can become eco-fatigued enough that they actually fall asleep, or the result may be a permanent coma.
So how does a business go about helping others, and the business itself, to avoid eco- fatigue? Well, first of all businesses need to be leaders in the area of green living. Businesses need to show people, through example, that their impact on the environment is important to them.
They can do so by using recycled and recyclable packaging with the recycle symbol on it. Refusing to use too many supplies - and making sure those supplies are eco-friendly - will also send the message that your business cares about the environment.
Use A Light Touch
And that is really what avoiding eco-fatigue is about; staying away from the point where people begin to feel as though they are being bullied into inconvenient behaviors in order to circumvent a catastrophe at some point in the distant future.
The campaign surrounding green living has traditionally centered around fear and guilt, and people just can’t take that kind of treatment for long (just look at how effective it is on your teenager!).
Sooner or later they rebel, and it usually happens in a big way; while they may have done little things before to help out, now they do nothing because they are just tired of being pushed into it.
The way to avoid this problem lies in the way we state what green living is all about. It is surprising how little of the ‘living green’ campaign focuses on how smart green living actually is; it is not just about the environment, it is about the bottom line.
Turning off lights, using less water and driving less means a far less outlay of cash. It is just more convenient to do paperless paper work; much easier to send messages wirelessly, and much easier to keep records.
In order to avoid eco-fatigue, then, it is important both to lead and to emphasize the positive. Doing so will be good for your business - and good for the planet.
Tags: consumers, eco friendly, eco-fatigue, environment, environmental movement, going green, Green, green business, green movement, how to, Leeia Ladipoh, Marketing
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How to Get Start Up Capital for Your New Green Business
Wednesday, May 7th, 2008
Q: I am starting a green business but lack sufficient startup capital. Are there federal grants for such a business, and if so are they realistic or even plausible?
Rachael
A: I would have to say, I get more variations on this question than any other: "Where the heck can I get some of this free government startup money?"
I’m not exactly sure where this urban myth comes from, this idea that there are government agencies out there just waiting to give out free money to start a business.
I suspect that the main culprit is Matthew Lesko. You know, the wacky guy on those infomercials with the question mark suit who is always talking about free government grants and programs.
Do they really exist? Are there free federal grant dollars available to fund a business startup? Let’s find out.
Lesko received his MBA from American University and his company, Information USA, has published many books on the subject of "free" government programs over the past few decades. His books generally point out programs that people may or may not know about which offer some sort of assistance - everything from Medicare and Medicaid to SBA loans, energy assistance, and farm subsidies.
But actual free money turns out to be a pretty rare thing.
Indeed, the York State Consumer Protection Board issued a report in 2004 stating that some of Lesko’s claims of free money are exaggerated (in relation to his book, Free Money to Pay Your Bills.)
This is not to say that grants are not available on the federal level. They are. Indeed, the federal budget is chock-full of programs that grant funds for such things as:
* Scientific research
* Educational endeavors
* Defense services and products, etc.
Moreover, there are plenty of programs that help minority, veteran, women, and disabled business owners, but again, none that I could find offer actual free start-up capital for individuals. Most of this assistance is technical and advisory in nature.
When the federal government does offer grant money to promote small business, it almost exclusively goes to state and local governments. According to the smart folks over at About.com, "By far, most government grants are applied for and awarded to other federal agencies, states, cities, colleges and universities, and research organizations."
So it seems that free federal money to start a business is more myth than fact.
Next then, let’s consider programs on the state and local level. Here we find a bit more help. For instance, many communities offer incentives for small businesses to set up shop in economically distressed areas, although these incentives often take the forms of tax breaks or rent subsidies rather than grants per se. There are also plenty of incentives today to make your business greener, but again no, no free money.
What about private, non-profit grant makers? These are organizations with very specific goals in mind, who work hard at fund-raising, and who fund only the most worthy, cost-effective programs. Some may help with business capital if that is the business they are in and you meet their very specific criteria and stringent prerequisites. No one gives money away willy-nilly. Expect to be thoroughly vetted to make sure that what you are proposing is what they want you to be doing.
Expect to also spend a lot of time and effort in the process. Applying for and getting grants is a difficult, rigorous process, often requiring expert assistance. "Grant writer" is a job for a reason.
And understand this too: Grants come with strings. In the remote chance that you do find and get a business grant, you will also be expected to thoroughly account for whatever money you get and spend it exactly in accordance with the strict guidelines of the grant maker. Failure to do so will land you in plenty of legal hot water.
At a time of huge federal government deficits, an incredibly expensive war with no end in sight, and recession, you are looking for free government money? Think again.
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Today’s Tip: One place to find out what state and local assistance is available to your business is the online Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance; a database of all federal programs available to state and local governments, organizations, various groups, and individuals. Once you locate a program that may be a fit, contact the office that administers the program and learn about the application process.
Need a speaker for your next event? Contact Steve ! He is one of the world’s leading business experts, a popular speaker on the business lecture circuit, and is sure to leave any audience thrilled. A columnist for USA TODAY, lawyer and author, his latest book is the best-selling Small Business Bible: Everything You Need to Know to Succeed in Your Small Business .
You can sign up today for his free newsletter , "Small Business Success Secrets!" at his web site - www.MrAllBiz.com
Tags: Accounting, capital, expert advice, Finance, Finance and Accounting, going green, green business, MrAllBiz.com, small business expert, startups, Steve Strauss
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Hula Girls - The Original Organic Fashionistas
Tuesday, April 15th, 2008
Grab your coconut bras and grass skirts and jump on the organic textiles bandwagon! More and more retailers are beginning to cater to green fashion and it would appear that it’s more than just a fad.
The reason for this? One day not long ago some forward thinking entrepreneurs realized that people will spend bucket loads of money on fashion…so why wouldn’t people do the same for organic clothing as well? They looked around and said to themselves "the only organic clothes available look like burlap sacks!" "Ces’t tres horrible! " they gasped in unison, aghast at the utter disaster of the whole situation. And thus the organic fashion revolution began. (and this obviously happened in France because that’s where the best revolutions take place…at least in fashion, right? and I think Al Gore was there too…)
**note the above story is purely hypothetical in nature and should be regarded as mere imagination on my part as to how this whole thing began…but however it happened, it’s here.
Now companies such as Linda Loudermilk and Figleaves.com are selling$230 bamboo jeans and100% organic cotton undies for $28. While the prices may seem steep there appears to be a market for these items…and it’s growing.
So if you are a would-be entrepreneur looking for an idea, use this as a starting place. The market has scarcely been tapped and if you play your cards right you might just get in on the ground level of a phenomenal retail trend. Plus, with more and more people becoming interested in this niche, someone’s bound to come up with a new way to manufacture these goods for the masses…will it be you?
Tags: eco-fashion, fashion, going green, news, organic, Rebecca Button, retail, Starting a Business, trends
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Times are lean, all the more reason to go green!
Thursday, April 3rd, 2008
If you haven’t already been bombarded by all the wonderful and practical reasons you should take steps to making your business more earth friendly, you might have fallen down a dark well and have no way of getting out. If this is the case and you are reading this, please email someone for help. And then explain to me how you are getting wireless down there.
If you fall into the other category (and hopefully that is ALL of you reading this) then you are familiar with this buzz phrase "going green." I’m not here to repeat what we already know about the basics. So I’ll just skip ahead to the juicy details.
The "going green" craze has swept our nation and in the midst of it all has been a wealth of opportunity for environmentally oriented businesses not to mention creating a market for new ones to crop up as well. Unfortunately, in the area of solar technology, there hasn’t been much competition. Til now.
A recent article (which explains the ins and outs of solar energy in detail) from CNNMoney.com states that "several startups, including HelioVolt in Austin, Miasol in Santa Clara, Calif., and Nanosolar in Palo Alto, are working on a new technology called flexible thin film that’s on the brink of making solar more competitive." And you know what that means? It means that these companies are going to work harder to produce the best solar product and we all can benefit from this (including Mother Nature).
Solar power has been two to three times more expensive than traditional energy methods but with these companies working on a cheaper way to convert solar energy into usable energy, lower energy costs are dangling right in front of us. So check out this new solar energy technology as I’m sure you’d rather spend company funds on actually growing your business, not just powering it.
For more tips check out an article by our small business expert, Steve Strauss: Why Going Green Is Good For Business
Tags: going green, innovation, Rebecca Button, recession, solar energy, solar panels, technology
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Protect the Environment and Promote Your Business
Tuesday, March 25th, 2008
Take a look at any of the major news stories or political agendas, and you’ll probably find that the environment is at the top of everyone’s priority list. From ozone layer depletion to the effect of harmful emissions, it’s an important topic that’s at the top of many agendas. As a business owner, this also includes you, as you’re directly responsible for how you affect both the local environment around you, as well as in general.
Local governments as well as federal government laws are looking to come down hard on any businesses that fall foul of the new and proposed laws. However, far from this being a financial burden on your business, you can actually benefit and market your business as a green and environmentally friendly company. This will keep you on the right side of the law, as well as potentially increase your sales as customers look for greener options.
Go Green and Get Results
So how can this work for you? Aren’t there some businesses that are more suited to this approach than others? Not necessarily - even the smallest change can make all the difference. Yet you also need to have a plan in place that will make your business sustainable as well as environmentally sound. Then you need to market your business properly and to the right audience.
For example, say you’re a wholesaler that provides cardboard boxes of all sizes and shapes to various industries, as well as consumers. If you’re not already doing so, change your manufacturing techniques to use only recycled paper that can then be converted into cardboard. If your electricity bill is high due to the amount of power needed to run the machinery that you need to compress the cardboard, consider switching to either solar power or wind power.
This needn’t be as expensive as you might think, either. Once you pay out the initial costs of installing solar panels or wind turbine generators on your site, you have no more outlay - all your energy is provided by natural power. Solar panels are particularly useful, as they will store unused energy to be used later, which means that contrary to what their name suggests, solar panels will allow you to work throughout the night.
Effective Marketing
There are many ways that your business can change over to greener options and market itself at the same time. Use either your business cards, website or emails to promote as well as more traditional marketing techniques.
For instance, say you have a large fleet for transportation needs. Make sure you change over to unleaded or green fuel, and then advertise that on all your lorries or trucks with a logo “Powered by green technology” or similar. Release a press release that tells how you’re pioneering a green working environment both in your business and with your partners - the resulting news feeds could make a big difference to your business. Just make sure that you’re making all these changes for the right reasons, and not just to make a quick profit - people will soon figure that approach out.
Tags: advice, danny brown, environment, going green, Marketing, Marketing Your Business, promotion, tips
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More Than 25 Easy Ways to Recycle, Reduce and Reuse Everyday in Your Business
Wednesday, March 5th, 2008
There are many things you can do to make your business more environmentally friendly. And, the best part is, many ideas are free and some can even save you money! It may take a little extra effort to get your new (and greener) processes in order, but once they’re in place you can feel great about doing your part to reduce waste and lighten your company’s carbon footprint. An initial staff meeting on the importance of recycling and reducing waste can really help to motivate the entire office to do their share. Here are some easy ways that the entire office can recycle, reduce and reuse:
Ways to recycle
* Have clearly-labeled recycle bins throughout the office and recycle paper, cardboard, cans, plastic, bottles, etc.
* Recycle toner and printer cartridges - most office supply companies will take empty cartridges back.
* Buy recycled products (paper products, packaging, etc.) whenever possible
* Recycle old electronics and computer equipment - check with local computer parts suppliers to see if they’ll take your old equipment.
* Don’t purchase paper that is a contaminant in recycling. For instance: thermal fax paper, paper with bright colors, paper with glossy coatings, etc.
Ways to reduce
* Stop using cover sheets on faxes
* Print directly on envelopes instead of using labels
* Use erasable white boards instead of sticky notes
* Use both sides of the paper when printing or making copies
* Review documents on screen before printing
* Switch to lightweight paper
* Remove out-of-date names from mailing lists
* Take the necessary steps to reduce unsolicited mail, such as unwanted catalogs and mailings
* Post announcements on bulletin boards or send via email
* Circulate memos, reports, documents etc. electronically rather printing paper copies
* Design mailers that don’t use envelopes (fold and staple the paper instead)
* Buy refillable printer ink and toner
* Buy fluorescent instead of incandescent bulbs
* Encourage employees to carpool or use public transportation by offering special commuter benefits
Ways to reuse
* Save paper that has been used on only one side and use the other side as draft paper for faxes, copiers, and notepads
* Save packing material you receive to reuse for future shipments
* Use old letterhead for internal documents
* Place a new label over outdated file folders and reuse
* Shred newspapers, magazines and old papers to use for packaging
* Encourage employees to bring their own reusable plates, cups, and silverware to the office. Idea: have mugs and lunch coolers printed with your logo to give to your employees. It’s a gift that keeps on giving - back to the Earth!
Taking the steps to become a more Earth-friendly work environment isn’t hard, but it does take a commitment on the part of the owners and the employees. You might even consider putting together a “Green Committee” of a few employees who continue to come up with new ideas for making new, and environmentally-friendly changes to the office. Also, having an anonymous “Office Green Tips” box will encourage all employees to make suggestions on how to improve things around the office. Other ideas might be to have an “employee tree planting day” or an “empty parking lot” day and reward those employees who participate.
Tags: Carrie Hinkel, environment, going green, recycling, reduce waste, saving money, tips
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Reduce Carbon - Source Locally
Monday, February 11th, 2008
One of the key points that governments worldwide are trying to get over to businesses of all sizes is to become greener. With pressure from consumer groups and health authorities, making sure everyone is as environmentally friendly as possible is big news for the political parties. It’s not just the big corporations either - everything from small one-person businesses to small-to-medium companies are being targeted. So how can you make sure you fall into line?
One of the best ways to do this is to source locally. This works on two levels as well - not only is it a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, it also enables you to support other local businesses. And the flip side to that is that they can then offer you their support, making it a win-win situation all around.
Because you’re cutting down on the amount of physical miles your products need to travel when you source locally, the vehicle emissions will obviously be a lot lower than traveling to a different state or county. And it’s not only you that will benefit from this - sourcing locally will also mean you don’t have suppliers adding even more carbon fumes to the atmosphere.
After all, although a supplier might not be classed as part of your company, you’re still indirectly involved in their pollution, since you’re the recipient of one of their deliveries. So what are the best ways to source locally?
There are many ways to help you source whatever you need locally, and you may actually be surprised by the ease in which you can do this. Some of the best ways include:
* Use your local directory. If you’re a business that needs specialized products or services, you may indeed need out-of-area help. However, there may be a local company that you’re unaware of that can provide you with what you need.
* Arrange or attend a local business network meeting. Again you might be surprised by what’s actually on offer in your community. And you’ll be getting your own name out there at the same time.
* Ask existing local suppliers if they can recommend anyone’s services.
There’s another good reason to source locally to help reduce your carbon footprint. Because the environment is obviously such a big political issue, parties are using it as voting power. Part of their promises is that they will come down strong on companies who don’t meet the required level of green awareness.
Therefore, if you don’t meet these requirements, you could find yourself with a large fine, or in the worst-case scenario, have your business license suspended until you come up to scratch. So now might be the right time to start seeing what’s in your local area supplier-wise - it could save you more than you think.
Tags: cutting costs, danny brown, going green, Product Sourcing, source, sourcing locally, suppliers
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Why Going Green Is Good For Business
Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
Q: What do you think of tapping into this green business trend? I am starting a business and think it makes sense to go green, but is it just a fad that I might regret?
Stuart
A: No, I don’t think it is a fad, and yes, I think it makes a lot of sense.
In fact, green business is an area of incredible opportunity and growth right now. (A green business, for our purposes, is a business that either sells environmentally-friendly products and/or that runs its business in an eco-friendly manner. These are also sometimes called sustainable businesses.)
Now it is true that the green market is currently a bit of a niche market, but what a niche it is! It is exactly the sort of market most small businesses yearn for: People willing to put their money where their values are. A recent study by the Natural Marketing Institute found that 23% of the U.S. adult population makes up the green market given they have a "profound sense of environmental and social responsibility." That’s 50 million people folks. No, there is no shortage of people who want to buy green.
That is certainly what Mitch Rofsky has found. Not only has he created a great sustainable business, but he did so going up against the giant in his industry - The Automobile Club, i.e., AAA.
Rykofsky is the President of the Betterworld Club, a green alternative to Triple A. While the Betterworld Club offers the same services as AAA (at a lower price) - 24/7 emergency roadside assistance and towing, flat tire and lockout service, jumpstarts, and so on - according to Rofsky, "our company is decidedly far more environmentally friendly and socially responsible than AAA":
* 1% of the Betterworld Club gross revenues go to environmental cleanup and advocacy
* They offer carbon offsets
* They offer roadside bicycle assistance
* If you own a hybrid car, your fees are discounted
* They offer discounts on eco-travel
* Domestic partners are recognized and treated as joint members
* They offer a lighthearted, useful e-newsletter containing consumer advice, environmental information, and member savings: "Kicking Asphalt "
As those great guys at car talk say, "Finally, an auto club with decent values." It’s no wonder then that the club has an 80% renewal rate and membership is soaring. Indeed, the Betterworld club is leading the pack for auto clubs in this green era.
When I spoke with Rofsky last week, asking him what it takes to create a successful green business, he was unequivocal in his enthusiasm for the business model. Not only is it a growing market, but for people under 30 he said, the environment is easily the preeminent issue. As such, "There is no doubt that in every marketplace there is room for socially responsible businesses" he said.
According to Rofsky, the key to creating a successful green business is to differentiate your business, and then let people know that you are different. That means
* Have a niche: Finding a way to express your passion for the environment in a business way can be both creative, and eventually lucrative.
* Advertising and marketing in the right places: "You have to advertise in places where people who see what you offer will want it." For the Betterworld Club, that means places like the Sierra Club magazine, Air America radio, and NPR’s Car Talk.
* Walk Your Talk: Rykofsky stresses that your business must reflect the values it espouses.
* Don’t forget it’s still a business: Your first job is to break even, and then make a profit. Offer competitive prices and exceptional customer service.
As the Betterworld Club has shown, one of the exciting things about this new green world we are all entering into is that you can do well by doing good.
Today’s Tip: Want to succeed in your advertising? Then stress "the benefit, the benefit, the benefit." So says Steve Lance and Jeff Woll in The Little Blue Book of Advertising . "There’s just no way you can consistently and successfully sell without telling the customer what valued benefit she’ll be receiving if she buys your service or product."
Steven D. Strauss is one of the world’s leading small business experts. His latest book is the Small Business Bible . A lawyer, author, and public speaker, Steve has spoken around the world about entrepreneurship, including at the United Nations, and he has been on CNN, CNBC, MSNBC, The O’Reilly Factor, and many other television and radio shows. If you would like Steve to speak to your group, help your business grow, or if you would like to sign up for his free newsletter, "Small Business Success Secrets!" please visit his website - www.MrAllBiz.com .
Tags: advice, business trends, going green, Growing Your Business, MrAllBiz.com, small business bible, small business expert, Starting a Business, Steve Strauss
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Going Green to Make More Green
Tuesday, October 16th, 2007
A lot of attention is being paid today to the amount of energy individual businesses expend. The worldwide focus on global warming means that everyone is more aware of their ecological footprints than ever before. This focus extends to individuals and even to government, and the ramifications of going green can be felt at all levels of business, including small ones.
In fact, going green may help you to increase your bottom line in several different ways. First of all, basic “green” steps will also cut down on overhead expenditures in many ways. New government measures and incentives may also mean that your business benefits from using less energy and other natural resources.
Finally, customers may be more willing to purchase or use the services of a company who can proudly and truthfully claim that they have taken steps to reduce their carbon footprint.
Here are some ways in which you can go green - and make more green in the deal!
1) Watch your energy costs. This is probably the most important cost and carbon reducing measure that your business can take. Heating and cooling your place of business is guaranteed to carve a good sum of money out of the profits, and there are several things that you can do to cut these utilities down.
First, make sure that all windows and doorways are sealed; air leaks can cause a lot of lost cool air in the summer and a great way to let cold air in the winter. One good way to decrease your heating bill is to locate operations in a place with a lot of windows, which will increase the heat rays from the sun; but this can be a big disadvantage when the warm months come rolling around
2) Pay attention to your lights. Lights should never be left on in a room where no one is. If you have a larger office, you can try using motion sensitive lights in the washrooms, which flick on when someone is in the room. Make sure you and your employees always turn off lights whenever you leave a room. You should also make sure to replace all those inefficient incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent ones.
3) Reuse. There are a lot of different ways you can avoid sending old materials to the dump, and to use recycled materials as well to save trees from being cut down. Buy photocopy paper that has already been recycled, and reuse paper where you can (if you printed or copied something by mistake, for instance, don’t throw it away - use it for scratch paper). Also, don’t throw out old ink and toner cartridges - instead, have them refilled as much as is possible.
You should also attempt as much as possible to go paperless and store your records electronically (with backups of course!) and use email as your chief form of communication.
4) Drive less. Most of us need to drive for our small businesses, and you can cut down on your carbon emissions by timing your meetings so that you have fewer “driving hours”.
As you can probably tell, almost all of these green steps are easy to take and will result directly in lowered costs for your business. That’s one of the great things about the green movement; whether or not you believe the global warming predictions, the steps taken to reduce emissions will certainly save your small business a lot of money at the end of the year.
Tags: Accounting, advice, cost cutting, cutting costs, Finance, Finance and Accounting, going green, Leeia Ladipoh, saving money
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