… From Biz2Biz NWA, April 2010
Going Green for Small Business
By Michelle Stockman / Arkansas Capital Corp / Fayetteville
Green is the new black, and greening up your business is not a “new age” concept anymore. The wave of corporate environmental responsibility has become a mainstream concept as technologies improve, and the reality of limited natural resources scream at us each time we pass a gas pump. What does “green” mean for small businesses?
The Green Plus Institute for Sustainable Development created the first business certification program available to any Arkansas business through the Rogers-Lowell Chamber of Commerce. According to the Institute, sustainability requirements are a growing trend in private and public sectors.
Federal, state, and local governments have long played a regulatory role in environmental and employee management issues. In July 2009, the United States’ largest employer, Wal-Mart, asked all its suppliers to complete a sustainability questionnaire that will become the basis of a rating system to be published on all products. Other private sector companies are following suit. There is significant evidence that a company’s commitment to sustainable business practices is an important factor in consumer purchasing decisions. Sustainable practices also save money and increase employee satisfaction.
From recycling paper in the office to finding new uses for scrap raw materials from the production floor, greening up the work place also includes utilizing energy efficient equipment, machines and lights. Additionally, a company can further its sustainable measures by purchasing materials from other companies seeking the same sustainable goals, purchasing recycled materials and using printers that utilize “green” printing practices.
If focusing your company on green practices seems daunting, start small. Everyone can recycle, so encourage employees to recycle their papers, cans and bottles as a good first step. Ensure that your waste management service actually takes your recyclables to a recycle center. Change light bulbs in the office or plant to be energy efficient, and make sure that computers, monitors, copiers or production equipment is shut off when the business is closed.
Likewise, if you are an entrepreneurial business engaged in producing or selling a product focused on the sustainable market, the Green Valley Network is a great group to join. GVN is a nonprofit coalition that fosters collaboration and commercialization of sustainable technology, and offers a wide variety of supportive resources tailored to “green” issues.
While going green should not leave you seeing red, taking responsible steps helps our globe house another generation. Like being a good neighbor, being a good corporate citizen is equally important to your business success.
Michelle Stockman works with Little Rock-based Arkansas Capital Corp. to promote entrepreneurship development in Northwest Arkansas and around the state. She successfully implemented the first statewide entrepreneurship development system in North Carolina, and has opened Arkansas’ first community entrepreneurship center. She writes a column for Biz2Biz Northwest Arkansas. Email Michelle at mstockman@arcapital.com.
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