There are many simple things that small businesses can do to be more green.
Use recycled paper and make sure you and your employees practice good recycling practices. Reuse printer paper for notes, donate used paper for kids projects, Use duplex printing, two sided printing when you have to print. Use the preview or draft setting on your printer to save on ink.
Recycling old tech, make sure that you remove your hard drive from your old laptops and computers before recycling them. You do not want customer data to get in the wrong hands.
Use online services like SharePoint, Google Docs or Sky Drive instead of passing paper projects around the office. Online or shared collaboration is easier and way greener and more secure than everyone printing documents each time a change is made.
Buy Energy Star appliances and equipment. Turn off monitors when you leave your desk and turn off your pc when you leave for the night. Turn off printers when not in use. Use power strips that you can turn off your desk electronics at night, Even if you turn your pc off it will still leach power if it is plugged in, using the power strip to turn it off will use less energy and will not cause your PC to wear out sooner.
Replace florescence or turn off overhead lights, by adding small desk lights or day light lamps on desks you can save money and reduce electric costs. Free light, keeping blinds open or taking advantage of the sun for a light source is the best.
Dump the old fax machine and switch to efax services and go paperless. This sounds tough but keeping everything stored electronically means safer file keeping and a traceable paper trail. Off site storage means that if a disaster hits your business your paper files are gone but you have everything stored offsite and safe.
Dial or look up, don’t drive. check with suppliers on the phone or via email instead of driving to the suppliers to see if they have something you need.
Buy office supplies and office furniture in bulk and all from the same place. Cuts down on carbon footprint and less shipping cost for you.
Work from home one day a week, keeping everything powered off at the office is a great way to reduce your electric bill and save on energy. Many small offices are now doing 4 10 hour days, if you are going to be there any way, work 4 10 hour days and close the office for three days, saving power and having a three day weekend is great. One small business office interviewed saved over 1200 dollars a year by switching to 4 day work week.
Office carpooling or ride sharing when you can. Public transport discount for your employees, saves parking spots for customers as well.
Use washable cups, plates and glasses in the office.
Better control of cooling and heating in the office, no tie policy in summer so the building does not have to be cooled as much.