Green to Save Green Tips 1 – 10
June 6, 2008 by Allison Boyer
Filed under Business
You don’t need to sacrifice profits to go green with your small business. In fact, going green might save your business some money! In this Green to Save Green series, I’m challenging readers to make 101 environmental changes over the next 1001 days.
Here are Tips 1 – 10, all based on transportation. For the rest of your challenge tips, head to this post. If you’re making any (or all!) of these changes with your small business, let me know by leaving a comment!
Tip #1: Carpool! I’ve talked about carpooling before, and I know, it isn’t possible for everyone. However, you should at least try to find a carpool, even if it means riding with people from other offices and going a bit out of your way once or twice a week. You can find carpooling resources here. Remember, you’ll save a ton of money on gas.
Tip #2: Invest in gas-efficient company cars. They might cost a bit more off the bat, but remember, company vehicles are deductible on your taxes. You’ll save money on gas, but more importantly, gas-efficient cars are better for the environment. GreenCars.org is a great resource for reading about hybrids and other gas-efficient vehicles. Keep in mind that hybrids might not best a way to save money new, but there are beginning to be a ton of used hybrids on the market for sale.
Tip #3: Transfer offices if possible. If you don’t work at the location closest to home, ask to transfer. This isn’t something everyone can do, but you can at least make it known that you’re interested in working closer to home. If you’re on the market for a new house or apartment, keep your commute in mind. The closer you live to your place of work, the better – you’ll save money on gas.
Tip #4: Stay late instead of coming in on Saturdays. If you have to work overtime, do it by staying at the office when you’re already there. That way you’re not wasting gas going into work another time (and you’ll thank yourself come Saturday!).
Tip #5: Stop for groceries on your way home for work. Over lunch break, write your grocery list and head to the store when you leave work. Combining trips to the store, post office, etc. is always a good idea.
Tip #6: Make sure your tires are inflated. Check your car’s manual and about every three months, make sure that the tires on your car are inflated properly. You’ll get much better gas mileage.
Tip #7: Leave for work an hour early so you can also go home and hour early. That way, you’ll avoid rush hour. Stop and go driving is not just hard on your car – it increases emissions. It doesn’t cost any money to leave an hour earlier!
Tip #8: Park your car in a company garage or use a sun shield. That way, your car won’t heat up while you’re at work so you can open windows on the ride home instead of resorting to air conditioning. You can buy sun shields here. They are super cheap, so you can’t complain about wasting money here.
Tip #9: Check out work at home options with your company. Sometimes, you might be able to work remotely, at least one or two days per week. This might include investing in a laptop or rearranging your daily tasks, but working at home means you can avoid driving to work altogether. Here are some tips for convincing your boss to let you telecommute.
Tip #10: Invest in a GPS. No, I’m not suggesting that you’re going to get lost going to work, but if you see traffic ahead, a GPS unit can help you get around traffic. Cars are much more efficient when traveling 50-60 mph than 15 – 30 mph. In fact, according to MSNBC, cars put out THREE TIMES more hydrocarbons at 15 mph than at 50 mph. That means that even if you take a route that is twice as long, it is more efficient if can travel 50 mph rather than 15 mph. A GPS unit can help you find your way. Here are some great GPS options that won’t totally break the bank:
Come back tomorrow for a continuation of this list, or head to this post to read more! Don’t forget to leave a comment if you’re implementing any of these changes in your own life!
