Green to Save Green Tips 11 – 15

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 11 – 15, based on green office products that are less expensive than their counterparts or save you money in the long run. 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 #11: Get a staple-less stapler. I’ve posted about this great product here. This “stapler” folds the paper instead of using the metal staples. At less than $7 each, they are already pretty cheap, but over time, you’ll also save money because you won’t have to purchase staples. You can purchase one here.

Tip #12: Switch to CFL bulbs. You can purchase CFL bulbs for less than $20 for a pack of 12. I’m aware that this is more expensive than regular light bulbs, but they’ll save you a ton of money on your energy bill, plus last a lot longer. They’ll pay for themselves in about five months. Read more or purchase bulbs here.

Tip #13: Trade in your lawn mower for a self-powered push mower. If you have a small patch of grass to mow, having a clunky mower is expensive. The mower itself costs a lot, and you also have to buy gas. Instead, trade that in for a self-powered push mower. You can check out the following models:

• Scotts 20-Inch Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower #2000-20
• Scotts 18-Inch Deluxe Push Reel Lawn Mower #815-18S
• American Lawn Mower Company 18-Inch Reel Mower #1815-18

Tip #14: Get rid of the Styrofoam coffee cups. It isn’t hard to round up some mugs to use instead. Just ask the people in your office – most people have more than a few extra mugs they can bring in. Make everyone in charge of rinsing out and washing their mug at the end of the day.

Tip #15: Buy recycled desk pads. Desk pads are great for protect the wood of your desk and jotting down notes. You can purchase recycled paper versions at The Green Office starting at around $7. That’s really around the same prices as a regular paper pad.

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!