Green to Save Green Tips 16 – 25

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 16 – 25, all related to saving energy. 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 #16: Take the stairs. Sure it doesn’t save you thousands of dollars, but it does save a little money and it definitely is better for your health. Read more here.

Tip #17: Unplug your office at the end of the day. Even when your computer and printer is turned off, energy is being sucked from the outlet. Stop feeding this phantom. Unplug everything when you leave or pick up an Energy Saving Smart Strip. You’ll save money on your energy bill, so the purchase will pay for itself over time.

Tip #18: Talk to your energy company about renewable options. In many cases, you can simply voice your preference and be switched to renewable energy for free.

Tip #19: Shop around for the best energy policies. Chances are that there is more than one energy company in your area. Read up on the companies and support the ones that are making the best efforts to go green.

Tip #20: Open your windows and turn off the lights. We keep the lights on all day, but often, just opening the blinds gives you enough light. That saves money for NOTHING.

Tip #21: Replace your heating system. Yes, this is a major expense, but if you have the money for it, updating your furnace can significantly clean up your energy usage. Over time, you will make up the cost.

Tip #22: Switch off your screen saver. Instead, have your computer automatically switch to “sleep.” Screen savers waste energy.

Tip #23: Next time you update your computer, get a laptop. If you have to buy a new computer anyway, you might as well purchase a more energy-efficient option. Laptops use less energy (and make it possible to work from home).

Tip #24: Look for electronics with the Energy Star label. Usually, you can find products of equal prices.

Tip #25: Only charge your cell phone for the time you need to charge it. In other words, don’t leave it plugged in all day while you work. Even when it is fully charged, it will still suck energy.

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!