Greening your Vendor List

When going green with your business, you definitely need to start at home by changing your manufacturing processes, choosing cleaner energy, and using green materials. Keep in mind, though, that you are only as green as the people you work with.

Take a look at your vendor list – the people selling you your materials, promoting your business, and otherwise selling you products and services your business needs. How green are these companies? In some cases, you might be able to find greener vendors.

At the same time, keep in mind that you don’t want to burn bridges by suddenly refusing to work with certain vendors who have been loyal to you over the years. I suggest contacting the managers or owners personally and explaining your situation – you want greener options. Reduce your business with them slowly, perhaps by 50% upfront and then move the rest of your business to another greener vendor over the next year.

Don’t always assume that a business isn’t green just because they aren’t advertising the fact. Some small businesses go out of their way to be green whenever possible, so do your research before changing up your vendor list!