Consumers are increasingly seeking out green companies that offer eco-friendly products and services. Although many companies have been urging government officials to invest in sustainable products for more than 30 years, it has taken just as long for other companies to change their production and suppliers to help the environment as well as their customers.
In a recent survey conducted by Landor Associates, consumers’ interest in eco-friendly brands and sustainable products has reached a new level of awareness. Consumers will now pay more money and go out of their way to support green eco friendly products and services.
Retail stores who support green living and provide eco-friendly products.
- Whole Foods Market sells natural and organic foods.
- Home Depot sells Energy Star appliances, CFL lightbulbs and much more.
- Trader Joe’s sells natural, organic and fair trade food products.
Manufacturers who have changed their production lines and also how they distribute their products include Clorox, Interface Inc., an Atlanta-based carpet-tile manufacturing company, and many others who have either been pressured through government regulations or genuinely want to help the environment.
Not only are manufacturers and retailers changing to become more eco-friendly, but also home-based businesses have found by installing energy-saving lights, air-conditioning, and appliances they are saving on their utility bills. Such businesses can save as much as 30 percent says Energy Star, a government program that helps companies and people save energy.
While you may not think that one energy-efficient CFL lightbulb makes that much difference, over time it can. Think of it in this manner: if you buy a set of 4 incandescent light bulbs every 4 months for about 4 bucks, you are spending twelve dollars a year; however, if you buy 2 CFL bulbs for four dollars and they last you two years (backed with a guarantee), you just saved six dollars. In additon to the cost of the bulbs, you are also saving on the energy used to power those bulbs because they take less watts to produce the same amount of light. If every business owner saved six dollars a year on bulbs and saved on their energy costs, maybe electric suppliers wouldn’t charge so much, and we would find less dependence on them.
Your business can plan for the future by making small changes over time. Furthermore, if you start now you can further promote yourself by advertising your green profile, which will attract more customers to your place of business and ask for your green eco-friendly services before your competitors do.
4 Ways to reduce your carbon footprint whether you work from home or from an office:
- Reduce excessive printed memos, invoices, newsletters and contracts by switching to electronic communications. Use such applications as Google Documents, Microsoft Outlook or Adobe PDF to send to your clients and employees. If you need to send out a monthly newsletter consider an eMail marketing service such as Constant Contact, which is still colorful and can be designed with your company’s logo.Use paper only when clients request it.
- Opt out of paper bank statements and opt in for online banking, bill payment, and statements. You can print only what you need and many banks keep statements online for six months or more.
- Program your themostat to lower the temperature during times when no one occupies your home or office. You’ll not only save on your utility bill, but also decrease overall need for coal or gas.
- Put timers on lights and any other electric equipment that is not used frequently to cut electricity costs.
And finally to promote your eco friendly products and services, list your green business on Fair Green Trade. Options are availabe to suit your budget. Fair Green Trade, an eco friendly green directory has a reputation for promoting green businesses and their services with much success.
Tags: eco friendly products, fair green trade, Green Business Directory, green companies
