Eco-Office Gals provides small businesses with the tools to grow green. Green Virtual Assistant services & eco-office supply alternatives make greening your business effortless.
Since I started creating Word Press themes I have come across a common issue… Internet Explorer. Yah, the big “e” of Microsoft. Now I’m not some techie geek that can tell you why internet explorer fails in so many ways, but it does. What’s my issue? I can create a theme that a client just loves… until they open it in IE! Then it’s crap not the masterpiece I created in FireFox! The colors are off, the CSS is off, it’s just not the same. My own site doesn’t look so hot in IE & it was coded by someone with skills way beyond my current capabilities!
So, when I was followed by Primal Media on Twitter and checked out their site, I was so happy to find this…
Internet Explorer (IE) has long been the worst offender, refusing to comply with web standards. So websites that would look almost identical in Firefox and Safari could look almost unintelligable in IE.
The declining market share of Internet Explorer is very good news. The trend towards more standards-compliant browsers like Firefox and Safari should mean less headaches for us web designers in the future.
So, what’s the answer to this issue? Use FireFox! Luckily 58.6% of my current readers already do, but 30.1% of you have yet to come hang with the cool kids! What are you waiting for? For more information read Spreading Firefox, One User at a Time.
BTW, Firefox didn’t come to little ol’ me and ask me to plug them. This is my blog & my opinion!
In today’s era of escalating energy costs and climate change, energy efficiency is the most important aspect of greening your business. You can reap immediate savings by lowering your overall energy use and doing so will automatically reduce your business’s carbon emission footprint. You can also save money in the areas of waste reduction, equipment use, transportation, and building design. Here are 21 green business tips that you can institute quickly and easily in your own business:
1. Set a company policy to shut off all lights, machinery, and equipment when not in use, particularly on nights and weekends. Much equipment is idle and unused for up to 90 percent of its life. Simple inexpensive timer devices can be used to accomplish this task easily.
2. Install low-cost energy monitors that can provide an accurate display of the cost and energy use of individual equipment. Research shows that this step alone can lead to energy savings of up to 40 percent. See, for example, www.powermeterstore.com.
3. Consider using energy-efficient power strips or surge protectors. The latest versions can be found with remote control shut-offs, main shut-offs that can power down peripheral equipment, and motion-detecting shut-offs.
4. Lighting can often account for up to 40 percent of energy costs for many businesses. Install motion-sensor and/or automatic dimming switches for all lighting to be certain that you are not inefficiently lighting areas when no one is present.
5. A very cost-effective upgrade is to replace all of your incandescent lighting with new compact fluorescent bulbs. Your older 1.5″ diameter fluorescent tube lighting should also be replaced with newer 1″ tubes and solid-state electronic ballasts.
6. Install programmable thermostats to automate your HVAC system and to significantly scale back your heating and cooling when your business is not in operation. About 6 months of energy savings generally pay the installation and cost of these units, an excellent return on your investment.
7. Use fans in your business. Comfort is a function of temperature, humidity, and air movement. Thermostat settings of 3 to 5 degrees higher can feel as comfortable with fans.
8. Upgrade the energy efficiency of your older equipment. Modern equipment is much more energy efficient, often with less than half the energy use of older equipment. High-efficiency upgrades for motors and drives for equipment, air compressors, lighting, and other energy-consuming equipment generally have rapid payback periods, often less than one year.
9. Always buy Energy Star qualified products for your business. The Energy Star label indicates the most efficient light bulbs, computers, printers, copiers, refrigerators, televisions, windows, thermostats, ceiling fans, and other appliances and equipment.
10. Travel and transportation costs have been rising rapidly as fuel costs increase. Efficiency in transportation is often an effective way to lower your energy costs. If your business has company-owned cars or a fleet of vehicles, consider purchasing vehicles that are hybrid whenever possible. Check www.hybridcenter.org for the latest information on hybrid vehicles.
11. If your company ships products or is a truck or rail company that delivers these products, look into the EPA SmartWay Transport Partnership. This is an innovative collaboration between EPA and the freight industry to increase energy efficiency while significantly reducing greenhouse gases and air pollution. Hundreds of businesses are benefitting from this partnership. See www.epa.gov/smartway.
12. Develop a company-wide policy to eliminate unnecessary idling of truck engines. One way is by installing auxiliary power units that will heat or cool the truck when stopped, allowing the main engine to be shut down. Wal-Mart installed auxiliary power units on its 6,845 semi tractors and saved $22 million in 16 months.
13. Many areas in the U.S. are facing rising water and sewer costs. Better water efficiency can be attained with relatively simple and low-cost steps. For example, check your facility carefully for any water leaks. If feasible, shut off all water-using outlets and monitor your water meter. If meter is showing water input, you have leaks in your system. Locate and repair any such leaks.
14. Eliminate unnecessary wash-downs or cleaning. Install pressure reducing valves if necessary to reduce high water pressure. This can reduce water use when high-pressure water is unnecessary for a particular use.
15. Install low-flow showers, faucets, toilets, urinals, hose valves, etc. (Zero-water urinals, 1 gpf toilets, and .5 gmp faucets are all readily available. See, for example: www.zeroflush.com). Use Energy Star certified equipment whenever possible to insure the highest efficiency.
16. Computers and their peripherals consume a surprising amount of power. Consider using laptops as desktop computers. Laptops are far more energy efficient and can consume up to 80 percent less energy than equivalent desktops. Inkjet printers use 75 percent to 90 percent less energy than laser printers.
17. Turn your computers off when they are not needed. It does not harm modern computers to be turned on and off repeatedly. Enable power management modes on your computer. These features allow computers to go into lower-energy modes after a certain amount of time. Sleep modes can save up to 90 percent of the energy consumed.
18. Any waste that your company generates is an unnecessary cost. Waste is simply inefficient. Examine all waste generated by your business and look for ways any current waste products can be reused on-site or by other businesses,eliminated or radically reduced. Brainstorm with the employees who are involved in the generation of the waste for fresh ideas. Look for ways to alter your waste generation so that the waste produced can be reused.
19. You can incorporate green business practices into your supply chain by incorporating green specifications into bid or quote requirements where appropriate. For example, you can specify that products contain no hazardous chemicals, that they do contain post-consumer recycled content, or that all plastic components are not painted or varnished, or that all electronics equipment be Energy Star certified.
20. Your business facility itself can be a source of excellent energy savings. Plug all leaks in your building’s outer shell with weather stripping or caulking. Use expandable foam to fill any gaps. If you will be remodeling or building a new facility, check the LEED standards for the latest efficiency techniques. See the U.S. Green Building Council website, www.usgbc.org, for more information.
21. Consider developing a comprehensive green business plan for your business that encompasses energy and water efficiency, waste reduction, transportation, computing and equipment efficiency, building design, and the design and actual operation of your business. Energy savings of 30 percent are easy and cost-effective to achieve and can reach up to 75 percent with a diligent effort.
These tips have been excerpted from “Greening Your Business: The Hands-On Guide to Creating a Successful and Sustainable Business”, by Daniel Sitarz, published by EarthPress. This guide includes a CD with dozens of worksheets, spreadsheet programs, and additional information and is available for $29.95. Please see www.GreeningYourBusiness.org for additional information.
I recently had the opportunity to get together (virtually) with Sara, from 90210 Organics, to check out her site and try one of her products.
90210 Organics was started by two California moms who are passionate about living naturally and who want to share that passion with the world.
Jennifer and Sarah love natural, organic products for themselves and their families so they decided to open a store that reflects that love. 90210 Organics brings everyone looking for high quality organic fashion, natural and organic baby products, and beautiful handmade accessories to one place.
90210 Organic carries a huge selection of items ranging from baby items, pet items, bath & body and the list goes on. Additionally, they offer Natural Living Consultations to jump start you and your family on a more natural lifestyle. They are an online-only store, and in my opinion, their site design is very nicely done, beautiful colors and easy to navigate.
Since I am a green business oriented company, I picked the Sustainable Threads Journal. I will start with the description provided on their site:
These handcrafted journals by Sustainable Threads are made with Re-cycled, Handmade and Tree-free Paper.
This earth friendly paper is made using 100% Cotton Hosiery Waste - the scrap fabrics, left from making cotton t-shirts - is re-cycled into beautiful, soft fabric paper.
The paper is Processed Chlorine Free (PCF).
The prints are made using AZO-free (eco-friendly) dyes.
In addition, these ‘Creative Solutions’ are crafted by rural / low income artisans, who are gainfully employed in this enterprise in India .
Beautiful to look at and socially conscious in its nature are unique features of this collection.
I personally picked the green w/ white polka dots journal. First thing I noticed when I recieved my very timely package was the smell. The journal smells like leather, or new money maybe. Maybe it’s a cotton paper smell, but whatever it is I love it. The cream colored “paper” has gold flecks and handmade texture to it. I have been using the journal to take my notes when I am on the phone with my clients and I have really enjoyed this little workbook!
90210 Organic is a great site to browse and find unique, eco-minded gifts for your friends and family. No same-ol same ol at this special boutique!
The gals at 90210 Organics have also extended an offer of one of these Sustainable Threads Journals to one of the Eco-Office Gals readers! So, take this opportunity to go check out 90210 Organics site and find a wish list item. Come back here and comment on your favorite product for an entry! Tweet or blog about the giveaway for additional entries. If you haven’t signed up for my feed yet, go do so for another entry. I will pick a random winner on Wednesday, November 19th. Good Luck!
As I was getting my daily dose of Twittering this evening, I saw a tweet addressed to me… I’ve been tagged. I had seen this before on Twitter, but never thought twice about what it was, so i clicked the link to check it out.
So, here it is.. the rules to the game of ’social networking’ tag.
Link your original tagger(s), and list these rules on your blog.
Share 7 facts about yourself in the post - some random, some weird.
Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names and the links to their blogs.
Let them know they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment on their blogs and/or Twitter
Ok there you go, 7 blogs and tweet people you may or may not know, but I hope you’ll check them out and meet someone new! If I tagged ya, hope you’ll go with the flow and show some link love!
The Hands-On Guide to Creating a Successful and Sustainable Business
This book is based on four simple premises. First, human civilization faces an array of profound environmental problems that have already begun to negatively affect the foundations of life on this planet-with human-induced climate change at the very top of the list.
Second, business, in all its forms, is the only force on earth with enough reach, clout, personnel, and assets to confront and correct the most serious environmental problems that face humanity.
Third, every single business in the world has both the ability and the opportunity to thrive and prosper by becoming more sustainable in every phase of its operations and, in doing so, become part of the solution to these critical problems.
And finally, though creating a “green” and sustainable business can be an immensely complex task, the basic steps to doing so can be made both straightforward and understandable to any business owner.
This final premise is the task of this book: to provide owners of any business-from the tiny one-person proprietorship to the largest of corporations-a clear and comprehensive road map to creating a business that is part of the solution to our shared environmental, social, and economic problems.
Part One of this book provides a background on the need for greener business practices and the myriad benefits to greening your own business. An overview of the various theoretical approaches to developing sustainable businesses and a quick look at some green business tools are also presented.
The step-by-step method outlined in Part Two of this book provides a blueprint with which business owners may assess their own company’s operations and prepare a comprehensive environmental plan for taking their business green. Every element of a business’s impact on the environment will be examined-energy and water use, waste generation, transportation, computing and office equipment, supply chains and purchasing, building practices, and product and service design. Most importantly, the real-world steps that will need to be taken are presented in a clear, concise, and straightforward manner.
Definition break: When this book refers to “greening” a business, it is a reference to the continual process of moving towards an elusive goal-a business that produces no waste, is adaptable to innovation, uses the minimum of energy, matter, and the least toxic materials, and uses those materials in such a way that they may be easily reused or disposed of with no harm to the environment-a sustainable business.
Although this book can be used by businesses of any size, it is primarily intended for smaller and medium-sized businesses. Many, but by no means all, large corporations are already confronting many of the issues that are considered in this book. Naturally, large corporations have far more assets and personnel to address these issues and many have already adopted many of the practices and policies that are outlined. Additionally, nearly all of the available books regarding green business practices are geared toward the senior management of very large, even multinational, firms. These materials have fostered a dramatic move among these large corporations toward a more sustainable ecological footprint. In many respects, a few of the world’s largest corporations are leading the way toward the greening of business, in particular, Interface Inc., led by its visionary CEO, Ray Anderson.
However, for medium and small businesses-which comprise 90 percent of the businesses in the world and represent more than 60 percent of all global economic activity-there has been little practical guidance available on the basic steps and systematic process involved in greening a business. In the U.S. alone, according to the Bureau of the Census, fully 5.4 million of the 6 million businesses now operating have 20 or fewer employees. In fact, an enormous 60 percent of all of the businesses in America-nearly 3.7 million in all-have fewer than 5 employees. For smaller businesses, both the choice-and the action necessary-to create a successful and sustainable business may be in the hands of a single person. Many small and medium-sized business have already taken great strides toward minimizing their impact on the natural world. Whatever the size of your business and whatever steps you may have already taken, there are many more opportunities awaiting as you begin the journey to a greener and more sustainable business.
To assist you as you begin this journey, many questionnaires, worksheets, and guidelines are provided that are designed to help business owners in the rewarding process of greening their businesses. Many of these aids, as well as other valuable resources, are provided in Appendices A and B and on the CD that accompanies this book. The many ideas, concepts, facts, and statistics noted in this guide can all be found, and further explored, in the publications listed in the bibliography or in the resources noted in Appendix B.
It is the deep desire of those who worked on this project that this guide help to show the way for businesses to save money, save energy, save resources, and maybe-just maybe-save the world.
“Pollution is waste, waste represents inefficiency and inefficiency is simply not profitable” In this simple quote Jeffrey Hollander of Seventh Generation asserts what environmental advocates have been telling us for years: sustainability and profit are not mutually exclusive.Indeed, they go hand in hand.
A leaner, more efficient business not only conserves resources but also operates smoother, faster and smarter.This inevitably translates into savings which can be directly applied to the bottom line-not to mention potential marketing and media coverage opportunities thus generated.But the business case for Going Green is much farther reaching than just direct financial improvements.Businesses who have successfully implemented environmentally-friendly measures site various benefits including: increased employee retention, a stronger client base, greater productivity, liability protection, stakeholder communication, strategic management and internal communication, worker health and safety, stronger public image (if marketed responsibly) and, depending on the scope of the program, a measure of preparedness in a climate of evolving environmental regulation.
So, in light of the many benefits of adopting eco-friendly strategies, why aren’t more businesses Going Green?While this may not be a simple one-answer question, one common misconception may trump all others; the notion that eco-friendly invariably equals prohibitively expensive.What many businesses don’t realize is that hefty capitol investments are not synonymous with Going Green; simply creating an Environmental Management System, effectively using resources and trimming the fat can drastically reduce your ecological footprint without costing a penny (YGR’s Guide to Creating an EMS can be found below).The key is figuring out where your business currently stands, where it hopes to end up and then addressing those gaps.For us at YourGreenReview.com, this is exactly where the road to sustainability began.
First we identified our environmental ‘hot spots’ then customized a plan to reduce waste and conserve resources according to our own unique needs, ecological footprints and budget.Since fist taking this step, YGR has introduced a number of conservation measures including: on-site composting and recycling; making our own surface cleaners; power down, unplug and print-only-when-necessary policies; a purchase-used policy for furniture and appropriate appliances; avoiding single-use/individually packaged products (including water bottles); employing water/waste and energy conservation measures etc.Each of these efforts has resulted in cost savings while requiring little or no capitol investment.Down the line those savings we will fund our more ambitious Green upgrades and investments.
It may sound like a daunting undertaking but we, like many other businesses, have discovered that ‘Green’ represents a unique opportunity for innovative business strategies and creative license.From experimenting with alternative in-house paper recycling to creatively reusing non-recyclable plastic containers, we have implemented (and sometimes scrapped) new energy, waste and water conservation measures. Even large corporations like Sun Microsystems and Seventh Generation are finding that in this relatively new and constantly evolving niche, there is endless room for conservation innovation.Small to midsize companies can seize this opportunity to become trail blazers and gain a competitive edge by ‘doing good’.
As always, transparency and accountability are key to any Green marketing strategy.This is one lesson we ought never to forget lest we join the ever growing pool of Greenwash-labeled companies who have learned the hard way that customers do their research and walking the talk is not an optional commitment-it’s an absolute necessity.
*For more information on how to Green your business including guides, tips, links and articles visit YGR’s Green Business section here (http://yourgreenreview.com/category/green-business/).Keep checking back as we are constantly adding more!
Rae Lynn Glispin of Kidz Comfort won the first “You’re the Balm” Giveaway from Cactus & Ivy and I got some wonderful feedback from her! Part of my mission at Eco-Office Gals is to support small businesses growing green. The relaunch was a great opportunity to spotlight green businesses and hopefully introduce my readers to some great companies. If you won any of the prizes from the Eco-Office Gals Relaunch and would like to give us your own review of your giveaway please contact me!
I am so psyched that I won this giveaway! After trying all three products, I am hooked!
First of all, I am a already a self-proclaimed lip balm addict. Now that I’ve tried the Lip Service Lip Balm from Cactus & Ivy, I cannot go back to the “old” lip balm any longer. I always thought my old lip balm was so great, but Lip Service feels so much better, less waxy and so much more softening.
Along with that I also won the Cactus & Ivy Peppermint Tree Foot Balm and the Butter Me Up Body Balm. WOW! The Foot Balm is so soothing. What a great way to drift off to sleep at night, with this soothing peppermint foot balm under your socks. I love it!
The Butter Me Up Body Balm was even more surprising. I could not imagine how this body balm could be better than the lotions that I use. Boy did it blow them all away. It’s getting very cold here in New England, and I have a bad habit of taking very hot showers in the morning to warm up. That dries my skin out so badly that I then usually load up on body lotions. They just don’t last though. I have to reapply and reapply throughout the day. Not with this body balm. I put it on in the morning under my pants and my legs stay so soft and moisturized ALL DAY LONG. No need to reapply at all. I am fascinated and hooked.
Thanks so much for the great products! I LOVE THEM!
There is so much to be thankful for so far this month and I would like to take this post to send out some official “Thank You” shout outs!
First, thank you for voting in this incredible election! Regardless as as to whether the election swayed in your favor or not you made a difference by voting!
Next, to all those that donated to the Eco-Office Gals Relaunch, it wouldn’t have happened without you, please take a moment to visit these wonderful companies:
Finally, thank you to all those that have been trusting me with their WordPress blogs. I have been designing several new cutom WP themes around the blogoshpere. Hope you’ll take a moment to check them out, let me know what you think of them and contact Eco-Office Gals if you would be interested in one of your own!
You’ve heard it all; the commercials, the news, the debates, late night & SNL. We all have our opinions and we all know what they say about opinions. All that said, here’s the reality: If you don’t get out there and vote your opionion… it doesn’t count! Don’t assume your canidate has the landslide or the other canidate doesn’t stand a chance, you’re vote counts! Be heard! ‘Nuff said! Jen - Eco-Office Gals
The Eco-Office Gals relaunch has come to end, save a few loose ends and official “Thank You” post coming during the week. Thank you everyone for joining in all the fun and a huge welcome to all the new readers!
Meanwhile, it’s Monday morning and already not chalking up to a great one when you realize you have to wash the paper coffee filter since you never made it to the store over the weekend! Ugh! Guess that’s one way to reuse, huh? I need to get one of those gold baskets and stop using paper filters, I know! Saving paper… how nicely I accidentally walked into the topic of today’s blog!
EcoBrain is an online digital download store, dedicated to educating people about environmental living options while affording them the opportunity to purchase materials digitally in an effort to radically reduce the impact on the environment. Because eBooks are paper-free, easily storable and transferable electronic files, they give book readers the option of reading on the computer screen, a hand-held device, or printing off only the pages they deem necessary (preferably on recycled paper.) Additionally, because EcoBrain eBooks are delivered and produced electronically, very little energy is used in their creation and no fuel is used in their delivery.
Mission Statement - EcoBrain’s mission is to be the largest provider of educational material about green living and the environment. They offer quality material that is fairly priced, respects the earth and helps to educate their customers about living a greener life. They are committed to excellent customer service, sustainable business practices, heightening global awareness on green issues, and providing a marketplace that rewards authors and publishers who create green education materials. We believe that each of us can make a difference.
EcoBrain offers a free download every two weeks. I went ahead and downloaded the freebie this morning John James Audubon: A Great Appreciation of Nature Unit Study. No, I did not read it (come on, I’m only on java cup number 2). However, I wanted to get a feel of the sign up and download process. EcoBrains asked for very little information during the sign up process and the ebook downloaded in seconds. No snags or glitches, a big thumbs up since I have no tolerance this time of day! The site has simple navigation & design, ease of use all around is a definite plus for all ages!
For taking the time to look around EcoBrain (and listening to me grip about my coffee filter situation) New Society is offering one of Eco-Office Gals readers a free copy of Radical Simplicity: Small Footprints on a Finite Earth.
eBook Description:
Imagine you are first in line at a potluck buffet. The spread includes not just food and water, but all the materials needed for shelter, clothing, healthcare, and education. How do you know how much to take? How much is enough to leave for your neighbors behind you - not just the six billion people, but the wildlife, and the as-yet-unborn?
In the face of looming ecological disaster, many people feel the need to change their own lifestyles as a tangible way of transforming our unsustainable culture. Radical Simplicity is the first book that guides the reader to a personal sustainability goal, then offers a process to monitor progress to a lifestyle that is equitable amongst all people, species, and generations. It employs three tools to help readers begin their customized journey to simplicity. Read more.
So, grab a cup of recycled coffee filter coffee (not recommended) and check out EcoBrain. Feed your brain some green! Come back here and let us know what you think of the EcoBrain site or which eBook caught your attention. If you have used EcoBrain before, give other readers a mini-review in your comments. Twitter or Blog about this giveaway for an extra entry. Remember to leave a separate comment for each one you do and I will announce the giveaway winner on Wednesday, Nov. 5th!
So, when I was followed by Primal Media on Twitter and checked out their site, I was so happy to find this…
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These handcrafted journals by Sustainable Threads are made with Re-cycled, Handmade and Tree-free Paper.
Greening Your Business
Rae Lynn Glispin of 
