Going green can have a substantially positive impact on the planet, and those that do can be proud of the fact that they are contributing to the enhancement of Earth and making it a better place for future generations. Going green is not just for the planet-conscious individual or household, however, as businesses can also take up the cause, which comes with a number of benefits, including the following five:

No. 1: Cost savings by going digital. By going digital, businesses can not only help save thousands of trees that would otherwise be harvested for paper, but can save money as the cost of paper and printing documents with ink and paper can add up. Fortunately, many documents produced by any business can be generated and circulated digitally.

No. 2: Waste reduction. Reducing unnecessary waste is as simple as it is logical, while having the added benefit of decreasing a business’ operating costs. For example, turning off the lights after hours or in vacated parts of an office during business hours ensures electricity is not wasted, as does turning off computers when not in use, thus conserving energy and cutting down utility costs. Furthermore, if going digital is not an option, ink cartridges can be refilled as opposed to thrown away, which saves money and reduces the amount of plastic being discarded, and recycled paper can be used.

No. 3: Positive PR. Businesses that go green have a tendency to attract the attention of local, and sometimes national, media for their positive initiatives. They also attract like-minded customers who are passionate about making the world a better place. As part of your marketing campaign, don’t be shy about mentioning your environmental efforts and/or the green changes you have implemented.

No. 4: New customers. By becoming an environmentally conscious company, you can attract a new client population that only does business with green businesses. Additionally, if you offer environmentally sound products you can obtain an eco label for said products and marketing materials, which can further attract green consumers.

No. 5: Helping sustain the planet. By going green, you are not only contributing to the sustainability of the Earth, but inspiring other businesses and individuals to follow suit. The state of our planet affects every form of life, all of which benefit when people make a conscious effort to go green.

Blog by Dale Myers. the NALA's Head Writer.