Biz Talk - Business Blog Roanoke and Beyond

Today, October 15, is Blog Action Day, where bloggers around the web have united to put a single important issue on everyone's mind.  That issue is the environment.  

To help increase awareness through the Roanoke business community I have chosen to write about how businesses can help the environment in three easy steps.  If every local company would commit to these three simple steps we can conserve energy, preserve our natural resources and help fight the issues of global warming.

1. Replace 2 regular light bulbs with an energy saving model. If every business in Roanoke replaced one regular light bulb with an energy-saving model, we could reduce global warming pollution by more than 90 billion pounds over the life of the bulbs; the same as taking 6.3 million cars off the road. So, replace your incandescent bulbs with more efficient compact fluorescents, which now come in all shapes and sizes.
2. Pull the plug on electronic devices when not in use. To make sure you aren’t wasting energy put all of your electronics and chargers on a power strip (or a smart power strip). This way you can simply flip the power strip off when your electronics are not in use.
3. Set computers to energy-saving settings.  For most businesses our computers are the central tool for work. Optimizing the energy settings for computers and other devices can be more than a modest energy saver.  Printers and scanners that are only used occasionally can be unplugged until they’re needed.
4. Charge your mobile devices through your computer's USB port.  Cell phones and PDA's can charge using your computer’s USB port.  You never have to worry about leaving your AC adapter plugged in.
5. Buy recycled paper for copiers and fax machines.  The benefits of recycled paper include fewer trees cut down, less water and energy consumption and less pollution generated. Using recycled paper reduces waste and preserves natural resources.
6. Encourage employees to recycle by adding recycle bins.  Add bins near copier machines for paper and in lunch rooms for cans and bottles.
7. Have lunch delivered to your office once a week.  Plan a day in advance so employees can order lunch together and dine together.  It saves gas and cuts down on pollution. It also makes a great way to reward your team. Also remember to ask for paper instead of styrofoam containers.
8. Turn climate control systems off when they aren't needed.  Adjusting the thermostat a few degrees warmer or cooler can also benefit. You may be surprised by how much energy and dollars this saves.

Check out TreeHugger.com for more information on ways to green your workplace