5 Ways to Take Care of Your Clients and The Environment
As a Canadian Green Business Owner, you’ve got customers coming every day and their needs are many. If you’re in the service industry, there are several areas of your business where you could be cutting down on your environmental impact while still providing the amenities people have come to expect. The waiting room and the bathroom are two places you can substitute green products and practices and your customers won’t even notice the difference. And those that do will appreciate your effort.
Bottleless water coolers
It’s not news that your municipal water is just fine and probably cleaner and better than the stuff that comes out of a bottle. Add the transportation cost, plastic containers, and the cost of the water itself, you’re laying out good money and damaging the environment for something that pretty much free.
Now I’m not about to suggest that you ask your customers to head to the bathroom to pour their own but bottleless water coolers let you take advantage of the municipal system that runs right into your building, gives your customers the feeling that their getting a superior product, and cuts out bottles and delivery costs completely. Sure, you’ll still pay for filters and service but a filter weighs a whole lot less (and needs to be replaced less often) than a jug of water. And no more schlepping massive jugs out of the storeroom and tossing the empties back in for pickup! Gain some storage space and save your back.
Green soaps and cleaners
It doesn’t take much to go green. Swap out those manufactured on the other side of the globe soaps for a local variety that’s organic.
Recycled towels
Customer’s hands now clean? Don’t make them wipe their hands on their pants. If you haven’t already, go with a green paper towel supplier instead of the stuff made from virgin paper.
Motion sensitive hand dryers
Oh you hi-tech fellow you! You’ve got the hot air hand dryer. How about getting even more cutting edge with the motion sensor variety? When folks walk away, you’re not footing the bill for wasted heat. And if you really want to look like you belong on the Jetsons, consider the new Dyson Airblade. Dry hands in 12 seconds flat! And no post-drying wiping. Can’t beat that.
And for the record, we’re not into the various hygienic arguments between paper and hot air. You’ll have to decide for yourself. And most folks seem to agree that those long rolls of fabric towels just don’t cut it hygiene-wise. Transport and cleaning costs also disqualify them from the running.
Magazine exchange
People are always idling flipping through month-old copies of magazines. No one seems to mind reading last year’s Men’s Health so why not swap mags with the doctor next door. You’ll cut down on your magazine subscription costs and have a fresh supply of outdated reading material! What more could customers want?
posted by: Steve | posted on: 18 03 2009 | categories: EfficiencyRecycling
5 Ways to Travel the Canadian Green Business Way
Even in tough times, travel is often required for business or pleasure. Unless you’re sitting at home for both work and play (not the worst green option in the world), there are several ways to get out there, stay green, and support a Canadian Green Business.
For business and play - Book with a Canadian green travel business
This is a no-brainer. If you can find a Canadian green travel business (like Eco-librium web site - listing, book with them. You’ll have fun, spare the environment, and help out a green business.
For business and play - Buy some carbon offsets…or don’t!
While many folks like to pillory air travel, it’s often the only way to move vast distances in a reasonable amount of time. Air Canada offers carbon offsets for a cost. Don’t like Air Canada? Book with Flygreen.ca (web site - listing) and have at least part of the carbon costs of your trip offset…for free!
For play - Bike it
Staying at home doesn’t mean you have to stay at home. Hop on your bike and explore your neighbourhood. I’m not talking about a ride through town. Think a nice circuit outside the city. If you’re a casual biker, you can do 30 - 50k a day. Don’t believe me? 10k an hour (read: slow) will get you that far with plenty of stops for beer (or wine). In fighting cycling shape? 100k a day should be no problem. Don’t forget the saddlebags, though! A sag wagon (a vehicle with all your gear) won’t qualify this as a green trip.
For business - Don’t travel
Do you really have to go? Maybe not. Pick up the phone and call when possible. Still like (or need) the face-to-face? Get something like Oovoo, SightSpeed, or Skype.
For business - Ride the rails
Got some time? Take the train. You can kick back and get some work done or just nap the whole way. Either way, you’ll be riding in style. The Quebec - Windsor corridor even has wifi. According to reports, it’s not good enough for some intensive streaming but email, chat, and browsing work just fine.
posted by: Steve | posted on: 03 03 2009 | categories: