You don’t have to believe in global warming to believe in green

Editor’s note: Michelle Stockman works with Little Rock-based Arkansas Capital Corp. to promote entrepreneurship development around the state. Stockman earned a bachelor’s degree from Loyola University-Chicago in communications and fine arts, and earned a master’s in entrepreneurship from Western Carolina University. Her thoughts on business success appear each week on The City Wire.

Green is the new black, and greening up your business is not a “new age” concept anymore. The wave of corporate environmental responsibility has slowly become a main stream concept as technologies improve and the reality of limited natural resources scream at us each time we pass a gas pump. With all the attention on green, what does this mean for small businesses?

The Green Plus Institute for Sustainable Development created the first business certification program that is available to any Arkansas business through the Rogers-Lowell Chamber of Commerce.

According to the Green Plus Institute, “sustainability requirements are a growing trend in the private as well as the public sector. Federal, state, and local governments have long played a regulatory role in environmental and employee management issues. In July 2009, the United States’ largest employer, Wal-Mart, asked all of its suppliers to complete a sustainability questionnaire that will become the basis of a rating system that will be published on all products and other private sector companies are following suit. There is significant evidence that a company’s commitment to sustainable business practices is an important factor in consumer purchasing decisions and that sustainable practices save money and increase employee satisfaction.”

From recycling paper in the office to finding new uses for scrap raw materials from the production floor, greening up the work place also includes utilizing energy efficient equipment, machines and lights. Additionally, a company can further their sustainable measures by purchasing materials from other companies seeking the same sustainable goals, purchasing recycled materials and using printers that utilize “green” printing practices.

If focusing your company on green practices seems daunting, start small. Everyone can recycle, so encourage employees to recycle their papers, cans and bottles as a good first step. Additionally, ensure that your waste management service actually takes your recyclables to a recycle center. Change the light bulbs in the office or plant to be energy efficient, and make sure that computers, monitors, copiers or production equipment is shut off when the business is closed.

Likewise, if you are an entrepreneurial business engaged in producing or selling a product focused on the sustainable market, the Green Valley Network is a great group to join. The Green Valley Network is a “nonprofit coalition that fosters collaboration and commercialization of sustainable technology.” The Green Valley Network offers a wide variety of supportive resources tailored to “green” issues.

While going green should not leave you seeing red, taking responsible steps help our globe house another generation is a worthy endeavor. Like being a good neighbor, being a good corporate citizen is equally as important to your business success.

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Stockman can be reached at [email protected]