Small business owners can have a green thumb in the office

By: Rachel Swiednicki

As a small business owner, you are constantly looking for ways to cut costs. Why not lower expenses while doing something good for the environment. Many of your everyday office supplies are available in ‘green’ alternatives.

It’s all about changing habits – making a conscious lifestyle choice. The next time you’re shopping for copy paper or notepaper, check out the eco-alternatives; there are many options you may be unaware of. For instance, STAPLES offers their own line of notepads made from Bagasse – a sugarcane waste byproduct. These notepads are also printed using vegetable and water-based ink.

Here are some simple tips you can incorporate into your daily office routine now, to cut costs and help your environment:

  • Set your computer/printer to automatic double-sided printing. You’ll save paper and ink.

  • Buy electronics marked with the Energy Star seal of approval to cut your energy consumption.

  • Turn off your computer when it’s not in use.

  • Try Staples’ calculators made from recycled printers.

  • Use pens made from recycled plastic.

  • Don’t forget to turn off lights when stepping out to lunch or meetings.

  • Choose USB keys made from Bamboo, not plastic.


Tell us about any eco-changes you’ve made around your office recently.



Rachel Swiednicki is a professional communicator, with ten years of experience in the communications industry. Eight of those years were spent as a journalist before moving into a career in public relations / corporate communications.

By Adam

January 11, 2010