Devoted to women of color in business

Pamela Evans is one of the coordinators for the Green Business certification program in Alameda County, part of the Bay Area Green Business program. As part of the process of getting certified as a green business, she encourages owners and shareholders to follow a checklist to state their ongoing intention to sustainability, waste prevention, and pollution prevention. As part of the checklist, owners commit to "going green," they comply with all environmental regulations applicable to the business, they implement measures to conserve resources and prevent pollution, and they participate in on-site visits.
 
The procedure for getting green certified is a thorough one. Use the checklist for ideas about how to "green" your business even more. All of us working together make a huge difference.

I challenge all readers to incorporate one tip from each list into your business practices this year. Let me know if I've missed any ideas in the comments section!

List 1: Green Marketing

1. Incorporate Green Business marketing and appraisals into your employee orientation, newsletters, staff meeting discussions, company suggestion boxes and reward programs.
2. Inform customers about your business efforts to go green.
3. Offer plant or facility tours to show what you are doing on site.
4. Highlight or post what your business is doing to go green.
5. Encourage other businesses and consumers to engage in similar efforts.

List 2: Reduce Paper Waste.

1. Use double-sided paper as an option for printing.
2. Opt out of "junk" mail/direct mail by removing your name, and helping employees and customers to remove their names: www.stopjunkmail.org
3. Use electronic forms whenever possible.
4. Use "sticky" fax directory notes, when needed.
5. Use e-mail instead of paper for internal notes.
6. Reuse envelopes for ongoing office communication.

List 3: Reduce Bulk Waste.

1. Switch to recyclable packaging or products with minimal or no packaging.
2. Buy in bulk.
3. Use permanent plates, spoons, forks, mugs, towels (instead of disposable).
4. Encourage usable containers in the kitchen or lunch area.
5. Compost on site.

List 4: Conserve Energy.

1. Use energy efficient office equipment (look for the Energy Star® logo).
2. Turn off lights when not in use.
3. Convert to compact fluorescents.
4. Install lighting motion controls or a timer.
5. Convert to a solar water heater, if possible.
6. Convert to double pane energy-efficient windows, and seal windows and doors.

List 5: Conserve Water.

1. Install low-flow aerators on faucets.
2. Check and repair toilet leaks.
3. Install low flow toilets when possible.
4. Reduce or minimize sprinkler usage.
5. Install water efficient ground cover in landscaped areas.

List 6: Reduce Pollution.

1. Use cleaning products which are safe for janitorial staff, building occupants and the environment.
2. Use the least toxic pest management products.
3. Use unbleached and/or chlorine-free paper products.
4. Utilize rechargeable batteries for appliances.
5. Print with soy inks on recycled paper.
6. Do business with other "green" vendors.
7. Stock and sell products which are less toxic or less polluting then conventional.
8. Recycle/reuse hazardous substances such as used toner and ink-jet printer cartridges, used fluorescent lamps, batteries that no longer recharge, and electronic equipment like cell phones and computers.

List 7: Reduce Air Pollution from Cars

1. Encourage ridesharing and mass transit.
2. Offer telecommuting and flexible work schedules
3. Provide a commuter van or shuttle service.
4. Encourage employees to patronize other services walking distance from your business.
5. Revise delivery routes for greater efficiency and to avoid excessive mileage or doubling back.
6. Install bicycle parking and lockers.
7. Provide shower facilities for employees who walk/jog/bike to work or contract with an athletic club to use their facilities.

(revised from the Bay Area Green Business Checklist) www.greenbiz.ca.gov