Reducing your business’s footprint is easy, and can save you money as well.

Top 10 Ways to Start Greening Your Business

1. Be Bright About Light – Buy Energy Star rated light bulbs and fixtures (which consume at least two thirds less energy) and install timers and motion sensors that automatically shut off lights when they are not needed.

2. Maximize Computer Efficiency – Setting your computer to “sleep” during short breaks can cut computer energy use by 70%

3. Print Smarter – Print on both sides of paper, print in draft mode, and avoid color printing whenever possible

4. Go Paperless When Possible – Store document on-line or on your hard drive when possible

5. Ramp Up Your Recycling – Place recycling bins in high-traffic areas and provide information about what can and cannot be recycled

6. Close the Loop – Purchase office supplies and materials made from recycled materials

7. Watch What (and How) You Eat – Provide filtered drinking water to reduce bottled water waste and provide reusable dishes, mugs and silverware.

8. Rethink Your Travel – Consider increasing videoconferencing and conference calls to reduce employee travel

9. Reconsider Your Commute – Encourage carpooling, biking, and city transit options where feasible, offer telecommuting options to employees

10. Create a Healthy Work Environment – Use non-toxic cleaning supplies and buy furniture, carpeting, and paint that won’t off-gas toxic chemicals.

For more ways to green your business, visit the National Resources Defense Council Greening Advisor.

Restaurants can be green too. Become a certified “green” restaurant by the Green Restaurant Association, or find a green certified restaurant.

Recycling information for the City of Santa Fe can be found at the Santa Fe Solid Waste Management Agency website.

Find eco-friendly cleaning supplies here in Santa Fe.

Operating sustainably means making policies and decisions based on economic, social and environmental considerations. The Santa Fe Alliance and the City of Santa Fe are surveying businesses on their sustainable practices to identify leaders in sustainable practices and opportunities to increase sustainable practices.  Please take a few moments to provide brief answers to the following questions.  Someone may contact you for additional information or to showcase your business. http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e33vtlo2gg1c0ywl/start