It's Easy to Be Green

I hate to admit it, but I am old enough to remember the first Earth Day celebration, back in 1970. The coast-to-coast rallies organized by young environmentalists did a lot to make people aware of the dangers our industrial society placed on the world at large and there were many positive changes.

The consciousness raised back then was quickly forgotten. Thirty-four years later, there is still much to be done. The folks at ZeroWasteAmerica, http://www.zerowasteamerica.org, say, "America generates more waste every year, growing from a 247 million tons of non-hazardous waste in 1990, to 409 million tons in 2001, according to Biocycle magazine, an industry publication."

Many are now seeing conservation in national security terms, as well as an issue of economics.

Our dependence on oil and other non-renewable energy sources is a major factor in a political power struggle between the powerful and emerging nations in the world. The economies of both the United States and China have been heating up, causing demand for oil to surge. At the same time, OPEC has decided to increase the cost of a barrel to near-historic highs, which is already reflected in the cost of a gallon of gas in the U.S.

Whether or not Americans agree with the idea of producing more oil from domestic sources, the fact is that the world's supply of these resources is finite and at some point it will all be gone. World oil production may have already hit its peak, with it all going downhill from here. Shell Oil recently shocked its investors with two oil reserve downgrades within the last year -- reducing their estimated reserves by 4.12 billion barrels. Two of their executives lost their jobs, their annual report has been delayed... and it may only be the tip of the iceberg.

The only good news is that high gas prices may prod more Americans into abandoning their gas guzzling SUV's for more energy efficient models. And the major auto companies have noticed the success of hybrid gas-electric vehicles, such as Toyota's Prius, which can get as many as 60 miles per gallon. And beginning this year, General Motors plans to roll out hybrid versions of its most popular cars, including the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, and the Saturn Vue.

That's good news on the transportation front - but what about your home office? We are a force of 40-million households in the U.S. alone. We have the power slow the pace of our landfills and keep energy consumption down, thereby saving ourselves money -- and doing our patriotic duty as well!

There's nothing revolutionary in making your office green -- there are three things to remember (and they haven't changed since that first Earth Day in 1970): Reduce, Recycle and Buy Wisely.

== Reduce Energy Consumption by buying efficient equipment and turning it *off* when it's not in use. This can save you money while you're helping the environment. The electricity used to run office equipment costs homeowners and businesses $4.85 billion each year.

== Keep your thermostat turned down in the winter and up in the summer to reduce heating and air conditioning usage.

== Earth 911 is a nonprofit organization that lists programs, events and other information for many localities in the U.S. and Canada, including incentive programs that may be offered to make your home more energy efficient. Check them out here: http://www.earth911.org

== If you're in the market for a new computer (and it seems like everyone finds themselves upgrading every few years), think about getting a laptop. Notebook computers use just 10% as much energy as their big, bulky desktop cousins. Prices keep coming down and with the added convenience of portability, your productivity may be increased as well.

== If a notebook is not for you, do buy a desktop machine with the Energy Star logo. This means it is among the most energy efficient products on the market (Savings of 60-80% over non-compliant models).

== Computer monitors, copiers and fax machines are also big energy hogs. The Energy Star program covers them, too. If your budget can handle it, think of getting a monitor with an active matrix screen. They consume 20% less energy than CRT monitors and they look cool, too.

== Remember that smaller monitors use up less energy than larger ones.

Learn more about the Energy Star program and see a listing of compliant office supplies and home appliances here: http://www.energystar.gov/products/

== The rise of electronic waste is another challenge that needs to be met. According to Earth911.org, "Electronic circuit boards, batteries, and color cathode ray tubes (CRTs) can contain hazardous materials such as lead, mercury and hexavalent chromium. If improperly handled or disposed, these toxins can be released into the environment through landfill leachate or incinerator ash."

The EPA estimates that of over 20 million personal computers discarded in 1998, only 13% were reused or recycled. Of those that were recycled, over 112 million pounds of valuable materials were recovered including steel, glass, plastic and precious metals.

Search for electronic recycling centers at Earth911.org: http://www.earth911.org/master.asp?s=lib&a=electronics/elec_reuse.asp

== Buy paper made from recycled content and use the blank sides in your fax machines, copiers and printers when making draft copies.

== The blank sides of used paper make great doodle pads for your kids.

== Buy recycled toner and ink cartridges, and participate in recycling programs. Some of these programs will pay you for your old cartridges, so you end up saving money on the deal.

However, most printer manufacturers recommend that you always use new cartridges (which, of course, they sell!) If you prefer to follow their advice and buy new, do recycle your old ones. The Staples office supply chain has a program that make this easy - just bring in your old cartridges, pop them in a special envelope they provide and drop them in a receptacle at the store. Staples will take care of the rest.

== Use cleaning supplies that don't pollute. This is an easy one if you are already in the business of selling environmentally friendly household products. Amway, Watkins and Melaleuca are just a few network marketing companies with excellent cleaning products that are phosphate-free and biodegradable. These are good businesses to look into if you are interested in helping the environment while you earn a living. These are good products to buy if you want to support your fellow work-at-home parents.

== Where appropriate, order supplies in bulk or in reusable containers to reduce excess packaging.

Greening your home and office not only makes sense, it's good business practice: Recent demographic studies indicate that nearly 50 million people say their social values (whether moral, religious or environmental) influence their everyday purchasing decisions. Socially responsible businesses can play right into this growing desire, while making the world a safer place for our kids and generations to come.

About the Author: Donna Schwartz Mills writes about the specific needs of work at home parents at her website, The ParentPreneur Club, "For Parents Who Want Choices, Not Office Politics." http://www.parentpreneur.com. Tools, tips and advice you need to help grow your home based business while raising a family.