Three Affordable Ways to Make Your Biz Greener

There are several easy ways to make your office more paper friendly:

• Use paper with at least 25% recycled content;

• print and copy on both sides;

• institute desk-side recycling;

• create memo and scratch pads out of used paper;

• reuse old file folders by turning them inside-out;

• recycle incoming shipping boxes into outgoing mail packages.

2. Change light bulbs: Those squiggly new light bulbs can make a real difference. Called compact fluorescent light bulbs, they use far less energy than conventional light bulbs and last more than 10 times longer.

3. Use green products: From environmentally friendly janitorial supplies and eco-office furniture to earth-friendly toner and recycled office products, there is fast becoming a plethora of green products to choose from when outfitting your business.

Yes, some of these may cost more and that may just be the price you pay for doing business this way.

Another thing to consider is buying electronics and other equipment that come with the "Energy Star" label. This EPA designation means that the product uses less energy than similar, standard products.

With a little effort and cost, you can make every day Earth Day.