Replace light bulbs with energy efficient ones

By switching to energy efficient light bulbs instead of the traditional incandescent bulb, the electric bill will be reduce dramatically. This is especially important in small businesses that want to cut costs in small ways.

I recommend: Energystar.gov is the best place to start. It explains the benefits of energy efficient lighting as well as the differences between these lights and others and the impact it makes on the environment. To purchase lighting, Eco-lights.com has a huge selection of energy efficient lighting that will work in any business. Just order online or call to find out more. Paramount Lighting is also a good energy efficient lighting source.

Buy eco-friendly office furniture

If your business is growing, you need more work space for your employees and yourself. Purchasing office furniture made from recycled materials is often cheaper and more durable, and will contribute to the image of being green.

I recommend: There are plenty of sites where you can buy eco-friendly furniture. Vivavi.com and Eco-furniture.com are just a couple of sites with excellent selection in office furniture. For more ideas, tips, or just general green information, check out Josh Dorfman's show The Lazy Environmentalist.

Setup a recycling program

Whether it's recycling soda cans from the break room or replacing the old computers with new ones, recycling is an integral part of being green and is easier than you think. Having a recycling program in place tells your consumers that you care; this is particularly invaluable if you are an ecommerce business that relies on technology. There's no reason not to recycle speakers, monitors, and so on, and doing so helps your business and the environment.

I recommend: Earth911 tells you where you can recycle bottles, cans, batteries, plastics, computers, motor oil, paint, and more. It also provides informational help on the benefits of recycling, as well as other ways to be green by keeping trash out of crowded landfills.

Educate your employees

Setting up programs to encourage eco-friendly behavior is not enough if no one contributes. Educate your employees about what they can do in the workplace. Turning off your computer when you leave home, printing less, and carpooling to work are all simple ways to reduce carbon footprints and leave a long-lasting impact on the environment.

I recommend: The National Resources Defense Council is the government source for going green, and tells everything from the basics to how to truly green your business, home, and life.