For economic impact studies that support the “local first” concept, visit the BALLE website by clicking here.
Click here to read an economic impact study (by the UT Urban Affairs Center) that supports local businesses in Toledo.
New! Fresh ideas on how to help your business help the planet!
Recycle! - It is very simple to provide clearly labeled bins (for employees and/or customers) for recycling plastic bottles, cans, paper and cardboard. Drop them off yourself on the way home once a week or pay a high school student a little money to pick them up. (If dropping off recyclables is an issue, contact Stacy to make arrangements!)
Green Cleaning Supplies - Better for you, your employees, and your customers! Many of the leading cleaning supply brands have all natural, eco-friendly cleaners that cost the same as their chemical-based products. Available at the Phoenix Co-Op!
Eco-Commute - Encourage and motivate yourself, employees and even consumers to use public transportation, carpool or bike to your business. Small perks can go a long way!
Do Business with the Eco-Responsible - And local! When seeking new business relationships, choose businesses that encourage eco-responsibility and let them know that it is part of the reason you are doing business with them. If you bill or invoice your clients, offer them discounts if they choose to receive invoices electronically instead of on paper.
Be Environmentally Proactive - Every once in a while poke your head up and see what other companies are doing to reduce global warming. For instance, did you know that many energy companies offer businesses free electricity audits on how to save money by reducing energy consumption? Fast Company’s November 2007 issue profiles 50 things that 50 companies did to clean up their business last year. This is a great source for ideas and reflection on your business.
Do Some Good, You'll Feel Better! - Organize a volunteer day for employees one Saturday every couple months. Cleanup the highway near your building or donate a percentage of the companies earnings to a deserving organization. There are plenty of opportunities in our community to get involved.
Scream it from the Rooftops! - Advertise the fact that your businesses strives for green practices on your website and in the form of press releases. Those little steps will translate into dollars in an growing, eco-aware world.
Resources from www.advoicepaper.com
Suggested Readings
The Small-Mart Revolution - How Local Businesses are Beating the Global Competition
By Michael Shuman
Big-Box Swindle – The True Cost of Mega-Retailers and the Fight for America’s Independent Businesses
By Stacy Mitchell
Going Local – Creating Self-Reliant Communities in a Global Age
By Michael Shuman
The Company We Keep - Reinventing Small Business for People, Community, and Place
By John Abrams
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