Exposed, the Watkins Lady’s secret life!

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Have you been making an effort to reduce your environmental impact by living greener? Hey, that’s great if you are! Now what about your home business? Did you know there are many things you can do to practice the “Three R’s” (reduce, recycle, reuse), while earning a living with your direct sales or home based business? Here are some tips on how to make your business greener.

• Save paper, go digital. Before you hit print ask yourself, “Do I really need to print that document or receipt, will a digital copy of it suffice?” You can use an email faxing service or have faxes sent right to your computer, instead of a regular fax machine. You probably don’t need to submit receipts for tax purposes unless the tax man asks for them. My company, Watkins is introducing a nearly paperless starter kit which is a greener option and great for people who don’t need all the paper work that comes with business kits, since it’s all available online.
• Pay your bills and do your banking online. Many utility companies will email you or provide you with a digital or online statement. You’ll avoid the long line up at the bank too.
• If you must print a document, do so on both sides of your paper. Try to reduce your margins, which are likely set far wider than you need them to be for comfortable reading, you’ll save paper. One big bonus when you print less is that you’ll have less paper clutter to deal with too.
• Try to recycle or reuse paper products. It’s best not to order more catalogs and promotional material than you’ll need. If you do have expired catalogs donate them to a school or charity that works with children, the kids can use them for art projects. Encourage your direct sales company to use earth-friendly vegetable oil based inks in their catalogs and other printed materials. Thankfully my company already does!
• Do you really need the latest new fandangled computer equipment, or will your old computer do just fine? Upgrading your system or repairing it instead of junking it and buying new is smart and will save you money too. If you must throw out old office equipment, recycle it. Some retailers are getting hip to the green consumer and may even offer you a rebate for doing so. At the very least, donate it to a charity, give it away on freecycle or sell it at an online auction.
• Paying more for nicer office supplies and high quality equipment may pay off in the long run. Disposable goods are a sad reality of our modern marketplace. However, buying quality merchandise keeps stuff out of the trash. I’ve been using the same Mac computer for 5 years and plan to keep using it for a few more.
• During the cold months turn down the heat and put on a cardigan and socks. When it’s hot weather set the thermostat higher and wear something cool.
• Try to make your meetings virtual with telephone calls, conferencing and webinars instead of driving to a location.
• When you need to make deliveries, run errands or do a show fill your travel mug at home rather than stop somewhere to pick up a beverage. Get you kids their own travel mug too. You’ll not only save the land fill from disposable packaging you’ll save money too.
• Recycle your printer cartridges or refill them.
• Set your computer to sleep mode if you’ll be away for awhile, and turn it off completely when you are finished work for the day. Contrary to popular belief, powering down your computer does NOT shorten its life. I’m guilty of this but I’m adding it to my to do list.
• Need new office furniture? Why not buy used office furniture! For example antiques are beautiful and hold their value. If you’re more the modern type, buy from retailers who offer sustainable products.
• Reuse or recycle shipping materials like cardboard, boxes, shipping noodles, foam and bubble wrap. If you don’t have a use for them yourself give them to someone else or another small business who can use them. Encourage your company to use eco-friendly packing products. I’m glad Watkins uses shipping noodles made from corn starch that dissolve in water and other earth friendly packing materials.

That’s what I’ve done so far. Can you think of any other ways to make your direct sales or home based business greener? I love to hear your ideas so leave a comment!