The scene of this world is now changing! On a global scale, temperatures are rising. The polar icecaps are melting, resulting in rising sea levels that are compromising major cities! These changes are occurring so rapidly and intensely that it is forcing individuals and corporations alike to find solutions! However, who likes to be forced into anything? Hmm? Bueller? Bueller? That’s right none of us. So, before we go into how you can become green let’s talk about the benefits you will gain from it!

Green Begets Green

Some believe going green will be time consuming and financially draining. WRONG! It is a lucrative investment.

• Tax Rebates

• Pricing incentives from Public bodies & Environmental organizations

• Government Incentives

• Increased consumer interest due to new green reputation

• Cost savings from reduced usage of energy & minimal waste

If your get creative you can re-purpose your waste and profit from it. For example, Walmart partnered with Worldwise, Inc., a consumer products company. Walmart sends Worldwise their recyclable waste such as bottles, hangers, and cardboard that are turned into a variety of pet products for sale at Walmart. Some of the products that are produced from recycled products include:

• Dog beds made from recycled bottles

• Kitty litter pans, scoops, and scratchers made from hangers

• Kitty litter liners made from converted bags

• Cat scratchers made from processed corrugated cardboard

Here in the weirdest city of them all, Austin rewards it’s businesses for taking on a green initiative. You can become an Austin Green Business Leader! How? Small Steps are Large Leaps for mankind The AGBL only has open enrollment for potential member in Jan/Feb of each year. In the mean time you can visit their website austintex.gov and download the AGBL scoreboard and start implementing green practices.

o Prevent pollutants from reaching storm drains

Keep loading/receiving docks, parking areas free of debris, oil, chemicals, litter

o Energy efficient light bulbs & occupancy sensors in common areas

o Implement employee carpool program

o Discourage use of single-use plastic wear

o Calculate carbon footprint