Looking to start a business on a budget? Right from the start, you can save money by using less energy, paper, supplies, and maybe the actual office itself.

BONUS: you’ll shrink your carbon footprint, too.

To help you get on the right track, I’ve identified 5 smart ways to cut business costs by shrinking your carbon footprint.

1. Go Paperless
2. Automate Energy Use
3. Telecommute
4. Skip Unnecessary Trips
5. Share Office Space

1. Go Paperless

Paper makes up about 35 per cent of our waste even though it’s an easy material to recycle or not use at all. That could mean you’re spending a hefty chunk of change on reams of paper you’ll just end of throwing away. Instead…

• Create a digital business card that you can easily email to people you meet. If you must print a card, choose one of those half-sized designs.

• Use electronic software programs to print fewer documents, share documents and files online, produce rough drafts, and publish e-versions of final drafts.

• When you do need to print, print on both sides and again, use available software to eliminate unnecessary blank pages.

• Reuse paper printed on one side into note pads, stuffing for shipping containers, and scratch paper for kids’ art projects.

• Recycle waste paper through local recycling programs.

2. Automate Energy Use

* Use a programmable thermostat – If you have set up shop in a building or office where you have to pay for heating and cooling, make sure you have the option to change the temperature of the thermostat.

* Put office lights on sensors or timers to make sure the lights go off when no one is working.

* Program computers to shift to sleep mode when they’re not being used, though it’s better if you can get them turned off completely when they’re not needed.

3. Telecommute

* Reduce overhead. Many businesses now keep their office footprint small and their overhead costs low by allowing employees to telecommute. Some entire businesses operate this way.

* Share desks. Perhaps employee A uses the desk when she is in the office Monday-Wednesday-Friday, and employee B uses the same desk when he is in the office Tuesday-Thursday.

4. Skip Unnecessary Trips

If your business requires you and your employees to travel to conferences, meetings and sales calls, consider whether the cost and carbon footprint of transportation, hotel, meals and other related expenses are worth the price.

* Can you cut them down to zero by attending the event virtually, conducting the meeting on Skype or a Google Hangout, or holding a webinar?

5. Share Office Space

Renting office space can eat into costs. Plus, it may not be a good use of precious resources if you end up having to pay for office space you don’t use. If you can’t operate virtually, a good and eco-friendly solution is to bunk with another, like-minded company.

* Share administrative services, the cost of maintaining conference room facilities, and other related expenses while maintaining a separate identify.

Of course, it also makes sense to compare prices of any products you do buy. Our sponsor for this post, Cost Compare, will soon enable its customers to compare prices on a wide variety of supplies, including coffee makers, CRM services, mailing lists, and even graphic designers. You can learn more about them right here.

NOTE: Sponsors enable us to bring you expert content at no cost to you. Our editorial opinions remain our own. Thanks!

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Here’s how to respond to your friends, family and colleagues who don’t understand why President Obama’s Clean Power Plan is so good for people as well as the planet, thanks to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, who wrote this analysis for Moms Clean Air Force and all of us who know we must phase out coal and other fossil fuels as soon as possible.

Today, President Obama will unveil the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Clean Power Plan — a historic step to cut the carbon pollution driving climate change. Here are six key things every American should know:

1. IT SLASHES THE CARBON POLLUTION FUELING CLIMATE CHANGE.

Carbon pollution from power plants is our nation’s biggest driver of climate change —a nd it threatens what matters most – the health of our kids, the safety of our neighborhoods, and the ability of Americans to earn a living. The Clean Power Plan sets common sense, achievable state-by-state goals to cut carbon pollution from power plants across the country. Building on proven local and state efforts, the Plan puts our nation on track to cut carbon pollution from the power sector 32 percent below 2005 levels by 2030, all while keeping energy reliable and affordable.

2. IT PROTECTS FAMILIES’ HEALTH.

Cuts to smog and soot that come along with reducing carbon pollution will bring major health benefits for American families. In 2030, this will mean up to 3,600 fewer premature deaths; 90,000 fewer asthma attacks in children; 1,700 fewer hospital admissions; and avoiding 300,000 missed days of school and work. The Clean Power Plan is a historic step forward to give our kids and grandkids the cleaner, safer future they deserve.

3. IT PUTS STATES IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT.

The Clean Power Plan sets uniform carbon pollution standards for power plants across the country—but sets individual state goals based on states’ current energy mix and where they have opportunities to cut pollution. States then customize plans to meet their goals in ways that make sense for their communities, businesses and utilities. States can run their more efficient plants more often, switch to cleaner fuels, use more renewable energy, and take advantage of emissions trading and energy efficiency options.

Because states requested it, EPA is also proposing a model rule states can adopt right away–one that’s cost-effective, guarantees they meet EPA’s requirements, and will let their power plants use interstate trading right away. But states don’t have to use our plan—they can cut carbon pollution in whatever way makes the most sense for them.

The uniform national rates in the Clean Power Plan are reasonable and achievable, because no plant has to meet them alone or all at once. Instead, they have to meet them as part of the grid and over time. In short, the Clean Power Plan puts states in the driver’s seat.

4. IT’S BUILT ON INPUT FROM MILLIONS OF AMERICANS.

The Clean Power Plan reflects unprecedented input from the American people, including 4.3 million comments on the draft plan and input from hundreds of meetings with states, utilities, communities, and others. When folks raised questions about equity and fairness, we listened. That’s why EPA is setting uniform standards to make sure similar plants are treated the same across the country.

 When states and utilities expressed concern about how fast states would need to cut emissions under the draft Plan, we listened. That’s why the Clean Power Plan extends the timeframe for mandatory emissions reductions to begin by two years, until 2022, so utilities will have time to make the upgrades and investments they need to.

But to encourage states to stay ahead of the curve and not delay planned investments, or delay starting programs that need time to pay off, we’re creating a Clean Energy Incentive Program to help states transition to clean energy faster.

It’s a voluntary matching fund program states can use to encourage early investment in wind and solar power projects, as well as energy efficiency projects in low-income communities. Thanks to the valuable input we heard from the public, the final rule is even more fair and more flexible, while cutting more pollution.

5. IT WILL SAVE US BILLIONS OF DOLLARS EVERY YEAR.

With the Clean Power Plan, America is leading by example—showing the world that climate action is an incredible economic opportunity. By 2030, the net public health and climate-related benefits from the Clean Power Plan are estimated to be worth $45 billion every year. And, by design, the Clean Power Plan is projected to cut the average American’s monthly electricity bill by 7% in 2030. We’ll get these savings by cutting energy waste and beefing up energy efficiency across the board—steps that make sense for our health, our future, and our wallets.

6. IT PUTS THE U.S. IN A POSITION TO LEAD ON CLIMATE ACTION.

Today, the U.S. is generating three times more wind energy and 20 times more solar power than when President Obama took office. And the solar industry is adding jobs 10 times faster than the rest of the economy. For the first time in nearly three decades, we’re importing less foreign oil than we’re producing domestically—and using less overall.

Our country’s clean energy transition is happening faster than anyone anticipated—even as of last year when we proposed this rule. The accelerating trend toward clean power, and the growing success of energy efficiency efforts, mean carbon emissions are already going down, and the pace is picking up. The Clean Power Plan will secure and accelerate these trends, building momentum for a cleaner energy future.

Climate change is a global problem that demands a global solution. With the Clean Power Plan, we’re putting America in a position to lead. Since the Plan was proposed last year, the U.S., China and Brazil – three of the world’s largest economies – have announced commitments to significantly reduce carbon pollution. We’re confident other nations will come to the table ready to reach an international climate agreement in Paris later this year.

For More Information:

Clean Power Plan Information Site/US EPA

Moms Clean Air Force

The post 6 Things You Need to Know About the Clean Power Plan appeared first on Big Green Purse.

Here’s another in our occasional series on traveling the eco-friendly way. If you have a destination you’d like us to explore, please let us know.

Venice holidays bring to mind rich cultural history, beautiful scenery, and romantic attractions. But a holiday in this fabled city takes its toll. Over 50,000 people visit its squares and canals every day during the height of the tourist season, threatening both the built environment and the area’s famous lagoons. Why not plan an eco-vacation to Venice, Italy and lower your carbon footprint in this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site? Here’s how to get started.

Choose youth hostels and self-catering accommodations. These types of accommodations generally use much less energy than a typical hotel. Plus, they allow you to cook your own meals, so you can take advantage of food stands and farmers markets to buy delicious local food.

Locate near public transportation hubs. From trains to buses to water taxis, public transportation in Venice gives you plenty of ways to get around without driving your own car. Websites for most accommodations should indicate how close they are to public transportation; you should be able to find lodging within 15 minutes of a bus stop or water taxi stand.

Rent a bike. Though it is actually illegal to bicycle in historic Venice, you can enjoy the surrounding countryside on two wheels. Plenty of websites offer guided tours, or you can contact a local bicycle rental shop when you arrive. On one popular trip, you would take a water taxi from St. Mark’s Square to the island of Lido, rent a bike there, and ride along the Murazzi, a 5km stone breakwater that dates back to the 18^th century. To rent your bike, say Noleggio bici.

Recharge your phone and other electronics via solar energy. Rather than find an electrical outlet whenever you need a charge, use a compact solar charger to repower your mobile devices.

Bring your own reusable water bottle and shopping bag. It’s not unusual to see plastic bags and water bottles floating in the canals alongside the gondolas. All of this plastic will eventually end up in the Adriatic Sea, where it will add to the epidemic of microplastic that’s polluting the world’s oceans. Bring your own reusable water bottle, preferably one that comes with its own filter, and you’ll have good drinking water whenever you need it. Carry a reusable shopping bag, too, which you can use for groceries, souvenirs, or anything else you’d otherwise put in a throwaway bag. One that collapses into a little sac is ideal, since you can easily tuck it away in a pocket, purse, or backpack when you’re not using it.

Fly direct, and offset your energy use with carbon credits. In all likelihood, you will take a plane to Italy, which will burn a LOT of fuel. Offset the carbon emissions from your trip by buying carbon credits that will be used to support development of renewable energy like solar and wind. Flying non-stop rather than taking several planes is also more fuel efficient.

Other ideas? How do you minimize your environmental impact when you travel? Please share!

 This is a sponsored post.

The post How to Plan Your Eco-Vacation to Venice, Italy appeared first on Big Green Purse.

Unless you’re walking or bicycling to your holiday destination, you’ll be using some form of transportation that burns a fossil fuel. Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, where it forms a big warm gaseous blanket that hovers over the earth, creating something called the greenhouse effect. This greenhouse effect is causing climate change, which is one of the reasons why we have so many extreme weather events (like Superstorm Sandy, Hurricane Katrina, and perhaps the unusually early cold weather and snowfall that have already hit much of the U.S. this year).

It’s pretty hard to go day-to-day and not burn any fossil fuels, but it’s especially hard when we’re trying to get somewhere, since transportation depends so heavily on carbon-heavy oil. That’s true for you electric car drivers, too, since your electricity is ultimately coming from a utility that probably uses coal, another carbon-intense fuel, to generate power.

Even when you’ve done everything else you can to cut back on the amount of fuel you use, you’re probably still using some energy that ultimately releases carbon into the atmosphere That’s your carbon footprint. The beauty of carbon offsets is that they help compensate for the carbon you emit by supporting projects and technologies that absorb or capture carbon and other greenhouse gases elsewhere on the planet. In other words, when you support an offset project, it helps shrink your own carbon footprint while reducing the build-up of more climate change gases in the atmosphere.

What Are Carbon Offsets Anyway?

Specifically, a carbon offset is a certificate representing the reduction of one metric ton (2,205 lbs) of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. These emissions are the principal cause of climate change. In an offset project, every ton of emissions reduced results in the creation of one carbon offset. Carbon offset projects can be very expensive to build and maintain. Project developers sell offsets to people like you and me, as wll as to cities and big companies, to finance the projects.

TerraPass funds a portfolio of projects throughout the United States which are all verified and validated under stringent standards. In addition to the environmental benefits from their projects, they also support local communities by providing additional jobs and funds to rural areas; helping to improve air and water quality; and delivering renewable energy to the grid. (You can see their project portfolio here.)

Some projects involve forestry management, which helps forests sequester (i.e. keep, rather than release) more carbon. Others help communities build wind farms to reduce the need to burn fossil fuels. A dairy farm can install an anaerobic digester to capture and destroy methane, another greenhouse gas, that would otherwise be released when animal manure decomposes. This graphic explains carbon offsets perfectly.

What Do Carbon Offsets Cost?

Projects like building a windmill or managing a forest sound expensive, don’t they? And they are, which is why the project developer sells offsets: to help finance their construction and operation. But the beauty of the offset approach is that no one person pays for it all. In fact, because so many people are buying offsets, the price to any one person is really affordable.

For the holidays, TerraPass is offering consumers the chance to shrink their carbon footprint by buying Arcata Community Forest Carbon Offsets. With the purchase of a Holiday Forest gift, you will support the City of Arcata’s community forest located in California. The forest absorbs and stores approximately 2,500 more metric tons (mT) of C02 a year than neighboring forests, or the equivalent of taking 550 cars off the road each year. The purchase of carbon offsets is a critical component of the funding for the management of the forest, which is completely self-funded with no reliance on tax-payer dollars.

How Big Is Your Carbon Footprint?

You can figure out how big your own carbon footprint is by using the TerraPass Carbon Footprint Calculator here. (It only took me a few minutes to calculate mine.)

Once you know how big your footprint is, here are a few ways you can shrink it:

For $13.12, you can shrink your footprint by 1 mT (metric ton), which is equivalent to 2,205 pounds of emitted carbon dioxide.

You might not think that’s much, but it’s equivalent to:

* 5 Homes decorated with lights for the holidays
* 2,381 miles driven by an average passenger vehicle
* 113 gallons of gasoline consumed (the average car holds 12 gallons, so you could offset ten fill ups with just $13.12)

If you want to do more, for $59.50, you could offset 4.5mT of emitted carbon dioxide, or 10,000 lbs.

That’s equivalent to:

* 175 holiday dinners, or
* 1 passenger vehicle off the road, or
* More than half of the electricity your home uses for one year, or
* 15 holiday shopping trips, or
* 4 to 5 flights of 4+ hours, or
* 10,800 miles driven by an average passenger vehicle

Wow!

True Confessions

One year for Christmas, my husband figured out my carbon footprint and then bought me carbon offsets as a present. I’m not kidding! And you know what? I loved it! I really did.

Next Steps

At the very least, I recommend you calculate your carbon footprint. Even if you’ve already taken a lot of steps to save energy, an offset can help you do a little more.

And you know what, even if your footprint is teeny tiny, you might still want to support one of TerraPass’ offset projects because they’re so inspiring.

Take a look. And let me know what you do, ok?

The post Use Carbon Offsets to Shrink Your Carbon Footprint This Holiday Season appeared first on Big Green Purse.

Reduce Your Environmental Impact When You Fly

* Fly Direct

There’s no getting around it. Flying has a greater environmental impact than pretty much any form of travel other than rocket ship! For starters, airplanes burn enormous amounts of fuel, especially during take off and landing. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends flying direct whenever possible to cut down on the amount of carbon emitted when a flight begins and ends. Fewer stopovers = less impact on climate change. Of course, if you have the option to travel by train or bus, or can bicycle or walk, you’ll reduce your carbon footprint significantly. But when you have to fly, minimize the stop-overs.

* Offset The Amount of Energy Your Flight Uses

Many airlines help “offset” their energy impact by contributing to projects that advance the use of solar energy and wind power. These “carbon offsets” aren’t particularly expensive, but over time, they can provide substantial support to a renewable energy initiative. Sometimes I’ve flown on airlines that offset their own flights; other times, the airline has given me the option of buying my own carbon offsets to compensate for the fuel burned during my flight. Before you book your tickets, check with the airline about the kinds of carbon offsets they offer. If it’s up to you to buy an offset for your trip, it shouldn’t add much to the cost of the ticket, and may be tax deductible if the offset program is being managed by a non-profit organization.

* Pack Lightly – The less you and other passengers take, the lighter the plane will be and the less fuel it will use. Bonus: lighter bags are easier to load into overhead bins or to lug up stairs in the event you end up at accommodations without elevators.

* Use E Tickets – Rather than print out a ticket, save paper and download your ticket to your smart phone or tablet and show that to the ticket taker at the gate.

* Don’t Forget Your Reusable Bottle or Coffee Mug – It’s easy to skip throwaway bottles and cups on a flight. I fill up my own water bottle before I board, and use my own mug for coffee or tea or drinks served on the plane.

Book a Green Hotel

* Choose a hotel that has been certified to be environmentally responsible by an organization like Green Seal, ENERGY STAR or Green Leaf. Many hotels will also describe the steps they’ve taken to reduce their environmental impact on their websites. Look for those that have installed energy efficient lighting, offer in-room recycling programs, reduce water and energy use by giving guests the option to opt out of daily linens and towel replacements, and recycle room toiletries.

* Stay close – Ideally, you can choose a hotel that’s located relatively near to the place you’ll be visiting so you can walk, bicycle, or more easily take mass transit.

* Self cater – As much as possible choose a hotel or inn that offers a self-catering kitchenette in the room so you can make simple meals there, rather than have to dine out every night.

* Save energy – Turn off the lights when you leave your room, and adjust heating and cooling when you leave for more energy savings. If your destination is a warm climate, close the drapes during the hottest part of the day. Or, if you have Venetian blinds, angle them up to bounce the sunlight off the ceiling and keep the room cooler. Conversely, let the sun warm up your room during the day if you are in a cooler climate.

* Use your phone or table for maps and directions – Otherwise, grab only the maps and brochures you’ll use while you’re visiting. If possible, return them to the concierge when your vacation is over.

Unplug Before You Leave Home

* Remember to unplug all appliances that don’t need to be left on. Those include TVs, VCRs, stereos, toasters, microwaves, computer printers and fax machines, and other electronics. Set your thermostat and water heater at low settings so that energy isn’t wasted while you are away.

* Cancel the paper – If you still have a newspaper delivered to your home, cancel it before you leave. You might like the idea of catching up on the news when you return, but I know from experience that I just end up recycling old newspaper because I don’t have the time to read them all. Plus, the news is OLD by the time I get home. I’d rather be up on what’s new.

Other Ideas? Do you pack you own in-flight meal in reusable containers? Rent a bike to get around when you arrive? Camp out rather than stay in a hotel? Please share your best recommendations for eco-friendly travel, especially by air.

The post EcoTourism Even if You’re Planning a Greece Beach Vacation appeared first on Big Green Purse.

Here’s his advice. I hope it helps you choose cleaner, greener energy where you live.

The start of the New Year is time for resolutions. If you live in a state with electricity consumer choice, you can resolve to reduce your carbon footprint and keep that pledge with just a little bit of time spent researching your options for alternatives to coal, oil and nuclear and filling out a form or two on the Web—no need to invest in solar panels or doing anything more complicated than a few clicks of the mouse. 

 For several years now, I have purchased electricity from a supplier that offers me 100 percent wind-generated electricity. It was surprisingly easy to switch. Yet, talking to my environmentally-conscious friends, I find that many of them are not even aware that they have a choice.

I encourage you to look in to it. Here are a few tips on getting started.

1) Do you have the option? To see if your state offers consumer choice, go to this Web page of the U.S. Energy Information Administration.  You’ll see a clickable map of every state. Hover the cursor over your state. A little pop-up menu will tell you whether retail choice for electricity supply is available where you live. According to the EIA map, retail choice is available in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Ohio, Michigan, Texas, and Oregon, plus the District of Columbia.

2) Click on your state outline. You’ll be taken to a page that contains arcane and old information about the status of deregulation in the state. Ignore that. What you want are links to the state Web sites. Click on the link that says [STATE] Web sites, and you will go to a page that will contain links to Web sites relevant to that state. One of them will be to the State Public Service Commission (it has a different name in different states—for example, “the Board of Public Utilities” in New Jersey). For your state, that’s the place to get started. 

For example… Since I don’t have room to walk through every state in detail, I will use my state, Maryland, as an example. 

Starting with the Energy Information Administration’s clickable map, when I click on Maryland, I go to a page titled, “Maryland Restructuring Active.” In the upper right of that page, there is a list, “Other Links,” and the option to click on the link, “Maryland Web sites.” That takes me to a page with links to some electric utility companies that serve Maryland and to the Maryland Public Service Commission. The link on this page to the Maryland PSC doesn’t work, so I went to Google to find the right page to begin my search for electricity suppliers in Maryland.

On this page, I select a customer type and utility service area. In my case, I’m looking for electricity in the Pepco service area, so I select Electric/Residential/Pepco. I also selected the option for looking only for suppliers who are seeking new customers. 

3) Choose a supplier. Once you identify your service area and your residential status, you’ll be taken to a page offering a long list of electric suppliers. This is where you will spend the most time. For Maryland, 39 suppliers are listed, but not all of them offer clean fuel options. Some list themselves as “suppliers,” some as “brokers,” and some as “aggregators.” (See this fact sheet for an explanation.) From this page, you can click on the listed company Web sites to see what their energy mix is, pictured above. (If they don’t tell you what the fuel options are, you can be pretty certain they are not a clean energy provider.)

There is a company called Clean Currents. I’ll click on that. (Full disclosure: I am actually getting my power from Washington Gas Energy Services, which was selling 100% wind when I switched several years ago.)

A big button says “Sign Up Now.” Easy enough. I next have to enter my zip code, and click the button, “View Your Rates.” I am given a choice of three offerings, differing in the term of the contract (12 or 24 months) and whether I will purchase renewable energy certificates (RECs, creating demand for wind power across the country) or “Neighborhood Wind” (locally-generated wind electricity, from Pennsylvania). 

I can lock in to a 24-month contract for Neighborhood Wind for 11.1 cents per kilowatt-hour. If I choose “enroll now,” I am taken to a page where I must enter my utility account number and personal information for billing. Once I hit submit, Clean Currents will take care of switching my electricity supply. I will continue to receive a bill from Pepco, my electric utility, which will continue to charge for distributing the electricity. Charges from my new supplier (Clean Currents, in this case) will appear separately on the same bill.

If you have your latest electric bill with your account number handy, this entire process takes only a few minutes, depending on how much research you want to do with your supplier options.

4) What will it actually cost? How much is 11.1 cents per kilowatt-hour? If I did not exercise my right to choose a supplier, I would receive Pepco’s “Standard Offer Service.” As of this writing, the price is 9.3 cents per kilowatt-hour. According to my last bill (Nov/Dec), I used 536 kilowatt-hours of electricity, so I would have paid an extra $9.64 with Clean Currents for the month. Pepco’s Standard Offer Service (as of December 2013) is generated by coal (42.7%), followed by nuclear power (33.6%) and natural gas (16.6%). Only 6.6% is generated from renewable sources.

That $9.64 for the month is my environmental premium with Clean Currents. The price of Standard Offer Service goes up and down, as does the price of wind power (though you are protected from price changes for the length of your contract).

5) Bottom Line? Feel good, take a stand, support clean energy.

In the absence of national policy to reduce carbon emissions from power production, we can make our own policy. We can simply stop buying coal-generated electricity. It’s really easy.

Questions? Get them to Diane, and I’ll try to answer them at a later date. I’d love to encourage as many people as possible, if your state permits, to exercise the option to buy clean energy. 

Maurice Belanger is an environmentally-minded neighbor, freelance writer, and consumer of green power.

Thanks, Maurice!

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