Checklist to get Started with Your Green Business Program

Identify your business reasons for going "green"

Form a Green Team

Conduct an Energy Audit; Lower Valley offers these to businesses

Document your energy use at tetonarea10x10.org

Create a tagline for your program

Create internal competition to see who can be the "biggest loser"

Lighting

Change lighting from regular light bulbs to CFLs

Participate in Lower Valley's ComLite Program which provides rebates on upgrading less-efficientlighting fixtures

Install motion detectors or timers to help turn off lights that may not get a lot of use

Waste

Become a RRR Business Leader; check out the RRR Resource guide at www.howdoyourrr.com

Print on both sides of paper

Purchase 30-100% recycled paper

Recycle used paper

Switch to electronic methods of communicating with customers (ex. bills, statements, newsletters)

Stock bathrooms and kitchens with recycled or biodegradable products

Product Use

Purchase less toxic cleaning products

Implement a "green purchasing" policy

Employee Commute

Create flexible employee commuter options; subsidize START Bus riders, offer rewards for biking or walking, create a ride share program

Shorten work week to four 10-hour days or allow employees to telecommute

Energy Use

Shutdown electronics when done for the day; here is software that can help you with this

Use Power Saving Strips to cut Phantom Loads

Lose the screen savers. They can add up to $50 a year in energy costs!

Purchase Energy Star equipment and appliances when replacing old appliances

Try the search engine thegreenspider.com and reduce energy used

Insulate your hot water heater

Set your hot water heater to 115 degrees

Install a programmable thermostat and keep temps no higher than 68 degrees

Landscape your business for maximum water efficiency; use plants native to the landscape

Check for leaky faucets or toilets

Install faucet aerators and low-flow toilets

Provide water coolers or filtered tap water instead of bottled water

Capitol Projects

Caulk or replace old leaky windows

Insulate attic or other "bare" spaces

Replace inefficient heating and cooling systems

Replace electronics and appliances with Energy Star appliances. Lower Valley Energy provides rebates; check out lvenergy.com/conservation.php

Contact another green business and see what they are up to

Offset

Purchase Carbon Offsets through Pursue Balance; visit pursuebalance.org for more information