How to have a Green & Sustainable Business
What is sustainable business?
A sustainable business uses renewable resources and holds itself accountable for the environmental and human rights impacts of its activities. This includes operating in a socially responsible manner and protecting the environment.
Will it cost more?
Some of the green and sustainable practices can cost more money upfront. Others can save you money. Think of green practices as a long term investment.
How do I do it?
Below you will learn about what Maine businesses are doing about their impacts on the environment and how it is improving their business. You also can contribute what you know about becoming a sustainable business.
Blog Entries about Sustainable Business
Sage Solutions
Camp Bow Wow: Small Steps Add Up
Jan 6, 2009 10:01 PM
Every Little Bit Helps
When Camp Bow Wow opened its doors this past July, customers and their dogs knew immediately that the owners, Gary and Jill Mansir, had spared no expense. Camp Bow Wow is a new dog boarding and daycare facility in Portland, Maine that offers state-of-the-art accommodations and a “camp-like” theme for furry guests. A rustic, outdoorsy... more
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jmcleod76's Blog Entries
Getting it Clean, Keeping it Green
Dec 31, 2008 06:11 PM
It’s no secret that the things that are good for the Earth are often good for people, too. That trend holds especially true when the time comes to clean up around the home or office.
Most cleaning products are made from harsh or toxic chemicals that not only pollute our air and waterways, but can also make people... more
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Sage Solutions
Beech Ridge Farm: A Labor of Love
Dec 23, 2008 09:46 PM
With Christmas fast approaching, followed just as quickly by the painfully boring task of taking down the ornaments after the holiday is over, the question that comes to my mind is “what is the responsible thing to do with the tree, now?” I was lucky enough to ask this and other questions when I sat down with Jim and... more
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jmcleod76's Blog Entries
Meet Lewiston's new energy czar
Dec 18, 2008 01:13 PM
Though his unofficial job title – energy czar – may sound imposing, Ian Houseal, the newest member of the city of Lewiston’s administrative staff, said his mandate is actually quite simple.
“I’m here to save the city money,” said Houseal, who started his new job earlier this month.
More specifically, the enrgy czar position, which is officially titled... more
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The Takeaway
Get more green in your business
Dec 15, 2008 07:47 AM
There's no doubt that going green was the top business trend in 2008. Yeah the economy went into the toilet but that wasn't a trend. It was a disaster - like an ice storm.
But if you want to talk about a practice that businesses adopted quickly, it's green and sustainability. I realized it a couple weeks ago when I met... more
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Sage Solutions
Delta Roofing Helps Businesses Save Energy
Dec 9, 2008 09:04 PM
Delta Roofing, a national company with a local office here in Portland, offers customers new ways to add "green" to their office, warehouse or other commercial space. According to Brett Bernier, a sales representative with the Delta company, “green” is meant here in the most literal sense, as their company installs roof top gardens ranging from small squares of... more
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Conversations about Sustainable Business
GreenME says,
Concentrate on green cleaning
Jan 2, 2009 06:21 AM
Tip: Use concentrated cleaners. Not only are they more economical, they also save on wasteful packaging.
By Jaime McLeod
For more info on what Maine businesses are doing to be more eco-friendly, see the MaineBusiness.com green guide.
... more
For more info on what Maine businesses are doing to be more eco-friendly, see the MaineBusiness.com green guide.
... more0 comments
GreenME says,
Reduce waste while paying bills online
Dec 24, 2008 07:50 AM
If you are looking for an easy way to save a tree and reduce waste, consider switching to online bill statements and payments. Think about how much paper 6 or 7 bills per month can add up to over time, as well as the notoriously long monthly bank statements! In addition to viewing these bills and statements online... more
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GreenME says,
Invest in energy savings now
Dec 18, 2008 01:59 PM
Ian Houseal, energy czar for the city of Lewiston, said there's no better time than now to begin measuring and improving energy efficiency in your home or business. "Energy prices have dropped, for now, but they're only going to go up from here. This is the best time to invest in the kinds of technology that will save you energy,... more
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GreenME says,
Try more environmentally-friendly de-icers
Dec 10, 2008 08:49 AM
As winter sets in, so begin the pesky problems that Jack Frost brings with him, including that stubborn layer of ice that forms on our driveways. Consider for a minute the de-icing products we have all used, mostly salt and chemical mixtures which are … you guessed it … not all that gentle to the natural world around us. ... more
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GreenME says,
State helps businesses improve energy efficiency
Dec 4, 2008 12:22 PM
Companies that want to improve their energy efficiency, but don't know where to start or don't think they can afford it, should contact Efficiency Maine. A statewide energy conservation initiative funded by the Maine Public Utilities Commission, Efficiency Maine provides free energy audits, complete with recommendations for improvements. In addition, the program offers a series of grants business... more
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Maine Switch says,
Easy green decorating ideas
Nov 26, 2008 02:37 PM
LIGHT BEESWAX OR VEGETABLE WAX CANDLES
Most candles are made from paraffin, which is a byproduct of crude oil refining. When you purchase paraffin candles you're burning fossil fuels and supporting foreign oil. Go natural instead and select 100% vegetable wax or beeswax candles.
REUSE NEWSPAPER AND GROCERY BAGS AS WRAPPING PAPER
It's always better to reuse than recycle, and there's no easier... more
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Sustainable Business Photos
Some of Tinsel Bright's unique and vintage displays
Nov 25, 2008 05:38 PM
1 Photos
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SarahReidy
Best Practices
Tips you can use to reduce the impact of your business: Reduce waste while paying bills online Invest in energy savings now Try more environmentally-friendly de-icers State helps businesses improve energy efficiency Enjoy your coffee more while cutting energy Be creative with less Use both sides of the paper