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Earth day was April 22nd, but the Earth Day celebrations continue across the globe through the weekend.  I've been reflecting on the steps I've taken towards a greener business and life thus far and I continue seeking more ways to think green.

Small business owners, can make a big difference by assessing their impact on the environment.  Even though I'm only a one person art and jewelry shop, I manage to continue finding ways to make my business practices more eco-friendly.

Steps Toward a Greener Life & Business

1. I work from home which helps reduce my carbon footprint because I no longer commute to an office or art studio.
2. We have replaced all our lighting with energy efficient compact fluorescent bulbs.
3. We compost all our food scraps.
4. We recycle everything our county allows.
5. We use energy star compliant appliances.
6. We lowered the thermostat on our water heater.
7. I turn off my computer and monitor at the power strip whenever I don't need them for more than 20 minutes.  I used to leave my computer running all day and sometimes even through the night.   Read When to Turn Off Personal Computers for more information.
8. I request electronic instead of printed catalogs from my suppliers.
9. To reduce junk mail I routinely contact companies who send unwanted mailings and catalogs and remove my address from their list.
10. I reuse packaging materials or use packaging materials made from recycled materials when I ship to my customers.
11. I print invoices and shipping labels on recycled paper.
12. I continue to seek out the least toxic materials and processes to use in my jewelry and art.
13. I use recycled metals whenever possible in my jewelry.  I buy my jewelry supplies  from
    manufacturers who use recycled precious metals like gold, silver,
    platinum, and palladium, whenever possible.  For more information read this informative article at Modern Jewelry: Refine & Recycle
14. My fine silver jewelry is made using Art Clay Silver or PMC, both products are made from silver reclaimed from computer circuit boards and silver from
    photographic supplies.
15. I write my main suppliers each year asking what steps they have taken to green their business. I am beginning to boycott suppliers who refuse to use recycled packaging materials.

These are just a few examples I have implemented to become a greener business

More Great Tips on Greener Living:

• Subscribe to  the Energy Saving Blog
• Subscribe to the Green News & Information Resource Blog
• Check out EcoLabs, a network of designers & visual artists addressing sustainability & systemic change.
• Printing art work or promotional materials? Check out greenerprinter,
  an online printing site that offers recycled paper, environmentally
  friendly inks and vows to keep their operations as non-toxic as
  possible.
• Subscribe to Ideal Bites for daily tips on eco-friendly living.
• Artists and crafters, don't miss these great tips posted over at Etsy Success

I'd love to hear about steps your are taking to live a greener life both at home and in your place of business.  Please share your ideas and resources