Killing Trees Or Going Green

A few years ago I was hired on as part of a team to streamline a billing department for a large insurance company.  Prior to this, I hadn't thought a lot about "going green" except in my own personal life.  Sure I recycled but what about the companies I did business with?  Were they doing all they could do to cut their costs so mine could be cut as well?  Well, what was unimportant to me before, suddenly became an important venture.

As I traveled back and forth from the south to the east coast, I began to see the importance of streamlining.  After seeing a multitude of boxes stacked in a storage area for just two processes, desks piled with files and an overflow of filing cabinets, the veins in my neck began a slow protrusion.  Something had to be done.  And that's where our team came into play.  We learned the processes and together we defined new processes and turned the entire department around in 3 months.  We were able to take on and streamline more processes and in 6 months, the entire department had converted to "green".

When I started my current position, the owner and myself both agreed we had a dislike for post-it notes, paper and files lying around.  So, in the process of working on a new marketing plan, social networking, collections, operations, and more, I have been spending time trying to automate our processes.  We have a lateral file we keep some files in, but that is still too much for me.  That's where scanning becomes essential for business, whether large or small.  Before you convert to green, it is important to have a good backup program to prevent data loss.  We pay a monthly fee to have our files stored off site.  It's worth every penny if your computer decides it is time to bite the dust.  You can also invest in a storage drive that will automatically back everything up for you as well.

Once you have a data storage program in place to back up your files, you can begin to scan and store everything you have to new folders you have created.  The beginning may be cumbersome and time-consuming but in the long run, it will save time and money.  After, you can recycle your filing cabinets on various "freecycle" sites by donating them and saving them from going into a landfill.  Once it becomes a habit, you will never want to return to the old way of doing things.  It just makes life so much easier.

There are many other ways to add to the savings of going green in your business.  Simple things that cost you no money at all are, turning all lights in the office off when you leave, turning the air conditioner to 75 or the heat to 60 (these can always be changed the moment you walk in) and checking for water leaks (did you shut the faucet off? is it dripping? etc).

Items that cost now but will save money over time include investing in energy-efficient light bulbs, recycling your own waste in your business (purchase small recycle bins and stick them in your back storage room). using "green" friendly ink for your printer (for marketing supplies or letters) and eco-friendly copy paper, toilet paper and paper towels.  We are living in an age where time is money and we have little of both.  We must think smarter in order to make profits.  "Going green", to me, is one of the best possible ways to be successful in business.  Don't procrastinate!  The time is now.


Michelle Armstrong
Manager
Star Storage
816-765-7300