Sixty-one percent of small businesses are actively trying to go green, while 70 percent expect to become more environmentally conscious over the next two years, but cost is a challenge.
A new survey by Office Depot found that the most popular way small businesses are becoming more eco-friendly is by recycling more (cited by 82 percent of respondents). Small businesses are also reducing their ecological footprint by reducing waste (72 percent); buying energy-efficient products (61 percent); buying recycled products (60 percent); seeking non-toxic products (43 percent); and reducing water use (39 percent).
However, cost was cited most frequently when small businesses discussed the challenges of trying to go green. The survey found that 39 percent are worried about the money it will cost to be more environmentally friendly. Small businesses are also concerned about the lack of options (21 percent); quality (13 percent); lack of clarity (13 percent), and lack of time (11 percent).
"Many people think that going greener will cost more, but that's not necessarily the case," said Office Depot chief green advocate Yalmaz Saddiqui in a statement. "Customers can look at purchasing energy-efficient lights and computers, remanufactured printer cartridges and a wide range of greener supplies that cost less than less-green alternatives."
