In continuing today’s theme on social entrepreneurship, I came across a great list of 58 ways small businesses can save the world. Here are the top 20:

1. Changing the office incandescent light bulbs to more energy efficient ones.
2. Recycling internal paper, by printing on both sides
3. Use email, not couriers
4. Encourage suppliers to invoice you electronically
5. Buy fair trade products (such as the office coffee)
6. Encouraging staff to catch public transport (trains and buses) to work if possible
7. Minimising the use of air conditioners wherever possible, or at least turn the thermostat up a degree.
8. Sponsor a child or family
9. Leaving lights and equipment off when we can
10. Ensuring all monitors are switched off when not in use
11. Organising to have a recycling bin for paper waste to be picked up by council
12. Buy organic fruit for staff snacks
13. Use mulch in the office garden
14. Use waterless urinals and dual flush toilets
15. Read online news instead of print newspapers
16. Printing stationery on recycled paper
17. Use cold water instead of hot
18. Take unwanted, re-usable items to your local charity shop
19. Stick a ‘No Junk Mail’ sign on your letterbox
20. Buy rechargable batteries for all electronic devices

Do you have any additional suggestions for how small business owners can make the world a better place?

Evan Carmichael