The ROI of Choosing Green

There are many perceptions about going green or choosing to invest in green practices, technologies and resources. There is the idea that it takes a long time to see the pay back or that you need to have deep pockets to get started. A Forbes article from December highlights 10 companies that are looking out for the environment and their business, and their investments are paying off on both fronts. Here are a few examples.

Grossman Marketing in Somerville, MA is a fourth-generation company that produces stationary, envelopes and brochures. The company chose to spend a little extra and invest in renewable energy credits (RECs) from wind farms that are equivalent to about 5% of its energy bills. By purchasing RECs, Grossman Marketing is investing in the country’s renewable energy infrastructure and ensuring that the amount of energy it uses is put back on the grid with wind power. What has this investment done for the company? It has helped attract eco-conscious customers such as Google and Green Mountain and grew its envelope sales by 20% in 2007. Grossman Marketing has also added greener printing options to its portfolio of printing solutions with biodegradable envelopes made from corn-based polymer.

Culver’s Restaurant Franchise in Appleton, Wisconsin is another example of smart investing on the green front. The franchise decided to start using its leftover vegetable oil for owner Joel Nelesen’s Ford Excursion and two tractor mowers. By purchasing $8,000 in equipment to convert the oil to fuel, Joe estimates that he saves $500/week on diesel fuel and grease removal services. Of course not all energy and fuel reduction investments make sense, but there are more and more available today that are worth investigation and the returns vary from new customers to cost-savings to greater product diversification.

To learn about other businesses that are making cost-effective environmentally-friendly choices for their business, visit Forbes here.