How to be a green non-profit
Things your organization can do to save the environment
Regardless of your non-profit's purpose, your organization can probably afford to be a little greener.
Being environmentally friendly is beneficial in several ways:
- It helps your organization be a good steward in your community and in the world
- It can make your organization more appealing to potential donors
- It enables your organization to help ensure that future generations can enjoy a respectable quality of life.
- While some green measures are costly, many are not – and some can even save or make money.
Here are some environmentally savvy decisions your non-profit can make that won't dent your pockets:
- Offer an electronic newsletter. Not only will your non-profit save on the costs of paper, printing, and postage, but you will help save trees and eliminate the need to use fossil fuels in delivering your mail. Every time you mail a paper newsletter and every time you add someone to your mailing list, let people know how they can opt into email and opt out of print.
- Cull your mailing list. If you haven’t heard from someone on your mailing list in the past three years, it’s time to ask them if they want to remain on the list. (If you’re not keeping track of member/donor activity, start now!) Sending information to people who are truly interested will save you money and save the world some trees.
- Replace regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs. They cost 2-3 times more, but they last up 10 times longer and use 2/3 the energy of a conventional bulb.
- Reconsider your dress code. Turn the thermostat a bit down in the winter, and encourage sweaters, and turn it up in the summer and encourage short-sleeves.
- Recycle. Set up bins for paper, cardboard, plastic, and aluminum/glass, or whatever is offered for recycling in your local area. Your waste management company might offer curbside pick-up; otherwise, have staff take turns dropping things off at the local recycling center.
- Reuse grocery bags. You know those free totes you always get whenever you attend a conference? Instead of plastic (or even paper), use those when you are buying your non-profits’ supplies, snacks, or what have you.
These next ideas might cost a bit of money, but they give your nonprofit “green-cred” and pay off in the long run. Also, you can ask the businesses involved if they are willing to pay the difference between the traditional method/product, and the more environmentally savvy choice:
- Use alternative sources of electricity. Many electric companies will let you purchase wind, solar, geothermal, or hydroelectric power (depending on what’s available in your area). Alternate energy costs more than coal-powered electricity, but is both renewable and cleaner-burning.
- Buy fuel efficient vehicles. If your non-profit owns a van, bus, or car, see if you can buy a hybrid or something that uses alternative fuels like biodiesel.
- Buy recycled products. From copier paper to toilet paper, your organization probably goes through a lot of supplies. Make the savvy decision and buy recycled.
These tips are just the beginning. Have other Earth-and-penny saving ideas? Please share them on the discussion board.
The copyright of the article How to be a green non-profit in Non-Profit Management is owned by Estela Kennen. Permission to republish How to be a green non-profit must be granted by the author in writing.
