Have you noticed that the word “eco” is popping up as an adjective for a variety of products? Today’s environmentally conscious customers use “green” as a criteria in their internet shopping. And by the very nature of online shopping vs. brick and mortar stores, it is a more “eco” friendly shopping option. There is no gas being used, no carbon emissions are being produced.

Nine out of ten online shoppers are green to some extent, according to a recent poll by online ad network Burst Media. Breaking down that number further, the largest group of almost 44% has green aspirations; meaning they’ve started letting environmental considerations influence their purchasing, but recognize that they have a long way to go. The second largest group, 37% say they try to be as green as possible. Only 10% of shoppers report not being green at all, and the smallest group, 8.8% have reached their goal of being completely green.

“There’s an emerging consumer base that’s demanding green products, and they’re popping up all over the place,” says Justin Doak, founder of Ecoxera, an Austin, Texas, consulting firm that advises retailers on green practices. “It’s fine and dandy to want to capture that market, but consumers want to know what’s in a product, how is it shipped, how are you housing it, how will they get rid of it when they’re done with it? There are countless areas for greening.”

Today’s business owners should pay attention to this shopping trend. Most customers are willing to pay more for some types of products. This is especially true of earth friendly food and household products. For those who consider themselves deeply green, more than 80% are willing to pay a premium for almost any product category. Customers are “leaning into being green” wherever possible and the word “eco friendly” is attracting attention.

Is your business moving toward being environmentally conscious? Are you letting your customers know? List your business in “Going Green in OC” and display your commitment to “green retailing”.

In today’s world, more and more people are becoming more conscious of their environment. As a result, more businesses are adopting environmentally friendly business practices, like becoming a sustainable, green business. However, even with all the advantages of going green, there are many business owners who find it hard to adopt green practices because of the costs needed to implement changes, such as reconstruction to their daily operations and alterations to products sold to the consumers.

What many don’t realize is that the benefits of green practices far outweigh the costs. Becoming a sustainable business can save money in the long run, create happier customers, and it contributes to a healthier planet.

If you’re interested in adopting green practices, the government Web site, http://www.Business.gov, provides a guide to help businesses adopt the green practices, listed below:

Follow the environmental regulations relevant to your business. Compliance creates two effects: it protects your business from fines and legal actions from the government and it protects the environment.

Create a sound environmental management plan. Since you are now running a green business, creating an environmentally friendly and energy-efficient workplace is important to send your message across. An environmental plan will help you achieve this.

Build green and install energy-efficient air-conditioning systems, appliances, etc. You can contract with an energy professional to help you manage your project.

Buy green products. Green products are made from recycled materials, non-toxic, renewable, and recyclable. Also buy food that is locally grown and organic.

Adopt energy-efficient practices. One of the most effective steps you can take to cut costs is to save energy. You can help your employees conserve energy by providing them with energy-saving tips.

Reduce, reuse, and recycle wastes. Money can be saved by reducing waste. You can also cut costs on raw materials, office supplies, and equipment. Some of the things that you can do to reduce waste are using recycled products, eliminating excessive product packaging material, and participating in recycling programs.

Conserve water. Through conservation, you both save water and cut costs associated with buying, heating, treating, and disposing of it. Try to use water-saving equipment, and minimize discharges to sewer or wastewater.

Learn how Home at Last in OC has “gone green”.  Click Here!