Living an environmentally more balanced life has been the ultimate issue all around the word. It’s clear that everybody should do their part to combat pollution and damage to the planet. Fortunately, some important internet companies are on the move.

Almost a year ago, Mark Ontkush wrote in his blog EcoIron that Black Google would save 750 megawatt-hours a year. Ontkush’s argument is that white and bright colors (especially in backgrounds) can use up to 20% more power than black or dark colors.

After the posting of his message the most visited search engine, Google, created its environmental friendly version. Blackle (Google black version) works exactly like the regular Google. However, Blackle has saved about 388,000,000 watt hours.

Google has not been the only internet company committed to reducing the effects of climate change. Dell is another example of social responsible companies.

When purchasing any Dell computer online, the customer can pay $2 to get a recycle kit and have Dell to plant a tree. By doing so, it helps offset the carbon dioxide emissions generated to power the newly purchased system.�

For businesses, any action that is environmentally friendly is not just politically correct but also a socially responsible marketing strategy. According to studies, 70% of consumers felt that business executives have social responsibilities as well as making profit. Many consumers would choose an environmentally friendly company over one that is not.

It’s important to know that to combat climate changes and help the environment you don’t need to create a big project like Google or Dell. By saving power, water and recycling, you already do your part.

Below are some simple environmental friendly tips for your business. As well as protecting the environment, controlling waste will help your company to reduce expenses and increase profitability.

• Do a waste cost analysis and create exercises to heighten awareness of how important it is to save power, water and paper.
• Use e-mail rather than printing. Only print what you really need and if possible double-sided.
• Switch from disposable to reusable products whenever you can.
• Create specific bins to recycle paper, glasses, plastic and aluminum.