There are numerous ways that we can both personally and professionally conserve the Earth's natural resources for future generations.

How can your firm be greener? Truthfully, there is no one solution - it is a process that is ongoing and requires flexibility and commitment on various levels. There are many shades of green and your firm needs to decide how much time, resources and budget you are willing to devote to the process.

If you are just getting started or need a refresher of cost effective, easy to implement initiatives, below are just a few ways that you can be more environmentally friendly with the products you use every day.

»» Choose supplies that are either recyclable or made with recycled or post consumer waste (PCW).

These types of materials reuse existing material reducing the requirement for new raw materials and significantly reduce the amount of waste that makes its way into landfills.

»» Engraving is solvent and VOC free making it the most environmentally friendly process for producing your stationery.

Though it provides permanence and prestige to your image, it can often be produced for pennies more than printed, thermographed or even computer generated stationery.

»» Cotton is one of the most environmentally friendly materials used to manufacture paper used for letterhead.

Cotton is a naturally and quickly renewing resource that the EPA considers to be recycled material. You can even choose a paper that contains a portion of tree-free, recycled cotton along with PCW material.

»» Choose vendors and suppliers that demonstrate their commitment to the environment.

Many suppliers have green certifications, such as FSC chain-of-custody or offer products that not only are made with recycled and PCW content, but also are SFI certified. Often these products cost little to nothing to switch to, but greatly help our environment.

»» Even small changes make a difference:

• Change the standard print font to use less toner and paper.
• Replace traditional light bulbs with energy efficient bulbs.
• Turn monitors off when not in use.
• Print drafts and internal documents double-sided.
• Start a recycling program for plastics, glass and paper.