Here are some small steps you can take to make your business green.

1) Reduce the amount of paper you use. Before you print, think. Do you *really* need to print out that email or document? If you just need a backup copy, pick up a cheap USB thumb drive instead and use it to save copies of important files.

2) Recycle anything you can. Keep a small box or tray for paper that you've printed on but no longer need and announce to your children that they are welcome to color, paint, cut, etc with the paper. Kids don't mind recycled paper and some really fun projects can result from paper that's already been used.

3) Buy EnergyStar Appliances. Watch the energy usage on any appliances you purchase--computers, sergers, sewing machines--whatever tools are required for your trade. Always turn them off when not in use.

4) Go Paperless for Billing. Many business models easily lend themselves to e-billing. If yours does, do it. It will save you not only paper/envelopes, but also postage.

5) Use organic and natural elements.

6) Always choose reusable. Instead of notebooks and paper for your to do lists, use a dry erase board or go to a digital online version. Try Google Calendar instead of a paper planner. If your products require certain materials in production, can you use something reusable instead of disposible?

7) Buy in bulk.

8) Choose a VA or virtual assistant instead of an in-person assistant. Work with employees or contractors who work from their homes and you save the gas/emissions from cars driving back and forth.

9) Combine errands and schedule meetings selectively. Can you do them all on one day? Less trips in your car are better. If you can eliminate some by having the USPS carrier (who's already driving by) pick up packages, or meet with clients via Skype instead of in-person, consider it.

10) Buy Green Tags. With green tags you can compensate for your CO2 usage. I got mine through https://www.greentagsusa.org/GreenTags/index.cfm

11) Go 100% Replanted. Through http://www.replanttrees.org you can have trees planted to make up for your paper usage.

12) Choose your packaging materials carefully. You can find green packing materials starting at http://www.sustainablepackaging.org/ or http://clearbags.com/?category|BIOBAGS And always recycle/reuse when feasible.

13) Deliver Products Digitally. Can you offer a digital version of your products? A PDF of that pattern instead of a printed copy? Or a PDF ebook instead of printable book? If you offer both, encourage the digital options. Check out www.e-junkie.com for an easy way to sell digital items online.

14) Sell locally. No need to ship if you sell to local customers. Try craft shows or farmers markets if it fits your business products. http://www.indiecraftfairguide.com/ or http://www.indiecraftshows.com/

15) Support green businesses. Does your webhost power their servers with green energy? Does your printer offer recycled paper for brochures or business cards? By supporting other green businesses you can help others tread more lightly on the earth, too.

Got more ideas? Please share them in the comments, I'd love to add to this list.