Every business has to watch the bottom line.  When shopping, soliciting bids, or deciding on purchases; one of the big factors in the decision is the price.  I would like to suggest another consideration that may be weighed against the issue cost. This concept comes under the topic of sustainability, and needs some explanation. 

The short explanation of this issues follow the "Demand and Supply theory."  Green marketing demands some follow through in that a Green business should do more than promote itself as a Green business. Green businesses should also be active Green consumers as well.  You can obviously see the hypocrisy of the typical, one-sided practice. 

To complete the Green Business Cycle, people and businesses should be Green consumers actively seeking Green providers for their needs as well.  There is a kind of morality for a Green business, and that means that your Greenness is not just for show. The sincerity of your commitment is seen in your willingness to buy Green as well as sell Green.

The question of sustaining the Green program has the expectation that there is a market for the Green products and services in the market. Years ago, in a surge of patriotic enthusiasm, we often heard the phrase, "Buy American." It wasn't hard to connect American jobs to the duty of Americans to "Buy American." Taking your purchases offshore was seen as a betrayal of the American worker. There is an economic cycle to these things that cannot be missed.

Buying Green follows the same logic. Green initiatives cannot be long sustained by charity and good will. Green businesses must find a market and eventually turn a profit before they go broke. Good intentions cannot substitute for good business, smart marketing, and a motivated public. Business serves consumers, and consumers feed businesses. Buying Green is a fundamental of the ability to expanding the Green project that benefits us all.

So, here’s the acid question that will likely determine if you are a half-hearted Green business or a business that is committed to the Green improvement of your community and our world. Do you buy Green when the price is not the cheapest available?

There is a point at which Going Green may not be affordable, but this doesn't happen very often. Most services and products will not increase the cost 4-8% more, and that is worth the price differential. The reason is that we always end up paying more for things that shouldn't neglect. If you neglect the chore of changing your motor oil (about $25), you will one day end up with a ruined engine costing $2500 to repair.

Recent studies of businesses have shown that the increased, but hidden, cost of employee health and productivity can cost substantially more than the cost of Going Green. Employee absenteeism, medical claims, increased cost of health insurance, and even employee productivity can amount to tens of thousands more than the few dollars spent on improving the Green health impact of your business.

Buying Green is an investment, not a pure cost to a business. I suggest that you check out Green janitorial services such as are found at www.GreenJanitor.net. If you need guidance in how to make your company functionally Green, I suggest that you check out www.GreenBusinessLeague and learn to improve your Green IQ and network with other Green Businesses.  Do not turn your nose up because you have to pay a few more shekels for a Green product or service.  Green is investment in people and your future.