Green to Save Green Tips 46 - 50

You don’t need to sacrifice profits to go green with your small business. In fact, going green might save your business some money! In this Green to Save Green series, I’m challenging readers to make 101 environmental changes over the next 1001 days.

Here are Tips 46 - 50 - all about business dress. For the rest of your challenge tips, head to this post. If you’re making any (or all!) of these changes with your small business, let me know by leaving a comment!

Tip #46: Recycle your old duds. People gain and lose weight all of the time. However, instead of throwing away your business dress that doesn’t fit anymore, give it to a organization that could use it. For example, try Dress for Success, a group that provides business attire for disadvantaged women around the world. Once a year, hold a clothing drive in your office and collected unwanted pieces for charity.

Tip #47: Think year-round. Many pieces of clothing can play double duty, working well for your look in the fall/winter and in the spring/summer. Try not to buy too many pieces that you cant wear year-round. Get more use out of the clothing you have instead of buying double everything!

Tip #48: Buy green business suits. No, I don’t mean the color green. Did you know that there are tons of companies out there making suits from organic or recycled materials? These pieces aren’t kooky looking or anything - no one will even know the differences. Best of all, they’re priced the same as regular business suits, and you might even find some for a bit cheaper. The range I saw was about $100 - $700.

Tip #49: Choose clothing that is machine washable. Dry cleaning is super harmful because most companies use the chemical perchloroethylene. Even other chemicals, although less harmful, are still bad for the environment. So, look for pieces that can be washed by hand or in the machine instead. You’ll save money on dry cleaning and be avoiding a biohazard. 

Tip #50: Instate casual Friday. If you’re in a position to do so, start (or ask your boss to start) casual Friday - one day a week when everyone can wear what they want, as long as it is in good taste. Casual clothing is much less expensive, rarely needs to be dry cleaned, and is easier to find in organic styles.

Come back tomorrow for a continuation of this list, or head to this post to read more! Don’t forget to leave a comment if you’re implementing any of these changes in your own life!