Green community

Being environmentally friendly isn't just the right thing to do, but it can also save your business money.

That was the message last night at the Rensselaer Library. As part of the Going Green Initiative that continues at the library next month, students from Mike Feagans' Marketing 2 class at RCHS talked about the Footprint Program hosted by the Greater Rensselaer Chamber of Commerce.

The students will be talking to the Rensselaer Rotary next week and visiting area businesses soon to talk more about this program, which recognizes businesses for going green and gives simple steps to become a business with a smaller environmental footprint.

Most of the changes are simple for businesses to make, said chamber representative Tracy Mark.

"Some businesses can't turn off all their computers at night, because they may be on a network, but just turning off the monitors and printers can make a difference."

Using rechargeable batteries, energy saver light bulbs and filtered water rather than bottled water are some of the basic steps. Another step Feagans encourages his students to adopt is to buy a reusable coffee mug instead of using paper or plastic cups.

"One of these you can use over and over again forever," said Cody Lintner, one of the students who spoke about the program.

Feagans said 16 businesses have already joined the program, pledging to make a commitment to become a greener business.

For more about the Footprint program, contact the Chamber of Commerce at (219) 866-8223.

Also be sure to check out the last installment of the Going Green Initiative on October 28: “Recycling 101…the Basics.”