Kudos to you for caring about our precious planet! As a business owner, you can protect our environment on a broad scale. One significant way is using eco-friendly equipment. By doing so, you'll reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption. You'll also save money. Here are five types of gadgets with Earth-saving features.

1. Recycled Calculators

Equip your staff with calculators made of recycled plastic that run on solar power. Some devices are advertised as being free of lead and mercury. Some companies go a step farther, with packaging and instructions made of recycled paper. Examples of companies selling these gadgets are Canon, Sharp, and Staples. Canon recycles plastic from its old copiers. Staples offers one made of recycled toner and ink cartridges, keeping them out of landfills.

2. Eco-Friendly Printers

You'll reduce paper waste via printers with recycled cartridges and few consumable parts. An ENERGY STAR rating indicates high energy efficiency. Color laser printers have the largest number of consumable parts. When shopping for a printer, choose one with separate toner and drum cartridges. These are the least wasteful. Ideally, purchase an ozone-free printer that uses recycled cartridges.

3. Computer Power Savers

Power savers save electricity and reduce carbon emissions by powering down computers when not in use. Plug a unit into your USB port, and load the software. Then press the button before leaving your desk, and the gadget puts your computer into energy-saving mode. This power suspension is almost equivalent to turning off your machine. Upon returning, tap any key, and your computer powers up.

It's estimated that using this device on a single computer can prevent 135kg of carbon emissions per year. A business with 50 computers saves at least $1,500 in electric bills and 6.8 tons of CO2 annually. These merits accrue when non-machine use averages two hours per day. Although it's possible to navigate menus to access energy-saving mode, the average employee won't bother since it's time-consuming. A power-saving device is both user-friendly and gratifying. Research cites another benefit of power-saving devices. They motivate consumers to turn off lights and unplug appliances when not in use.

4. Solar Panels

Solar systems are now used by 22 percent of city buildings and 5 percent of commercial buildings in the US. As a business owner, you can significantly reduce and possibly eliminate your electric bill. What you're spending on electricity now is likely much higher than what you'll pay for solar long-term.

Houston Chronicle reports that installing solar panels is a sound business investment. Government incentives and lower installation costs make switching to solar economical. Most panels carry a 25-year warranty. A panel system needs little or no maintenance, working efficiently for 25 to 40 years.

If your system generates more electricity than your business uses, your net electricity cost will be $0. To remain linked to the electrical grid, you'll pay a minimal connection fee, usually $100 per year. While saving money, you'll help reduce carbon emissions and air pollution. You can also use going solar as a marketing tool. Customers respond positively to eco-friendly businesses.

So, how does a solar panel work? This device converts sunlight into electricity, using conductive metalloid wafers called solar cells. When light particles strike a solar cell, they generate an electric charge. Multiple charges create a steady flow of energy.

Solar cells are packed into circuits called modules. One or more modules make up a solar panel. When mounted on a rooftop, the panels receive sunlight. The resulting direct current (DC) is converted to alternating current (AC) by a device called an inverter. AC then powers your lights and machines. Visit a vendor like ML Solar if you’re interested in getting solar panels.

5. Eco-Friendly Vending Machines

A standard vending machine uses 3500–4000 kilowatt hours per year, consumed by refrigeration and lighting. Eco-friendly models significantly cut energy expenditure, some slashing it by half! Other features that are kind to our environment are LED lighting and energy-efficient cooling units.

Motion sensors and standby mode further reduce energy consumption by 20 percent. Some companies provide remote inventory monitoring. Many vendors are now offering healthy snacks, organic coffee, hot food, frozen treats, and fresh fruit. Dual controls maintain both hot and cold foods at proper temps inside one machine.

ENERGY STAR Business Support

If you own a small company, consider joining the ENERGY STAR Small Business Network. As a member, you'll receive free information and technical support for reducing energy waste and costs. You'll learn business practices that protect our environment. You can display the ENERGY STAR promotional mark, showing the public your company is dedicated to saving energy.

Tools from the Environmental Protection Agency help you track water and energy consumption. Expert assistance is at your disposal for improving efficiency, such as the "Ask a Technical Question" service. Resources are also tailored to the following types of small businesses:

• auto dealers
• convenience and grocery stores
• lodging
• manufacturers
• offices
• restaurants

Gadgets Large and Small

As a business owner, you can help protect our environment in numerous ways. Using eco-friendly equipment is one substantial way. Our world needs more Earth-minded entrepreneurs like you!