Are YOU green?

Jennifer Reese and I first emailed primarily because she saw we had a mutual interest in business, but that led to a phone call that uncovered a mutual passion for keeping stuff out of landfills.  Then today at her office we met in person, and when she suggested a "Green Group" things got exciting.  So I'll offer this:

My company sells toner for printers, copiers and fax machines.  The toner is made by a Michigan manufacturer.  About 80% of what I sell comes from them, the rest from the big name companies.  My goal is to reach 100%, but my customers need to cooperate for that to happen - they need to stop buying new printers on their own (that require certain toner) and talk with me first.

So that's my "Green" patch, what's your's?

Jennifer, I'd love to join a Green Group.  David, I think I may be one of those "bad" customers.  Do you sell ink/toner for Dell printers?

I am certainly interested!  Green is part of what I want to do and Michigan owned and operated is another. I want to keep waste out of landfills, but further, I want to reduce the waste all together so that it doesn't end up in other places that it shouldn't.

Green is the new black!

Everybody should be doing their part.

There will be more big news coming down the green front, but for now I offer this:

Check out http://www.recyclemax.com. Owned and operated by our own Keith Zendler. Want to stay green? Do your part!

Thanks for the cool discussion.

Thanks Terry!  I just looked at the Recyclemaxx website, and will consider the services.  We recycle everything we can here.  I know I drive everyone crazy in the office, but I think they're catching on!  If there is something in the trash that should be recycled... they "get it from me!"  We will also be switching our pdrinting services over to David Parker!

And, I am in the process of working on some Great Lakes iniative program where we donate either a dollar amount or percentage per work order toward our Great Lakes.  This would mean those who order from us would also become part of the effort! 

Terry, Thanks for the reminder about Keith, Recyclemax and one more innovation in Detroit.  There is so much good stuff happening here in our own back yard that needs a constant drumbeat of attention.  I know a guy who does hotel renovations, have to put them in touch....

Speaking of green initiatives:

http://www.wwj.com/pages/2644773.php?

looks like this labor day weekend the International Jazz, fest, Belle Isle race and Arts, Beats and Eats are all going to promote greener living.  3 days in the D.  I love it!

Which event(s) will you attend?

Arts, Beats and Eats for sure, for me.

Also, Fear Not Computers offers electronics recycling.  If the computer is new enough it gets refurbished and goes to charity, or if not, goes through a zero-landfill recycling process.

Also, thanks to our partnership with David Parker, you can have your computers and your printing needs assessed by one person.

Great discussion!

I would be interested in joining a Green Group.

If you are interested in learning a lot about how you can "Green Up" your business, consider attending the "All About ... Green Business" seminar that is being held next Friday, August 1st at the Boardwalk Creative Center in Ann Arbor.  Here is a link to the full program description:

www.regonline.com/AllAboutGreenBiz

The program is being organized by Shepherd Advisors, the management consulting firm that focuses on Green Business and Clean Technology Solutions.

The Michigan Brewers Guild is going Green for the Summer beer fest this weekend!  Go Green and support MICHIGAN brewed beer! www.michiganbrewersguild.org

Green is my preferred way to do business.  One of my specialties is Green Investing, sometimes called environmentally responsible investing or socially responsible investing.  Investing green is one thing that you can do to green your life without spending any money.  Simply reprogram money in your IRA, 401(k) or general investment account.  Few advisors in Michigan are engaging in this specialty.  Let me show you how you can invest green and meet your financial goals.

Jeff Kingzett

Financial Advisor

H&R Block Financial Advisors

2550 South Telegraph Road

Bloomfield Hills, MI  48302

248-322-6901

I was thinking of starting off:  "Hey Greenie Beanies" and then changed my mind to my favorite candy, Reeses Peanut Butter Cups - so it's "Hey Greenie Reeses." 

It is a fine line between being and annoyingly commercial and being educational and supportive, so I'll try to be the latter. I won't flash subliminal messages like "please buy my toner, I need the cash."  So just consider what some other are doing in the office, what are you doing?

It is possible to reduce e-waste and save a lot of money, and do business with a MICHIGAN COMPANY.  You can 1. Reduce office equipment waste by working to Jason Tatseos for PCs and and networks and with David Parker to picking the right printers, and 2. Reduce landfill growth by not using inkjets and picking the right laser printer cartridges.  3.  You can also help businesses understand how to avoid using paper (yes, yes I said it!) when they don't need to, by connecting them with Laurie Slade - Document Goddess.  She will save them money by going electronic.

In this field we save our customers money and help them go green.  You don't have to spend to save.  It is like getting a new Hybrid for $10,000 less than the regular version!  Like a 100 MPG Caddy made in Michigan???  What a concept.

Want good stuff, contact the people doing it and ask for a price - let them floor you.

Faithfully,  David Parker, President 

North American Toner, Inc.

Given that most recycling programs are actually bad for the environment, I would be interested in seeing a charter for a Green Group. I applaud what David and Jason are doing - re-use is the best form of recycling.

Dana

Dana,

I'm curious about your statement that "most recycleing programs are actually bad for the environment."  What leads you to such a conclusion?

Jeff