Again - I encourage you to use the link on the right this Arbor Day to plant a tree. But if you’re not into planting trees today - why not implement a plan to save some? While I don’t believe we will ever be completely paperless in our lives and businesses, we can take steps to reduce the paper trail we leave behind.

Encourage your customers to visit your web site instead of handing them a brochure. Offer them a business card with your web site address and ask them to visit your site. Better yet - offer them a fridge magnet with your info on it so they see it daily. It’s probably a good idea to have print brochures available to those that ask for it - but don’t offer it until they do. Offering incentives to those that receive your newsletter online instead of sending the print version by snail mail will save you in print costs, postage and paper.

And remember - every little bit counts! I know it doesn’t always feel like you are making a difference by implementing small changes such as these, but you are. As a group, 1000 soapmakers can save a lot of trees even by taking the smallest of baby steps.