Green CPA Firms

Source: Practical Accountant

Here are a few of the green initiatives reported by accounting firms to Practical Accountant:

• Recycle ink, batteries, and cell phones.
• Consider vegetable ink in lieu of petroleum-based inks.
• Recycle computers and related equipment through Dell’s asset recovery program.
• Install motion detection light switches in offices and garages. Or post notes to remind people to turn off lights.
• Post notes reminding people to think before they print.
• Use low-wattage halogen light bulbs in common areas.
• Reconfigure network rooms to reduce servers and heat.
• Hibernate or turn off computers overnight.
• Develop paperless audit and tax departments.
• Send tax returns on CDs wherever possible.
• Communicate by e-mail.
• Put brochures on a CD.
• Establish a secure client portal where clients can access documents.
• Receive and store documents from clients electronically.
• Use portable scanners.
• Use on-site shredders and recycle the paper.
• Use certified green paper for printers.
• Use paper disposable cups in lieu of Styrofoam.
• Eliminate disposable plates and utensils for in-office meals.
• Use filtered tap water rather than bottled water.
• Use recycling bins for bottles and cans.
• Pay for employees to use public transportation for business meetings.
• Ask vendors to submit invoices electronically.
• Have employees work at home to reduce commuting, save gasoline, etc.
• Set up a Web portal that can forward calls and “find” people.
• Use telephones on computers to answer and place calls from anywhere as if people were in the office.

Help Clients Go Green:

Help them with government grants and incentives, many of which are dependent on green programs.

• Educate bankers so they can offer interest rate breaks to green companies.
• Talk to clients about their environmental and social duties, and how that also helps attract and retain customers and employees.
• Help clients with paper reduction initiatives.

For the complete article, click here and select the article “Money in Going Green,” in the January 2009 issue.

From Practical Accountant, January 2009, SourceMedia Inc., One State Street Plaza, 27th Floor, New York, NY 10004, 800-221-1809.