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Small businesses are looking at waysto be more green without breaking the bank.
Sustainability was the focus of eight seminars at Auckland's Small Business Expo at the ASB Showgrounds yesterday.
Owners and staff of small businesses spoken to by the Herald said they wanted to understand sustainability, with many already taking steps to reduce waste.
Janine Rae of Ecom Group said sustainability was "absolutely" something her company was thinking of. "We're in digital media so we're all over it." Her company was working to eliminate printing for its clients to cut down on paper use.
Matt Porter, who employs six staff at his private mental health service company, said his company would have no choice but to become more sustainable to keep winning Government funding. "It's likely to be an election issue."
Sustainable business consultant Tim Rainger said it was hard for small businesses to be sustainable, because they have less to spend.
David Clendon, of the Sustainable Business Network, said taking careful steps towards sustainability should save small businesses money.
"There may be some short-term expenditure, but longer term, if you're not saving money, you're doing something wrong."
