News Article - 07 August 2008
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Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can control costs by cutting down on waste, according to the Forum of Private Business (FPB).

The campaign group made this statement after research by the government-funded initiative Envirowise found more than half of workers have printed out documents they did not really need.

It was also revealed the UK prints an average of 120 billion pieces of paper every year.

Environmental adviser with FPB James Miller said: "A reduction in waste means spending less money."

Meanwhile, managing director of Greenbuying Matt Roper claims simply moving printers away from workers' desks can often result in less waste.

Carbonaccounting software can also help companies who are keen to be environmentally-friendly.

The FPB states simple measures like switching off lights and computer monitors are other ways in which businesses can give themselves a competitive edge by saving money, while simultaneously reducing their carbon footprint.

Elsewhere, Accountancy Age has reported the Carbon Trust and Grant Thornton have teamed up to offer advice to environmental start-ups.

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