Lean and Green

Everyone is feeling the economic crunch. For most companies, exploring green solutions has taken a back seat to the daily struggle of saving every bit of cash possible. But an upcoming book from Harvard Business Press argues that now is the perfect time to become green.

Essentially, green is about looking for ways to do more with less. The same can be said for lean. It's no surprise that the solutions that make a company more sustainable also make it more responsive and profitable. Reducing any waste saves money, which is why Topflight focuses on eliminating touches and inventory with Operation Eliminate. Streamlining your supply chain can save energy and materials while it increases your cash float.

Another area to become more green is in shipping. Companies like Wal-Mart, DuPont, and Kellogg's are employing a number of shipping innovations like consolidation, pallet redesign, and shared shipping space to generate significant savings. Topflight offers biodegradable shrink materials as a completely environmentally friendly shipping solution. In addition, reusable plastic shipping pads are available for customers interested in environmental sustainability and willing to return the pads for repackaging. Such solutions can decrease your overall packaging by over 50%.

The authors at Harvard Business Press emphasize that every little bit helps. Labels may seem like an insignificant commodity, but the savings they present can be astounding. Topflight understands this firsthand. We've helped companies realize savings of up to 25% while helping them become more lean and green.

Green initiatives don't always save money immediately, but they always save money in the long run. When the economy finally rebounds, the companies that are the most lean and green will quickly outpace those still doing business as usual. And the more companies embrace meaningful green solutions, the more it helps the country as a whole. That kind of saving can turn an entire economy around.

Read an excerpt from Green Recovery: Get Lean, Get Smart, and Emerge from the Downturn on Top