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Global e-business aids the environment

by Ruth Belena

Almost every business website has the potential to contribute towards the success of global e-business in helping to protect the environment. There are benefits to business, and to customers, in being environmentally-friendly and promoting "green" products.

An online business is run from a single location, and e-business can rely on agents or affiliates, working from home, to promote and sell products and services. There are no office buildings to maintain with an online business, and no travel involved, so less energy is used and fuel emissions are reduced. People who work from home stay in contact through email, online conferencing and messaging, saving valuable resources and using fewer paper documents.

Global e-business can help the environment in additional ways:

* An online business can offer products made from natural ingredients from sustainable sources, and promote green products that are not harmful to the environment. Internet shopping gives consumers the choice to order organic products online, to purchase natural cosmetics from an online store, and to buy recycled items.

* Energy saving ideas can be promoted online, so consumers can select services and products that will cut their energy usage. Customers also save fuel by shopping online, rather than drive to a shopping mall.

* A global business can support and sponsor environmental causes online, by placing banners and featuring links to conservation projects on a business website. Many online stores support fair trade practices and sell products that have Rainforest Alliance certification.

* Digital products are popular with online merchants and their affiliates, and these are better for the environment because they can be downloaded, without the need for paperwork, packaging or transportation. Internet marketing is highly effective for selling software and e-books. Online businesses promote courses, informative manuals and guides.

Global e-business allows payments for goods and services online, making business transactions better for the environment by saving paper on printed invoices and receipts. Fuel emissions are also reduced, because customers do not need to use cars to go to a bank or a post office when they pay for services and purchase products online.

Global e-business helps to protect the environment by saving energy and cutting down on fuel emissions, by promoting green products, supporting fair trade and sponsoring conservation projects. Going green with global e-business has many benefits for business and for online customers. It is a great way to aid the environment and to protect the planet.

Helium, Inc.
200 Brickstone Square Andover, MA 01810 USA