Small Businesses: Go Green This Earth Day with Energy-Efficient Connectivity
With Earth Day just around the corner, it’s the perfect time for small businesses to reflect on how they can make a positive impact on the environment while also benefiting their bottom line.
Today’s consumers increasingly prefer brands that demonstrate environmental responsibility. Sustainably marketed product sales represented 19% of consumer retail spending in 2024, according to Capital One Shopping Research with American consumers estimated to spend $217 billion on eco-friendly products in 2025. Additionally, a Deloitte survey found that climate change and environmental protection are top concerns for millennials and Gen Z.
For small business owners, taking steps toward energy efficiency not only enhances your reputation and strengthens your finances, but it also contributes to broader sustainability goals like reducing carbon emissions and supporting renewable energy adoption.
Find Your Local Business Providers
The Good News: Connectivity Providers Can Help
How Energy-Efficient Connectivity Solutions Benefit Your Business
Providers are making significant strides in reducing energy consumption while still offering superior service. Major providers, alongside many manufacturers and pay-TV entities, have joined voluntary energy efficiency agreements for set-top boxes and small network equipment like modems and routers, all of which are designed to minimize power consumption.
Since 2012, these initiatives have saved consumers — including small business owners — over $18 billion in energy costs and avoided more than 93 million metric tons of CO2 emissions.
Businesses using cable TV in waiting areas, hospitality settings, or entertainment venues can benefit from set-top boxes that consume up to 63% less energy than they did a decade ago.
Energy-efficient routers and modems also translate into lower electricity bills for businesses that rely on high-speed Internet, all without sacrificing performance.
A Win-Win for Small Businesses and the Planet
- Lower operational costs with energy-efficient equipment
- Reduce your carbon footprint without extra effort
- Appeal to eco-conscious customers who value green business practices
Find Your Local Business Providers
Smart Strategies to Save Money and Go Green
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Equipment
Many major providers offer energy-efficient set-top boxes, routers, and modems that consume significantly less power. Check with your provider about the latest models that comply with voluntary energy efficiency agreements, as some of these devices can reduce energy use by up to 63%.
Optimize Your Wi-Fi and Network Setup
Ensure routers and modems are placed in well-ventilated areas to prevent overheating and energy waste. Use power-saving modes on your equipment when possible. Consider mesh Wi-Fi systems, which consume less energy compared to multiple standalone routers.
Consolidate Services
Bundling your Internet, TV, and phone services with a single provider that is committed to eco-friendly practices can reduce hardware usage and minimize your environmental footprint.
Schedule Automatic Device Shutoffs
Many businesses leave devices running overnight, draining power unnecessarily. Set up automatic shutdown schedules for set-top boxes, routers, and other non-essential equipment to save energy.
Implement AI-Powered Customer Service Solutions
AI chatbots can automate basic inquiries, reducing labor costs while enhancing customer support. This approach also supports a paperless business model by cutting down on printed documentation for customer communications.
Use Cloud-Based Collaboration Tools
Cloud-based platforms eliminate the need for costly in-house IT infrastructure.
Leverage Cloud Storage Solutions
Cloud providers offer scalable storage that reduces reliance on expensive servers. This also aligns with environmental sustainability plans aimed at lowering greenhouse gas emissions from energy-intensive data centers.
Implement IoT for Energy Savings
Smart thermostats and LED lighting solutions can lower electricity bills while reducing your environmental impact.
Resources for a More Sustainable, Cost-Efficient Business
If you’re looking for more ways to implement a sustainability strategy, here are some valuable resources:
Focused on energy-efficient solutions for businesses, offering webinars, industry news, and resources on energy-saving technologies.
Learn how to choose energy-efficient networking and office equipment.
Focused on energy-efficient solutions for businesses, offering webinars, industry news, and resources on energy-saving technologies.
Learn how to choose energy-efficient networking and office equipment.
The Bottom Line: Sustainability is Smart Business
With the right sustainability program in place, entrepreneurs can work with energy-efficient providers and leverage cost-saving technologies to enhance operations, reduce expenses, attract eco-conscious customers, and make a lasting impact on the environment while achieving business success.
This Earth Day, consider how your small business can do its part to create a more sustainable future while boosting your bottom line. With the support of forward-thinking connectivity providers, you have the tools to make a meaningful difference — for your business, your customers, and the planet.
