Mistakes Businesses Make Trying To Go Green

We've been borderline-obsessed with thinking how we can improve our dedication to eco-friendly working, living and learning.

Since being recognized as a finalist for the Indiana Green Business's Entrepreneur of the Year, we admittedly acknowledge that we are unqualified to represent such a noble title.

True confessions: at times we don't use both sides of our paper, we drive more than ride our bikes or walk, we will use plastic bags if and when we frequently forget our recyclable bags and we even shop at Wal-Mart.

Just yesterday "green" guests came to our offices and we politely offered drinks, as in coffee or water, and one of the gentelmen kindly declined and reminded us of the plastic bottle conundrum. Yes. Conundrum.

In the spirit of taking green initiatives mainstream, we would like to share an interesting article we throughly enjoyed. We hope you will find it interesting and thought-provoking as well.

"Five Mistakes Businesses Make Trying To Go Green," written by Jill Fehrenbacher CEO, founder, Inhabitat.com. Read article >>


Together, businesses can impact the green initiatives and take steps to save the earth. As for this little marketing shop in small town Indiana, we admit we have a far way to travel to reach the ideal image of an earth-saving business.

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The Midas Center: Taking Green Mainstream Part II

You may recall a previous post written here about the first installment of The Midas Center's Core Values. One of the core values uncovered in that article is the high importance The Midas Center places on visual integrity(TM).

Visual Integrity(TM) is so important that The Midas Center trademarked the term. From the office decor to the printed and online materials, there is the highest regard for aesthetics and visual appeal. This focus on visual appeal translates through The Midas Center's communications for its own marketing purposes and is applied to each and every client communication tool, too.

This post would like to introduce its next core value: eco-friendliness. The Midas Center understands that the choices their team makes in day-to-day living and working isn't perfect, but does place attention on the social responsibility to be better stewards of our earth and its valuable resources. From the office decor to the portfolio of "green" clients, The Midas Center is dedicated to do all it can to "Reuse, Recycle, Reduce."

In October 2009 when The Midas Center restarted its business in downtown Plymouth, owner Andrea Cook needed to make purchases for office furniture and decor. She was pleased to find 100% of the office furniture from local thrift stores like Salvation Army, ReStore and the Recycle Depot. From the paint on the walls, that by the way just happens to be a perfect match of Pantone 131 - the gold in The Midas Center's logo, to the conference tables, chairs, kitchenette cabinetry, counter-tops and presentation easel, the office furniture is all second-hand.

When items are purchased from thrift shops or second-hand stores it is a win-win for so many people:
- The items were saved from going to a landfill or collecting dust in someone's basement.
- The cost of the items were budget-friendly, for example, the office chair was purchased from the Culver Wesley United Methodist Church annual rummage sale for $4.
- Repurposing materials can be fun, such as an old door into a large desk can promote creativity, develop into a hobby and reduce stress.

The Midas Center is proud to be green. The eco-friendly choices that have been made for this business has not only been earth-friendly, budget-friendly, they have also helped our business grow. Sharing values and interests in the community opens the doors to new opportunities with other businesses. It also builds awareness in the community. The Midas Center is purposeful on taking green mainstream.

More details on taking green mainstream to follow...

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Plymouth Small Business Owner, Green Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist

The Midas Center owner, Andrea Cook has been selected as a finalist in the Indiana Green Business Awards for the Green Entrepreneur of the Year. It is an honor to be chosen as a finalist for this category as a small business owner in Plymouth who uses business savvy and skill to help build the brands that make our world a better place.

With a passion for eco-friendly living both in the home and at the office, her company's strong portfolio of green clients along with the office décor of repurposed creative furnishings shows she's moving in the right direction with her dedication to taking "green mainstream."

Join us in the next several posts as The Midas Center uncovers some unique actions that support this nomination including:
- why they recommend the hosting service that supports The Midas Center's web site,
- what makes the paint on her office walls so special,
- when she first realized that green endeavors were important to her and
- who has inspired her and encourages her to make the green decisions every day.

Also, read more about the green clients, including earthworks, Recycle Depot, Culver United Methodist Church's Thrift Store, Lake Maxinkuckee Environmental Council and Sorian. It is a priviledge to work with these clients and to collectively work towards building awareness for earth-friendly living and improve the use of our resources. Learn more about their services and the ways they are making a difference in our community too!

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