Many modern businesses, both large and small, are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint while improving their brand image, thanks in large part to the push in the consumer market for companies that display environmental responsibility and a focused plan for sustainability. And while you can certainly start with minimal efforts along the lines of recycling or donating to eco-friendly causes, or alternately, you can take your efforts to the extreme by seeking out LEED certified office space to operate in, most businesses are looking for something that falls between these two benchmarks. And there are plenty of options to green up your office.

Of course, you may be a bit concerned about how to keep your office looking chic when you make the decision to seek out green alternatives. You might worry that you won't find options that fit your professional aesthetic or that you will have to spend an arm and a leg to outfit your space with items that don't really suit your needs. And a couple of decades ago you might have been right in these assumptions. But we've come a long ways since the days when eco-designers were few and far between. Because of an increased awareness of environmental issues like waste, pollution, and conservation, along with a greater demand for green business, you too can find the products and services you need to make your office space eco-friendly with less cost and effort.

So let's start by dissecting the office space in manageable parts. Lighting, for example, is a key feature that you'll need to address, and the ideal solution for a greener office is natural lighting. But since this may not be an option (especially if you're leasing space) you can cut down on energy usage by simply replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) that last longer and use less energy. Or you could go all out by installing LED lighting fixtures (which conserve even more energy).

And along the lines of conservation you should also consider how much water goes down the drain in your operation. If you're not using low-flow toilets, aerated or motion-sensor faucets, and recycled water for the landscaping, you could be doing more to conserve fresh water. And if you've got your own building, think about installing a rooftop garden complete with recycled wood (check out ipe decking prices) and drought-resistant plants to combat the urban heat island phenomenon, save water, and create an incredible outdoor Zen space for employee usage and even client meetings.

But what about the white elephant in the room: furniture and equipment? How can you find desks, tables, and chairs (not to mention computers and machinery) in an eco-friendly package that still meets your professional (and budgetary) needs? When it comes to office furniture, there are a lot of options. You could look for office furniture outlets that feature environmentally-friendly fare (you might be surprised by the number of manufacturers doing their part to create eco-furnishings that are suitable for an office space) or you could seek out sales at other offices to give old furniture a second life (instead of a trip to the landfill). As for computers and such, you may have trouble finding eco-friendly options. But you can certainly green up your practices by implementing policies for power-saving modes and mandatory shut-down when items are not in use. Every little bit helps when it comes to creating a greener tomorrow.