Sorry, Kermit the Frog, but it’s easier than ever to be green. Whether you sell hard goods or food, customers want to know that your business is part of the green movement. This article in the Boston Business Journal points out that even if your store is green, you need to tell customers about it. If you don’t, they’re likely to shop at greener pastures.

If you’re in a newer or upgraded building, it might already meet the green standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). If you don’t know, find out. Then make sure you communicate your green efforts in everything from window displays to POS flyers to email newsletters.

If you’re not already green, it’s easy to start by using fluorescent light bulbs, low-flow toilets and even carpeting made from recycled materials. If you’re contemplating building or leasing a new space, work with architects who have LEED experience. They can make the process a lot easier for you.

If you’re in the restaurant or foodservice industry, going green can mean offering organically grown products, using biodegradable packaging, and making or accepting deliveries in hybrid or low-emission vehicles.

When you do go green, be sure all employees are fully briefed on the benefits it makes to customers, your neighborhood and the greater community. Staff should be your “green ambassadors,” telling environmentally aware customers about your green initiatives and educating the rest about their importance.

It’s obvious the green movement is here to stay. If you fail to get on board, the only green you’ll experience will be envy of your competitors who are on board.