TORONTO, April 7 /CNW/ - Businesses that demonstrate they're operating their company in an environmentally responsible manner may have a strategic advantage - this according to the recent TD Canada Trust Green Business Survey that reveals nearly four in 10 (38%) Canadians say that they "want to buy from a business that cares about the environment." An additional 20 per cent of Canadians are even more passionate and want businesses to know that "if you are not considering the environment, your business may suffer."

"Our research also shows that more than one quarter of Canadians would consider paying more for goods and services if the company can demonstrate environmentally responsible business practices," says Karen Clarke-Whistler, TD's Chief Environment Officer and moderator of the upcoming Going green webinar for small business owners.

The survey also revealed that nearly 40 per cent of Canadians say they seek out environmentally responsible products and services. "No matter how big or small the business, making a few changes could easily reduce a company's environmental footprint and help them stand out to increasingly environmentally conscious consumers," says Clarke-Whistler.

Reducing energy and fuel use, saving paper and greening the supply chain are areas where business owners can reduce their environmental impact and save money.

"More and more we're hearing from customers who are taking steps to green their businesses - they know that environmentally responsible practices are good for both the environment and their businesses," says Alec Morley, Senior Vice President, Small Business Banking, TD Canada Trust. "We want small business owners to know they can take simple steps that can green their businesses, save them money, and ultimately attract more customers."

TD Canada Trust Small Business Going green Webinar

Learn how improving your environmental performance can benefit your business. On Tuesday, April 13, 2010, at 12 pm (ET), business owners are encouraged to participate in the free TD Canada Trust Small Business webinar: Going green can make good business sense.

Learn about:

    <<
    -  Ways to use less energy - reducing your environmental footprint while
       cutting energy costs
    -  How small changes to your day-to-day operations, such as reusing and
       recycling office supplies can have a big impact
    -  How becoming an environmentally responsible business can foster
       goodwill with customers, give you an advantage with suppliers and
       differentiate your company from the competition
    >>

The Going green can make good business sense webinar will be moderated by Karen Clarke-Whistler and will feature:

    <<
    -  Tom Heintzman, President, Bullfrog Power Inc.
    -  Frances Edmonds, Director of Environmental Programs, HP Canada
    -  Sybil Taylor, Communications Director, Steam Whistle Brewing
    >>

To participate in the webinar visit: http://www.tdcanadatrust.com/smallbusiness/webinars.jsp.

About the TD Canada Trust Green Business Survey

The TD Canada Trust Green Business Survey polled adult Canadians from across the country to explore the relationship between consumers and environmentally responsible businesses. The survey was conducted by Angus Reid Public Opinion, a division of Vision Critical, on March 30, 2010 with English and French speaking Canadians 18+. The sample size includes 1,006 men and women.

About TD Bank Financial Group

The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its subsidiaries are collectively known as TD Bank Financial Group. TD Bank Financial Group is the sixth largest bank in North America by branches and serves more than 18 million customers in four key businesses operating in a number of locations in key financial centres around the globe: Canadian Personal and Commercial Banking, including TD Canada Trust and TD Insurance; Wealth Management, including TD Waterhouse and an investment in TD Ameritrade; U.S. Personal and Commercial Banking, including TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank; and Wholesale Banking, including TD Securities. TD Bank Financial Group also ranks among the world's leading online financial services firms, with more than 6 million online customers. TD Bank Financial Group had CDN$567 billion in assets on January 31, 2010. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades under the symbol "TD" on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges.