Kermit the Frog often croaks, “it’s not easy being green,” but Kermit may be misinformed when it comes to being a green business.

There continues to be a growing number of opportunities for small businesses to capitalize on the ever-greening business industry.

According to Dr. Karel Samson, a specialist in environmental and sustainable entrepreneurship and author of  “Spirit of Entrepreneurship,” there are many opportunities for small businesses that want to go green.

“Every industry, every hobby, every action can have a shade of green. Green business is a highly underrated opportunity for small business.”

The exploding opportunities for entrepreneurs continues to be in organic products, trash and recycling of garbage, and marketing to the “green lifestyle” clientele.

So why is green in these days, and why do we know have an ever-expanding $280 billion green industry?

One reason is the growing number of regulations that push our industries and communities to leave less of a “carbon footprint.”

California has led the way with the passage of Assembly Bill 32 or the Global Warming Solutions Act, which mandates that the state lower its global warming emissions to 1990 levels by 2002.

Regulations are pulling businesses and consumers in to acting green.

Yet is has been the growth of awareness of “green” and sustainable business practices that is pushing our businesses, small and large to turn to green practices.

People are buying more “green” products, at double digit increases every year, and an estimated 63 million American consumers are now classified as lifestyles of health and sustainability (LOHAS).

According to the Natural Marketing Institute, LOHAS have a profound sense of environmental responsibility and buy environmental and socially responsible products. The research indicates that LOHAS are willing to spend an additional 20 percent more on products that are clean and green.

Also, research is showing that using green business techniques can save businesses across all industries. By reducing energy, or utilizing more energy efficient systems, recycling, and efficiently lowering waste costs, small businesses can lower their fixed costs and improve their bottom line. Small business can be green and lean; profitable and still socially responsible.

The Bay Area Association of Governments has implemented a program to provide a resource to small businesses on green practices and green business certification.

Until recently, most environmental initiatives targeted big businesses. The Bay Area Green Business Program chose to work with small- and medium-sized businesses.

Information on the taking your business green and becoming certified can be found at www.greenbiz.ca.gov. Even if a business owner chooses not to be certified as a green business, adopting some of the practices to reduce energy can be a benefit to your business.

Napa Valley College Small Business Development Center and Napa Chamber of Commerce business builder’s committee is hosting a “Greening Your Business” Workshop on Wednesday, 7:30-9:30 a.m., Napa Community Bank, 700 Trancas St.

The training is part of the Wake up Your Business Wednesday Breakfast series. The cost is $10. Info, 253-3210.