Reduce
“Reducing” is the most important of the Three R’s to focus on initially.
It has the biggest impact and can have significant cost savings for your business.
Ideas to reduce energy usage, water consumption and waste:
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Turn off lights, install timers or motion sensors
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Replace incandescent bulbs with Compact Florescent Lights (CFLs)
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Replace older florescent fixtures with newer energy-efficient ones
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Buy in bulk or buy items with reduced / recyclable packaging
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Reduce car use, consolidate car trips into one, carpool, ride a bike, take public transit
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Reduce travel by using video / telephone conferencing
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Keep automobiles well maintained and recycle automotive fluids
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Remove your name from mailing lists: https://www.dmachoice.org/MPS/
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Install low-flush toilets and water restrictors on faucets and shower heads
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Improve Landscaping – Repair broken sprinkler heads, adjust timers, install a drip system, eliminate over watering and runoff, plant drought resistant plants, AND use mulch to reduce evaporation.
NOTE: Some water companies use certain chemicals to treat the water that can be harmful to fish.
Reducing runoff may be a requirement in your area.
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Avoid using disposable products, paper plates, plastic utensils, napkins, paper towels, cups
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Choose longer lasting products
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Buy energy efficient appliances and durable goods
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Buy locally produced goods and buy from local stores
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Avoid purchasing products that have a lot of packaging or have to be shipped to you
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Change the chemicals you purchase to ones that have lower impact on the environment, including cleaning supplies, paint, pest control, fertilizer, etc.
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Chemical Management: Reduce the amounts of hazardous chemicals that you purchase and store to the absolute minimum.
Keep chemicals in properly sealed containers stored in a locked closet. Keep an up to date MSDS binder nearby in case of accidents or spills.
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Have appliances cleaned and serviced regularly to improve performance.
Clean your dryer filter after each use and have the exhaust duct cleaned at least annually. Vacuum behind/under refrigerators to improve air-flow.
Make sure to defrost small refrigerators frequently to prevent ice build-up and improve performance. Make sure there is proper space around appliances that need to dissipate heat,
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Check the power save mode on all electronic devices, including computers, printers, fax machines and copiers.
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Print less, e-mail more. Try e-mail marketing to your existing customers.
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Try taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Get some exercise while saving energy.
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Add a line at the bottom of your e-mail signature asking users to consider the environment before printing it.
It serves as a constant reminder to others not to waste paper.
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