Going Green - what does it really mean?
Scientific
1. To pursue knowledge and practices that can lead to more environmentally friendly and ecologically responsible decisions and lifestyles, which can help protect the environment and sustain its natural resources for current and future generations.
Going Green 101
2. Living green means knowing, acting, and sharing. To make responsible choices, you have to know about your impact. Then you can start making positive changes in your lifestyle. As you start to see the benefits of your decisions, share your stories with your friends and family. Living green can be an individual choice, but it can also be a community goal.
Going Green for Dummies
•3. Trying to reduce your Carbon Footprint in the world by recycling, reducing your dependency & conserving energy.
Where do you begin? The 10 most common areas are:
Reducing Use of Materials - use high PCW (post consumer waste) paper, remove name from mailing lists, repair & reuse items whenever possible
Reducing Pollution - limit use of pesticides, dispose of toxic substances properly, use phosphate soap and detergents
Reducing Waste - by recycling
Shopping Wisely - Buy chemical free foods & products, take own bags to store, buy items made from recycled materials.
Eating Wisely- eat more fruits & veggies, patronize local farmers markets, buy organic foods
Becoming more energy efficient - use elec. sparingly, turn therm up or down 3 degrees, set hot water to 130 degrees, use clothesline instead of dryer, use microwave more than a stove. Ask for energy audits.
Changing Transportation habits - walk instead of ride. Take the stairs instead of elevator. Combine trips for errands. Use public transportation.
In our yards -that doesn't mean green grass! - use bird houses & baths, pull weeds instead of using weed killer, use trees & shrubs to insulate your home. Use native plants that require less water and less fertilizer
Using your Spare Time Wisely - go to natural spaces & parks, use canoes, sailboats etc instead of motor boats.. Don't litter. Camp in tent rather than a trailer
LAST BUT NOT LEAST! In the workplace - What can we ALL do in our workspaces, whether they are at home, in a cubicle, or in a nice corner office with a window! Most of the things we do on a daily basis are just HABITS........ AND........ if they are bad habits that are hurting ourselves or our environment, it just makes sense to change them...
For several reasons, promoting green practices at work can be helpful to your business success. For one, you can immediately save money. For another, you can promote your business as being green, and for another, you will feel great, knowing that you are doing your part. With all the price increases there are in the world today (like groceries, gas & utilities) going green in the work place is a good idea. It helps keep the cost of operating your business down as well as helping the environment. Going green starts by simply implementing a few easy policies or plans. As you form lasting habits, it will have a positive effect on the environment.
Did you KNOW?
Indoor air is three times more polluted than outdoor air: and according to the EPA, is considered one of the top 5 hazards to human health. Paints and finishes are among the leading causes. Use low or zero VOC (Volitile Organic Compound) paints, carpeting, & flooring adhesives.
If everyone in the US would replace 1 roll of paper towels per year with a recycled one, we'd save over ½ million trees
If everyone in the US replaced a 250 count package of napkins with recycled napkins , we'd save over 1 million trees
If every household in America switched out just ONE roll of regular Toilet Paper for a recycle roll, we would: Save 470,000 trees, Use 1.2 million cubic feet LESS landfill space & Save about 169 million gallons of water .... It's amazing how much just a little effort can really make on the environment.
Here are some ways to "GO GREEN" in your offices!
Work from home
Use recycled paper in copier & printer
Print on both sides of paper for in-house items
Use scrap paper for notes
Recycle ink & toner cartridges
Buy remanufactured ink & toner cartridges
Carpool to work
Have live plants in your office
Use soy candles - They are Not Toxic
Use energy star rated bulbs in office lighting or replace incandescent bulbs with Flourescent ones
Turn off lights when not in the room
Use a lap top instead of PC
Put your computer on sleep or hibernate during the day when not in use.
Turn computer off every night
Donate office machines to charity instead of sending to our landfills
Buy green products; envelopes, pens, markers, & cleaners
Use email instead of printed memos for interoffice
Use laptop for presentations instead of flip charts and handouts
Install double pane windows for efficient insulation
Use paint & carpet that is low VOC (Volitile Organic Compound)
Use recycled coffee filters, paper towels & toiliet paper
Don't use paper or plastic dishes & cups.. wash the real ones.
Wear green clothes (cotton, silk, wool, or items made from recycled materials
Shop for clothing at 2nd hand shops or vintage stores
Shread paper & use for packing
Purchase furniture that is made from recycled materials. There are many eco-friendly manufacturers
Use a reusable bag when shopping for office items. (no paper or plastic)
Author, Julie Martelo, TIME TO REDESIGN- Offering Interior Redesign, Real Estate Staging, Decorating & Color Consultations in the Bradenton & Sarasota areas, including Parrish, Ellenton, Lakewood Ranch, Palmetto, Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, Longboat Key, Port Charlotte, Osprey, Brandon & Sun City. Serving all of Sarasota & Manatee Counties. Visit Julie's website at www.timetoredesign.com.
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