

Green Practice Assessment

by

George O'Loughlin & Kelly Green

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2009 George O'Loughlin & Kelly Green

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

The information presented herein represents the view of the view of the author as of the date of publication. Because of the rate with which conditions change, the author reserves the right to alter and update his opinion based on new conditions. The eBook is for informational purposes only.

While every attempt has been made to verify the information provided in this eBook, neither the author nor his affiliates/partners assume any responsibility for errors, inaccuracies or omissions. Any slights of people or organizations are unintentional. If advice concerning legal or related matters is needed, the services of a fully qualified professional should be sought.

This eBook is not intended for use as a source of legal or accounting advice. You should be aware of any laws that govern business transactions or other business practices in your country or state. Any reference to any person or business, whether living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Welcome to the Green Practice Assessment.

As you read the following there is no doubt that there will a lot of material you have seen before, but there will also be a lot material you have not, and a lot of resources you can refer back to at your convenience. You will not be quizzed on any of the following, but it makes sense that you should know as much as possible. After all, you never want your clients to know more than you do.

Good luck!

The Earth Savers Team & Green Earth Corporate Kindness

www.EarthSaversInstitute.com

www.CorporateKindness.org

The information presented herein represents the view of the view of the author as of the date of publication. Because of the rate with which conditions change, the author reserves the right to alter and update his opinion based on new conditions. The eBook is for informational purposes only.

While every attempt has been made to verify the information provided in this eBook, neither the author nor his affiliates/partners assume any responsibility for errors, inaccuracies or omissions. Any slights of people or organizations are unintentional. If advice concerning legal or related matters is needed, the services of a fully qualified professional should be sought.

This eBook is not intended for use as a source of legal or accounting advice. You should be aware of any laws that govern business transactions or other business practices in your country or state. Any reference to any personal or business, whether living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Appliances

Question:

Do you leave appliances on standby?

Why is this question asked?

Millions of tons of greenhouse gases are pumped into the atmosphere every year by appliances left on standby, so it's obvious to see where energy savings can be made. Switching off appliances at the mains and not on standby would save enough energy to power millions of homes for a year.

Eco Action Plan:

Make it a habit at the end of the day to check that you've taken the plugs out on big appliances like washing machines and dishwashers, right down to mobile phone and MP3 player chargers. It all makes a difference, but 71% of us admit to forgetting to switch off.

Resource:

http://www.energystar.gov

Question:

Do you own/use energy efficient appliances?

Why is this question asked?

Energy efficient appliances including fridges, freezers, washing machines, tumble dryers and boilers that carry an energy efficient logo will cost less to run by saving energy, without necessarily being more expensive to purchase.

Eco Action Plan:

Replace your old appliances with those carrying a logo that indicates that the item meets the requirements to be energy efficient.

Question:

Do you reuse or recycle old appliances?

Why is this question asked?

Many electrical retailers willingly offer recycling services for old electrical equipment. Otherwise, it's up to you to dispose of your unwanted or broken appliances yourself, so make sure you do it the green way.

Eco Action Plan:

If possible, reuse or recycle your goods rather than throwing them away, even if they're damaged or broken. Check if your local area has recycling facilities for electrical items. If it's still in working order, then your appliance could find a good home with someone else.

Donate them to your local charity shop or try free-cycling.

Audits, Inspections, & Tests

Question:

Do you conduct your own audits, inspections, and tests or do you hire professionals?

Why is this question asked?

Sometimes you need to hire a professional to conduct important audits, inspections, and tests for you.

Eco Action Plan:

  1. Calculate Your Buildings Energy Use. eere.energy.gov/calculators

  2. Conduct on-site lighting audit. kilojolts

  3. Contact your local solid waste utility or state environmental agency for advice and information about finding qualified waste auditors. environmentalwasteauditors

  4. Have a Test for Radon done. epa.gov/radon

  5. Have a general mold inspection review done. certifiedmoldinspectors

  6. Have a general humidity review done.

  7. Have an Indoor Air Quality test performed. indoorairtest.com

  8. Install Carbon Monoxide detector(s). epa.gov/iaq

Resource:

  * www.sonoco.com

  * <http://www1.eere.energy.gov/calculators>

  * <http://www.kilojolts.com/pdf/KJ_HowTo.pdf>

  * http://www.environmentalwasteauditors.com

  * <http://www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/citguide.html>

  * http://www.certifiedmoldinspectors.com

  * https://www.indoorairtest.com

  * http://www.epa.gov

Building Efficiency

Question:

Was your home or office building built "green?"

Why is this question asked?

The building environment has a vast impact on the natural environment, human health, and the economy. By adopting green building strategies, we can maximize both economic and environmental performance. Green construction methods can be integrated into buildings at any stage, from design and construction, to renovation and deconstruction. However, the most significant benefits can be obtained if the design and construction team takes an integrated approach from the earliest stages of a building project.

Eco Action Plan:

Before you design a new home or remodel an existing one, you should consider investing in its energy efficiency. You'll save energy and money in the long run.

It's also a good time to invest in a renewable energy system that will provide your home with  electricity,  water heating, or  space heating and cooling.

If you'd like to design an energy-efficient home, no matter what type of design, you should use what's called the  whole-house systems approach.

If you're remodeling a home, conduct an  energy audit to help you determine what energy efficiency improvements should and can be made to your home.

Resources:

Learn how to optimize energy efficiency with the following home designs and construction techniques:

  *  Advanced House (Wall) Framing Techniques ****

Reduce lumber use and waste—improving energy efficiency—in the construction of a traditional wood-framed house.

 http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/designing_remodeling/index.cfm/mytopic=10100

  *  Earth-sheltered Homes ****

Incorporate earth into their structure and design for durability and energy efficiency.

 http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/designing_remodeling/index.cfm/mytopic=10160

  *  Log Homes ****

Use wooden logs to provide structure and insulation.

 http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/designing_remodeling/index.cfm/mytopic=10210

  *  Manufactured Homes ****

Feature energy-efficient options for new homes and improvements for older homes.

 http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/designing_remodeling/index.cfm/mytopic=10250

  *  Passive Solar Homes ****

Take advantage of climatic conditions, especially the sun, for heating in the winter and cooling in the summer.

 http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/designing_remodeling/index.cfm/mytopic=10350

  *  Straw Bale Homes ****

Use straw bales to provide all or part of their structure and insulation.

 http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/designing_remodeling/index.cfm/mytopic=10360

  *  Zero Energy Homes ****

Produce more energy than they use.

You should also explore your options for  financing an energy-efficient home or improvements

  * Financing & Incentives

 Find Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency Energy Savers

<http://www.energysavers.gov/financial/70010.html>

  * Professional Services

Find an Architect American Institute of Architects

<http://www.aia.org/index.htm>

  * Federal Government Resources

Energy-Efficient Rehab Advisor U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

<http://rehabadvisor.pathnet.org/index.asp>

  * Related Links

A Showcase of Resource-Efficient Homes Homes Across America

http://www.homes-across-america.org

Energy & Environmental Building Association

http://www.eeba.org

Decisions for Environmental Buildings Green Tree

<http://www.ncat.org/greentree/welcome.html>

Green Building Home Guidelines National Association of Home Builders Research Center

<http://www.nahb.org/gbg>

  * Reading List

Krigger, J.; Dorsi, C. (2004). _Residential Energy: Cost Savings and Comfort for Existing Buildings._ Helena, MT: Saturn Resource Management.

Question:

Have you made any "green" changes?

Why is this question asked?

Use these ideas to help turn any space into a stylish, inviting and eco-friendly venue, whether you're remodeling a home, office or designing for a special event.

Eco Action Plan:

Decorate with Plants

Plants can act as natural air filters, removing harmful chemicals like benzene and carbon monoxide from the indoor air. And they look great too, giving your home a more natural and vibrant feel. The best plants for improving indoor air quality include the peace lily, bamboo palm and gerbera daisy.

Maximize Daylight

Maximizing daylight -- through skylights, open shades, and south-facing windows -- substitutes electrical lighting with the natural light of the sun, saving money and preventing the emission of air pollutants and greenhouse gasses.

Use Energy Efficient Lighting

Compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs use a third of the energy of regular incandescent bulbs and last up to ten times longer. Replacing a traditional incandescent bulb with a CFL can save you more than $30 over the lifetime of the bulb and prevent the emission of air pollutants and greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. Look for the Energy Star label.

Choose FSC Wood Products

Much of the wood that we buy comes from unsustainable operations in endangered forests, including the Canadian Boreal, Cumberland Plateau, and the rain forests of Borneo. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is the only credible international certification organization for sustainably harvested wood and wood products. Look for the FSC label.

Select Efficient Windows

Windows are a significant source of heat loss in the winter and unwanted heat in the summer. Energy-efficient windows are lined with special coatings that reflect heat and provide superior insulation, keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Efficient windows save money on reduced heating and cooling bills and prevent the emission of greenhouse gases. Look for the Energy Star label.

Opt for Low VOC Products

Many common household products, including paints, carpets and furniture, emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be harmful to human health. When buying these products, look for those with a low VOC content.

Buy Locally

Locally produced products travel fewer miles to their end destination, resulting in less air and global warming pollution from transportation.

Resource:

http://www.nrdc.org

Building Envelope

Question:

Is the office well insulated?

Why is this question asked?

Insulation is a commonly used product in the building industry. The manufacture, use, and disposal of insulation are associated with a number of positive and negative environmental impacts.

What is our general recommendation?

Insulate as well as possible. Also - because aesthetic demands are minimal, insulation can be a good use for waste materials from other industrial processes or recycled solid waste. Some insulation materials are available with very high levels of recycled content. Look for high recycled content in all insulation materials, meeting or exceeding the EPA's Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines' (CPG) standards for recycled and post-consumer content.

Rock Wool – 75% recovered slag

Fiberglass – 20-25% recovered glass cullet  
Cellulose Loose-Fill and Spray-On – 75% post-consumer paper  
Perlite Composite Board – 23% post-consumer paper  
Plastic Rigid Foam, Polyisocyanurate/Polyurethane:  
Rigid Foam – 9%

Foam-in-Place – 5%  
Glass Fiber Reinforced – 6%  
Phenolic Rigid Foam – 5%  
Plastic, Non-Woven Batt – 100%

Specific recommendation:

BioBased insulation

Why do we make that recommendation?

All insulation materials reduce pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions by reducing heating and air-conditioning requirements of a building. This benefit almost always outweighs environmental problems associated with certain materials. By making sure the insulation used is being created from industrial waste and recycled materials - you further decrease your businesses negative impacts on the environment.

Why do we make that specific recommendation?

Biological products are almost always the right environmental choice.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
<http://www.biobased.net/index.php>

Question:

Do you own the building or rent?

Why is this question asked?

This is an essential question for determining just how much green change can be done.

Question:  
Any construction projects planned?

Why is this question asked?

Construction projects represent an opportunity to become greener.

What is our general recommendation?

Depending on the work being performed - enlist the help of a LEED accredited contractor.

Why do we make that recommendation?

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System encourages global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
http://www.usgbc.org/myUSGBC/Members/MembersDirectory.aspx?PageID=77&CMSPageID=140

Question:

Roofing materials?

Why is this question asked?

Your roof presents an opportunity for energy creation, water runoff abatement, and carbon emission capture.

What is our general recommendation?

Make use of your roof space wisely. Green improvements can include:

  * Solar shingles or panels

  * Small scale wind turbines

  * Green native plant roofing technology

Why do we make that recommendation?

In the case of solar and wind energy production: Why not? These systems have become so economically viable that even the smallest of businesses can make use of the technology  
some how. Green roofs are advisable if your roof can support the extra weight because green roofs bring the following benefits:

  * Grow fruits, vegetables, and flowers

  * Reduce heating (by adding mass and thermal resistance value) and cooling (by evaporative cooling) loads on a building — especially if it is glassed in so as to act as a terrarium and passive solar heat reservoir

  * Increase roof life span

  * Reduce storm water run off — see water-wise gardening

  * Filter pollutants and CO2 out of the air — see living wall

  * The soil and plants on green roofs help to insulate a building for sound; the soil helps to block lower frequencies and the plants block higher frequencies.

  * Filter pollutants and heavy metals out of rainwater

  * Increase wildlife habitat in built-up areas — see urban wilderness

  * A green roof is often a key component of an autonomous building.

A 2005 study by Brad Bass of the University of Toronto showed that green roofs could also reduce heat loss and energy consumption in winter conditions.

In a recent study on the impacts of green infrastructure and in particular green roofs in the Greater Manchester area, researchers found that adding green roofs will help keep temperatures down, particularly in urban areas: "adding green roofs to all buildings can have a dramatic effect on maximum surface temperatures, keeping temperatures below the 1961-1990 current form case for all time periods and emissions scenarios. Roof greening makes the biggest difference...where the building proportion is high and the evaporative fraction is low. Thus, the largest difference was made in the town centres."

Question:

Where does the buildings water run off flow to?

Why is this question asked?

Polluted runoff is a major problem throughout the United States and the rest of the world. Whenever it rains, a toxic soup of chemicals and bacteria flows out of our cities into our waterways. Eventually, these pollutants can lead to the poisoning of aquatic wildlife or the creation of vast dead zones where there isn't enough oxygen for marine life to survive. And, our beaches and rivers can be unsafe for swimming and other recreational activities due to high bacteria levels and other toxins.

What is our general recommendation?  
Capture and Reuse Storm Water For Irrigation

  * Install rain barrels or cisterns at the end of gutter downspouts

  * Design some of your landscaping areas to function as rain gardens. Rain gardens are the same as regular gardens except for three things: they are slightly depressed so that they can store water, they employ plants that can tolerate wet conditions, and they sometimes have gravel placed underneath them to increase drainage. Stunning gardens can be created using water-tolerant plants and flowers. Find landscape architects in your area who can help with rain gardens.

  * Install dry wells. Dry wells are pits filled with crushed stone that route runoff underground before it gets to the street or local stream. They are easy to build, and offer your plants a greater supply of underground  
water. Oftentimes, dry wells receive runoff from your gutter downspouts, or from a drain installed across your parking lot. Find a landscape architect in your area who can assist with dry wells and other storm water  
projects.

Reduce paved surfaces

  * Runoff comes from our rooftops, driveways and paved pathways. With slight changes, these areas can be made much more river-friendly. Find landscape architects or general contractors in your area who can help with runoff-reducing paving projects.

  * Where possible, use paths and surfaces constructed out of pavers with spaces in between or other materials such as decomposed granite rather than solid concrete. This allows water to filter in rather than drain to the  
street and storm drains.

  * Replace long entry roads with paved tire pathways, so that the area in between is natural and allows water to penetrate the ground. Use "permeable" paving options.

Plant trees that grow over paved surfaces or rooftops

  * Trees stop water from hitting the ground by trapping it in the leaves and branches. It either evaporates there, or else runs to the edges of the tree's canopy and falls to the ground there (called the drip line). The strategic  
planting of trees over paved surfaces or roofs can not only reduce storm water, but will also help your business be cooler and more energy-efficient (not to mention beautiful!).

Practice good stewardship. You might not be able to eliminate all runoff, so make sure that which you can't eliminate is clean.

  * Reduce use of toxic pesticides and herbicides. Many herbicides and pesticides don't discriminate. They'll kill whether it's the weed in your lawn or the plant down next to the lake. Use natural alternatives where  
possible. If you need to bring out the heavy artillery, use only as directed and in as small of quantities as possible.

  * Use lower-strength organic fertilizers, and follow the application instructions. Excess fertilizer that makes its way into our rivers and oceans is the chief cause of the algae blooms that can sicken people and deprive fish and shellfish of the oxygen they need to survive. Most of us over-fertilize our businesses lawns and gardens, so read and follow the instructions carefully! And, use lower-strength organic fertilizers  
whenever possible.

Why do we make that recommendation?

GECKO believes this represents a comprehensive plan for limiting runoff and its associated environmental impact.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
Eco-friendly Landscape Design & Maintenance  
<http://www.lowimpactliving.com/providers/category/26>

Question:

Any plans to repaint any rooms?

Why is this question asked?

Paints are usually a toxic mix of chemicals.

What is our general recommendation?

Use paints made from non-volatile organic ingredients.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Two reasons: Less damage to the environment and less damage to the humans near the paint.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
<http://www.bioshieldpaint.com/>

Question:

What sort of flooring do you have? Any plans to replace?

Why is this question asked?

There are trillions of square feet of commercial flooring in the world. This area represents a massive ecological impact.

What is our general recommendation?

Opt for one of the wide varieties of 'Green Flooring' options out there. This topic is business case specific.

Why do we make that recommendation?

In general:  
Green Flooring...  
1... is recycled and reduces dependency on oil.  
2... meets government regulations for recycling.  
3... can last longer than conventional flooring.  
4... creates pride in ownership and contributes to a better world.  
5... is safe for you, your employees and the environment.  
6... is recyclable to prevent needlessly filling up our landfills.  
7... can save you time and money and makes you look and feel good.  
8... ensures a healthy environment for future generations.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
http://www.greenfloors.com/

Question:

What are your carpets made of? How old are they?

Why is this question asked?

Waste disposal of old flooring is also an issue. What happens to all that old carpet impacts us all.

What is our general recommendation?

If you're going to get rid of old flooring it can and should be recycled

Why do we make that recommendation?

You are either going to pay to have it removed or pay to have it recycled. The obvious right choice for the environment is to have it recycled.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
<http://www.carpetrecovery.org/>

Question:

How energy efficient are your windows? Any plans to replace? Are they caulked or taped at all?

Why is this question asked?

Inefficient windows can be responsible for 50% of a business' energy loss.

What is our general recommendation?

New 'Smart Window' technology.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Old windows are almost always inefficient and 'Smart Windows' allow people to change the tint of the window to help cool things off in summer and warm things up in winter. They can also be used for privacy and for decreasing glare.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
http://www.refr-spd.com/

Question:

Is your office furniture made of recycled materials? Any plans to replace, upgrade it? Add staff?

Why is this question asked?

Three million tons of office furniture — most of which is not biodegradable — ends up in landfills each year.

What is our general recommendation?

Buy reused at 30-50% less or office furniture made of recycled materials for 30-50% more.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Buying used furniture is an increasingly popular option for small and mid-sized firms for one main reason: It's good for a business's bottom line.

Reused office furniture, which currently accounts for $1.2 billion of the $13.6 billion commercial office-furniture industry, typically costs 30 percent to 50 percent less than new furniture. Once you figure out how much money you can save, buying another company's discarded furniture begins to sound like a pretty good idea.

However, if the budget truly allows and the boss is agreeable - opt for buying furniture made from recycled materials. You help create a market that breaks the causal chain of disposable economies.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
<http://www.resources.com/recycle/>

Question:

Do you make use of solar shading in any rooms? Are there any rooms that might make sense in?

Why is this question asked?

Solar shading systems make sense in specific rooms. Business owners are usually far more in touch with which rooms could stand to be darker and cooler.

What is our general recommendation?

This is a room specific question. Many businesses have rooms that get too much light, too much heat, etc. Beware that solar shading on windows can be used to mitigate issues.

Why do we make that recommendation?

It is case specific. Can have a dramatic effect on cooling costs.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
3M Solar Shading

Question:

Is your company responsible for the landscaping here?

Why is this question asked?

From pesticides to invasive and poisonous plant species - this is a big environmental responsibility.

What is our general recommendation?

Be careful. If you handle things yourself - select native plant species & opt for 'good local bugs' first when pest control is needed. If you hire out - opt for a local contractor that uses native plant species and eco-friendly methods of pest control and maintenance. Even the most environmentally conscious 'green' thumbs will find themselves making a boo-boo now and then. That's what happens when you tamper with nature.

Why do we make that recommendation?

N/A

What is the contact info to help implement?  
http://www.epa.gov/greenkit/landscap.htm

Question:

Are there deciduous trees planted to the south and west of your office?

Why is this question asked?

Deciduous trees provide shade in summer and lose their leaves in winter allowing more light in for warmth.

What is our general recommendation?

Plant native deciduous trees within relative proximity to your building but not too close. Visualize the tree at full height before planting.

Why do we make that recommendation?

We recommend native species to avoid invasive problems. We recommend planting deciduous trees to help as a carbon sink, assist cooling, and to act as a wind break. Not too close though because you can ruin your roof and the roots can damage your buildings foundation and other underground infrastructure.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
http://www.arborday.org/index.cfm

Question:

Are your parking lots shaded? How?

Why is this question asked?

Your car and your employees' cars take energy to cool off in summer and warm up in winter. If your parking lots provide too much or too little shade at certain times per year - ecological harm is done.

What is our general recommendation?

Scope it out - if there is too much shade in winter or too much sun in summer on the vehicles in the parking lot - then make a change. Deciduous trees can be helpful by blocking sun in summer and letting more light in during winter.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Common sense is all too often thrown by the wayside during the normal business day. A bit of strategic planning minimizes the risk that individuals get stuck in the cold, sweltering, or burning up the planet long term to increase their own comfort short term.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
Consult with GECKO

Question:

Are your break rooms or open spaces for employees green areas?

Why is this question asked?

Usually the office break room in most businesses is sort of industrial and lifeless - generally not a very nice place to take a 'break' at all.

What is our general recommendation?

Align the space with its mission. Make the break room and other spaces green by including indoor plant species. Make sure the plant species will thrive indoors. Be careful to select plant breeds that do not contain allergens.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Living & natural break room and open space area elements have a proven effect of lowering employee stress levels: Thereby making your employees happier and more productive. From an environmental standpoint - the greener the better when it comes to carbon sink and capturing particulate matter.

A study noted that for those who work in a corporate environment a "forested" area (which was set up for the study) was highly sought after by employees. A behavioral assessment revealed increased peace of mind and cooperation within those who worked in this space. When the plants were removed, behavior was affected negatively: irritability and quarreling rose.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
EHow Article

Question:

Know anything about your heating and air conditioning system? Mind if we look? Any plans to replace?

Why is this question asked?

Heating and cooling causes air pollution. Here's how: Each day your local power plant will burn coal, oil, or natural gas to generate energy for your HVAC system, as well as for your other electrical needs. While burning, fossil fuels produce an instantaneous supply of electricity and...air pollutants.  
_Air pollutants cause global warming, acid rain, and smog_

CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) - Causes global warming

SO2 (Sulfur Dioxide) - Causes acid rain

NOX (Nitrogen Oxide) - Causes both acid rain and smog

What is our general recommendation?

If your system needs replacing or upgrading soon, then please consider using an alternative energy (such as solar, wind, or geothermal) HVAC setup.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Three reasons:

  * They save your business money over time.

  * They decrease our nation's dependence on foreign resources.

  * Solar, wind, & geothermal are far better for the environment than burning fossil fuels.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
http://www.builditgreen.org/taxonomy_menu/3/4/31/42

Question:

What kind of urinals and toilets do you have? Age, any plans to replace?

Why is this question asked?  
Fresh water is the lifeblood of our planet. We need to stop wasting it and polluting it.

What is our general recommendation?

If urinals need replacing then opt for water-free urinals. If toilets need replacing then install 2 button flush toilets to help conserve water.

Why do we make that recommendation?

A water-free urinal typically saves an average of 40,000 gallons (151,000 liters) of fresh water per year. By opting for a 2 button flush system the end user is empowered to save water.

_SPECIAL NOTE -_ We are not recommending anything fancy like a composting toilet because that technology does not seem generally applicable to most businesses.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
http://www.falconwaterfree.com/  
http://www.caromausa.com/toilets

Question:

Are there any company vehicles? What type – make model- any plans to replace? Do you recycle the oil from the fleet?

Why is this question asked?

According the EPA - A gallon of gasoline is assumed to produce 8.8 kilograms (or 19.4 pounds) of CO2

What is our general recommendation?

Given that global warming from CO2 emissions will be one of the greatest challenges to the human race - replace old vehicles that need replacing with vehicles that are greener. Recycle the oil from the fleet.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Three reasons:  
• Cost savings on fuel  
• Tax incentives  
• Better for the environment

What is the contact info to help implement?  
http://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/Index.do;jsessionid=8230d473e1a4604b517e  
http://www.thegreenmotorist.com/  
http://www.recycleoil.org/

Question:

Do you have office plants?

Why is this question asked?

Modern office buildings spew out hundreds of chemicals from the new carpets, paints, upholstery, computers and plastics

What is our general recommendation?

Have 1 plant for every 100 square feet of floor space.

Use:

  * Areca Palm

  * Peace Lily

  * Rubber Plant

Why do we make that recommendation?

A study carried out by Chichester College confirms the advantages of having house plants around because they make our environment a healthier place in which to live and work. Researchers have found that one potted plant per 100 square feet of floor space can help  
clean the air.

The students rated the most effective plants and the ubiquitous Areca Palm came first for removing ammonia, and formaldehyde (found in many cleaning products) from the air and releasing moisture into the air. Next was the Peace Lily, which removes acetone, then the Rubber Plant, then Ficus Benjamina (weeping fig) then the dracena. Number 6 is english ivy that eliminates mould causing asthma, boston ferns are highly rated for improving air quality, then the spider plant and lastly the moth orchid (phalaenopsis)

What is the contact info to help implement?  
http://www.happynews.com/living/gardening/office-decor-guide.htm

Question:

Is there an office refrigerator? What kind? How old?

Why is this question asked?

Old refrigerators can suck up electricity like nobody's business.

What is our general recommendation?

When it comes time to replace the old fridge: Opt for refrigerators rated as 'excellent' on energy efficiency by greenerchoices.org. Also please make sure that the fridge is right-sized for your operation. Too much fridge = to much energy and cost.

Why do we make that recommendation?

They are better for your electricity bill and better for the environment.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
http://www.greenerchoices.org/ratings.cfm?product=fridge

Question:

Are there vending machines here? Do you own them?

Why is this question asked?

They could be stealing your electricity!

What is our general recommendation?

Make sure they have "Vending Misers" installed to reduce electrical drain.

Why do we make that recommendation?

If the machine is yours - you want to save energy. If the machine belongs to someone else - you DEFINITELY want it to save energy.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
http://www.vendingmiserstore.com

MISC. QUESTIONS:

  1. What is the age of the roof?

  2. Is the roof in need of replacement?

  3. Do you plan to add insulation when the roof is replaced?

  4. Are there opportunities to reduce air leakage through weather stripping on doors and windows?

  5. Are there opportunities to repair cracks or add insulation to the building foundation?

  6. Are there opportunities to install insulation between conditioned and unconditioned spaces?

  7. Window type (tallied): Single-pane Double-pane Cracked or broken

  8. Do you plan to replace any windows?

  9. Is the building well insulated?

  10. Does weather stripping around doors and windows need to be replaced?

  11. Are cracks around doors, windows and foundations properly sealed?

  12. Are there open doors around loading docks or other frequently accessed areas?

MISC. SUGGESITONS:

  1. Orient buildings to catch breezes, minimize heat gain and take advantage of natural shading

and light.

  2. Preserve existing vegetative cover and trees, along streams and other natural waterways to reduce storm water runoff. Design in bio-swales instead of ditches to help treat runoff as it passes through vegetation.

  3. Ensure that walls, floors, roofs and windows are as energy efficient as possible.

  4. Use high efficiency HVAC equipment that is "right sized" for the estimated demands of the facility. Use economizers and other controls that optimize system performance.

  5. Use a geothermal system to heat and cool your school.

  6. Design for good indoor air quality. Select building materials to limit the introduction of pollutants into the building in the first place.

  7. Specify particular building materials with recycled content, such as concrete aggregate, carpeting, insulation, ceiling tiles, drywall, floor tile, playground surfacing and parking stops.

  8. Consider wood products produce from sustainably managed forests.

  9. Use durable materials like linoleum sheet flooring made from natural sources.

  10. Maximize the use of natural daylight in building interiors as a source of ambient light.

  11. Consider on-site renewable energy like solar hot water and photovoltaics to generate a portion of your school's energy use. Use the project as an opportunity to teach students about renewable energy resources.

  12. Use water efficient plumbing fixtures, such as aerators and self-closing or electronic faucets for lavatories.

  13. Equip locker room showers with push button or timed on/off operation.

  14. Set high lighting efficiency standards, such as high efficiency lamps, reflectors and ballasts. Specify smart controls such as occupancy sensors and daylight dimming.

  15. Do not over-illuminate. Lighting levels should be tailored to the type of task being performed and the function off the illuminated space.

  16. Develop optimum design criteria for insulation and windows. Do not rely on code minimums.

  17. Specify light-emitting diodes or LED exit lights.

  18. Direct exterior lighting downward to reduce light pollution and allow the use of lower wattage lamps.

  19. Recycle demolition and construction waste, whenever possible.

  20. Design pedestrian and bike-friendly features.

  21. Consider implementing a building commissioning plan to ensure installed components or systems meet the intent of the original design.

Business Travel

Question:

Do you work with an eco-friendly travel company?

Why is this question asked?

Eco friendly travel agents are up-to-date with the latest ideas in eco travel and have eco-friendly business relationships.

Eco Action Plan:

Work with an eco-friendly travel company.

Resources:

  *  http://www.profitablegreensolutions.com/z/greentravelpartners/index.html

  *  http://www.ecotourism.org/site/c.orLQKXPCLmF/b.4832143/k.CF7C/The_International_Ecotourism_Society__Uniting_Conservation_Communities_and_Sustainable_Travel.htm

  * http://www.environmentallyfriendlyhotels.com

  * http://www.greenglobe.org

Question:

Do you offset business travel?

Why is this question asked?

Business travel leaves a large carbon footprint.

Eco Action Plan:

Buy carbon offsets, or plant some trees.

Resource:

  * www.treesfortravel.info

Question:

Does your company offer telecommuting?

Why is this question asked?

Billions of workers commute to their jobs every day. The ecological toll from greenhouse gas emissions alone is staggering.

What is our general recommendation?

Offer telecommuting to autonomously productive workers with appropriate job responsibilities. However, telecommuting is not for every individual or job task. The critical  
issues in implementing effective telecommuting programs are top management support, careful selection of the telecommuting candidates, employee training, and formal policies and procedures detailing performance standards and measures.

Why do we make that recommendation?

There are strong environmental positives from reducing worker commutes. Moreover: 96% of IT staff would like telecommuting to be offered and 36% of them would be willing to accept reduced wages to get it. Telecommuting leads to a significant reduction in carbon emissions even when increased home-based carbon emissions are taken into account.

That's according to a survey commissioned by the US Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). The survey, The Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Impact of Telecommuting, found that telecommuting in the U.S. caused increased emissions of carbon from home-based offices. This is due to extra lighting, heating and power for electronic devices. However, this was more than compensated for by the savings in petrol consumption.

Telecommuting reduces energy consumption associated with transportation to and from the office and, in some cases, a portion of the energy associated with commercial office space.

The report states that there are 3.9 million people in the U.S. who work from home at least one day a week. By avoiding an average 22-mile commute to the place of work, and taking into account the increased power use in the home, this practice saves about 840 million (U.S.) gallons of petrol, equivalent to taking two million cars off the road for a year.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
<http://www.csupomona.edu/~jis/1999/preiser-houy.pdf>

Question:

Do you use videoconferencing or face-to-face meetings?

Why is this question asked?

On the main, meetings that require travel of participants are unproductive from a time stand point and are ecologically damaging.

What is our general recommendation?

To the greatest extent possible- replace face-to-face meetings where even 1 participant must travel with one of the following 3 types of video conferencing systems:

  * Group (sometimes called room) videoconferencing endpoints. These are high-quality systems designed to be used in shared environments such as meeting rooms, boardrooms, and auditoriums.

  * Desktop or personal videoconferencing systems. With cameras and microphones designed for personal or single-person use, this product segment includes videophones, executive systems, and PC-based solutions optimized for the office and cubicle work environment.

  * Video infrastructure: Includes multipoint control units (MCUs), also known as bridges, that enable more than two participants to be in a single videoconference; gateways that connect users on different networks (typically IP and ISDN as well as PSTN), gatekeepers that provide sophisticated user and bandwidth management functions as well as directory services; and NAT-firewall traversal solutions that enable audio and video calls to connect across different networks and user domains.  
Many of these infrastructure products are available to end users on a "pay-as-you-go" basis by conferencing service providers.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Overall these systems will save participants time, money, and spare our environment the unnecessary wear and tear from all that travel.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
<http://www.tandberg.com/>[  
](http://www.tandberg.com/)

Question:

Do you have a telecommuting program for your employees, or encourage them to form carpools, and encourage the use of mass transportation?

Why is this question asked?

One of the easiest ways to cut down on your energy costs and protect the environment is to adopt green commuting options, such as a telecommuting program for your employees, forming carpools, and encouraging the use of mass transportation.

Eco Action Plan:

Check out the following links to learn more about these commuting options:

  * Commuter Choice

Information and tools to help employers reduce costs, keep good employees, and showcase their company.

http://www.commuterchoice.com

  *  Guide to Implementing Commuter Choice Programs

Learn how to implement green commuting options in your business.

 http://www.itsdocs.fhwa.dot.gov/JPODOCS/REPTS_PR/13669.html?cm_sp=ExternalLink-_-Federal-_-DOT

  * Air Pollution Reduction Calculator

Figure out how much you can reduce air pollution by implementing carpool and telework programs.

<http://www.telcoa.org/id134.htm>

  *  Simple Steps for Drivers

Learn how every trip you take can affect air quality.

 http://www.italladdsup.gov/resources/what_can_i_do.asp?cm_sp=ExternalLink-_-Federal-_-DOT

  *  Telecommuting : The Big Picture

Find out why telecommuting is good for business, employee morale and the environment.

<http://www.greenbiz.com/research/report/2003/11/18/telecommuting>

Resources:

  *  http://businesstravel.about.com/od/healthsafety/tp/green_travel_tips.htm

  *  http://gogreentravelgreen.com/green-travel-101/green-business-travel-12-tips-and-tricks/

  * http://www.sustainabletravelinternational.org

  *  http://planetgreen.discovery.com/travel-outdoors/eco-travel-tips.html

  *  http://business-travel-tips.suite101.com/article.cfm/eco_friendly_travel_tips_for_green_globetrotters

Question:

Do your employees car or van pool?

Why is this question asked?

Carpooling reduces the costs involved in repetitive or long distance driving by sharing cars, sharing rental charges, or paying the main car owner. Some countries have introduced high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes to encourage carpooling and use of public transport, to combat rising traffic congestion. In wartime, carpooling was encouraged to save oil. In reducing the number of cars on the road, carpooling decreases pollution and the need for parking space, and in a global perspective, reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Shared driving carpooling can also reduce driving stress.

Eco Action plan:

Encourage car and vanpooling. Carpooling can arise in accommodating en-route stops or changes to working times/patterns. Some larger carpools offer 'sweeper services' with later running options. A further backup can also be a 'guaranteed ride home' arrangement with a local taxi company.

Resources:

  * http://www.ridebuzz.org

  * http://www.travelsharing.netsons.org

  * http://www.travelsharing.netsons.org

  *  http://dynamicridesharing.org/~dynami11/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page

  * <http://www.vtpi.org/tdm/tdm34.htm>

  * <https://www.ridespring.com/home>

  * <http://www.zipcar.com/iphone>

Question:

Do You Encourage your staff to take alternative forms of transportation?

Why is this question asked?

Taking public transportation reduced the environmental impact of your staff as they travel to work.

Eco Action Plan:

Encourage your staff to take public transportation. Offer to pay for them to do so, or buy subway cards and bus tickets.

Question:

Do you try to reduce your carbon footprint while on the road?

Why is this question asked?

Green travel tips can help you reduce your carbon footprint while you're on the road for work.

Eco Action Plan:

Bring a Water Bottle

 Klean Kanteen stainless steel water bottle looks sleek enough for professional settings. Another option is to reuse your disposable water bottle several times over the course of a short business trip.

 http://gogreentravelgreen.com/green-environmentally-friendly-products-travel-gear/klean-kanteen-stainless-steel-water-bottle-review

Carry Green

From your carry-on bag to your toiletry kit and clothes, make eco-friendly purchases whenever possible. Some things to look for include:

  * PVC-free bags.

  * Naturally occurring fibers (cotton, bamboo).

  * Toiletry items made from organic materials and without animal testing.

Carry One Bag

If you're a frequent business traveler you probably having packing in one bag down to a science, but if not, check out  tips for packing light.

 http://gogreentravelgreen.com/green-travel-101/ultimate-guide-to-packing-light-45-tips-to-lighten-your-load

Conserve on the Road

From recycling to carrying your own water bottle and switching off lights and electronics when not in use, pretend you are footing the bill for all of your energy use. You likely watch the thermostat and long showers at home, so don't give up that thrifty spirit on the road. Some other ways to cut back:

  * Hang up those towels; follow any hotel guidelines for conserving towel use.

  * Don't be wasteful; tote partially used hotel toiletries home.

Fly Less

Flying may be unavoidable in many instances, but there are things you can consider when it comes to air travel:

  * Fly non-stop when possible; you'll get there faster and reduce emissions. Check out  best nonstop search engines.

  * Will a train do? Use alternative modes of transportation whenever possible.

  * Plan trips wisely; try to plan meetings back-to-back so you can take one flight to the furthest destination and then work your way back home.

 http://gogreentravelgreen.com/green-transportation/the-best-search-engines-for-non-stop-flights-25-days-of-green-travel-day-8

Green your Stay

See  11 Tips and Tricks for Greening your Hotel Stay.

 http://gogreentravelgreen.com/green-hotels-green-accommodation/11-tips-and-tricks-for-greening-your-hotel-stay-25-days-to-green-travel-day-16

Hop in an EcoCab

Most major cities now have hybrid taxis and eco cabs. If you must take a taxi, see if this is an option.

Select a Hybrid Rental Car

If renting a car is the only option that makes sense, get a hybrid rental car. The prices usually fall within a company's per diem and you can justify it with gas savings.

Share Transportation

If you're traveling with co-workers, schedule your travel at the same time so that you can share taxi rides or rental cars.

Skip the Car Rental

If you can, skip the car rental altogether and take public transportation instead.

Stay in a Green Hotel

Green hotels are a great option for business travel.

Support Green Companies

If you have a choice in where you stay and eat on the road, you can, at least, reduce your negative environmental impact. Support hotels, restaurants and local stores with green initiatives.

Take Public Transportation to Get Around

Once you're at your destination, take public transportation to get around. In many cities taking the subway or metro can be faster than a cab inching through traffic.

Take the Train or Bus

If you can, take a bus or train to your destination. It is less of a hassle (no security lines, easier to get to, fewer delays) and a fun way to see America.

Teleconference

Before you decide a business trip is absolutely necessary, check first to see if a teleconference could happen in place of meeting in person.

Ideas

  1. Encourage eco-friendly travel (carry only 1 bag)

  2. Encourage eco-friendly travel (carry stainless steel water containers)

  3. Encourage staff to use mass transportation while on business trips

  4. Encourage Virtual Meetings, such as teleconferencing, web-conferencing, or video-conferencing.

  5. Offer the option of a 4-day / 10-hour work week (or some variation thereof)

  6. Offers bike racks for employee use.

  7. Rent hybrid cars while on business trips

  8. Schedule business trips back to back

  9. Stay in an eco-friendly hotel

  10. Use eco cabs

  11. Encourage staff to form carpools

  12. If possible, have some or all staff work from home. Move away from a culture of attendance to one based on performance.

Carbon Credits & Footprint

Calculate your carbon footprint http://www.ghgprotocol.org

Question:

Do you buy carbon credits/offsets?

Why is this question asked?

Carbon offsets are becoming an increasingly popular way for individuals and businesses to participate in solutions to global warming.

The basic idea of a carbon offset is to figure out your personal contribution level to the global warming problem from such activities as driving, flying, or home energy use. This contribution is called a "carbon footprint." The term refers to carbon dioxide, the principal greenhouse gas.

You can balance out your carbon footprint by buying carbon offsets. Your purchase funds reductions in greenhouse gas emissions through projects such as wind farms, which produce clean energy that displaces energy from fossil fuels. By funding these reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, you balance out, or offset, your own impact by an equivalent amount. Carbon offsets help you take personal responsibility for the environmental consequences of your activities.

Eco Action Plan:

Buy the offset! Most offset providers sell through the Internet, so you'll be able to buy with a credit card and get confirmation of your new clean-living, clean-driving status within minutes.

Resources:

<http://www.ehow.com/how_2170138_buy-carbon-credits.html>

http://www.carbonfund.org

Question:

Do you take any steps to reduce your carbon footprint on the road?

Why is this question asked?

A carbon footprint is "the total set of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caused by an organization, event or product." For simplicity of reporting, it is often expressed in terms of the amount of carbon dioxide, or its equivalent of other GHGs, emitted.

The concept and name of the carbon footprint originates from the ecological footprint discussion. The carbon footprint is a subset of the ecological footprint and of the more comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).

An individual, nation, or organization's carbon footprint can be measured by undertaking a GHG emissions assessment. Once the size of a carbon footprint is known, a strategy can be devised to reduce it, e.g. by technological developments, better process and product management, changed Green Public or Private Procurement (GPP), Carbon capture, consumption strategies, and others. The mitigation of carbon footprints through the development of alternative projects, such as solar or wind energy or reforestation, represents one way of reducing a carbon footprint and is often known as Carbon offsetting.

Eco Action Plan:

Before buying a new or used vehicle (or even before renting a vehicle), check out EPA's Green Vehicle Guide and the jointly run EPA/DOE Fuel Economy Guide Web site. These resources provide information about the emissions and fuel economy performance of different vehicles.

 http://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/Index.do;jsessionid=6d62a026de92025f7316105437e77829e71b6442b52d701a68d5c8fcd0e3b5d6

http://www.fueleconomy.gov

Drive smart

 Many factors affect the fuel economy of your car. To improve fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, go easy on the brakes and gas pedal, avoid hard accelerations, reduce time spent idling and unload unnecessary items in your trunk to reduce weight. If you have a removable roof rack and you are not using it, take it off to improve your fuel economy by as much as 5 percent. Use overdrive and cruise control on your car if you have those features. For more tips to improve your gas mileage, visit the Fuel Economy Guide Web site.

<http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/driveHabits.shtml>

Tune your ride

A well-maintained car is more fuel-efficient, produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions, is more reliable, and is safer! Keep your car well tuned, follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule, and use the recommended grade of motor oil. Also check and replace your vehicle's air filter regularly. For more details, including potential savings from these actions, visit the Fuel Economy Guide Web site.

Check your tires

Check your tire pressure regularly. Under-inflation increases tire wear, reduces your fuel economy by up to 3 percent, and leads to increased emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants. If you don't know the correct tire pressure for your vehicle, you can find it listed on the door to the glove compartment or on the driver's-side door pillar. More details are available on the Fuel Economy Guide Web site.

<http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/maintain.shtml>

Give your car a break

Use public transportation , carpool or walk or bike whenever possible to avoid using your car. Leaving your car at home just two days a week will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 1,600 pounds per year. Whenever possible, combine activities and errands into one trip. For daily commuting, consider options like telecommuting (working from home via phone or over the Internet) that can reduce the stress of commuting, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save you money.

http://www.publictransportation.org

http://www.commuterchoice.com

<http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bikeped>

Use Renewable Fuels

Both E85 and biodiesel are renewable fuels that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from your vehicle. E85 is a fuel blend containing 85% ethanol that can be used in certain vehicles called Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFVs). FFVs can be fueled with E85 or with traditional gasoline. There are approximately 6 million FFVs on the road today. To find out if you own one of them, check the inside of your car's fuel filler door for an identification sticker or consult your owner's manual. If you own a diesel vehicle, consider filling up with a biodiesel blend such as B5, a fuel blend containing 5% biodiesel. Biodiesel is a renewable fuel made from agricultural resources such as vegetable oils. The Department of Energy's Alternative Fueling Station Locator can help you locate both E85 and biodiesel fuel stations in your area.

Resources:

<http://www.cleanair-coolplanet.org/action/footprint.php>

<http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/wycd/actionsteps.html>

<http://green.wikia.com/wiki/How_to_reduce_your_carbon_footprint>

 http://www.nature.org/initiatives/climatechange/calculator/?gclid=CNuDlOqakJ4CFVhJ2gods0P_og

<http://www.cleanair-coolplanet.org/action/footprint.php>

Question:

Do you do anything to reduce your carbon footprint at work?

Why is this question asked?

People who are concerned with the environment and interested in saving money try to reduce their carbon footprint at work.

Eco Action Plan:

Manage office equipment energy use better

 Office equipment and electronics use energy even when idle or on stand-by. To save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions at work, always activate the  power management features on your computer and monitor, unplug laptop power cords when not in use and turn off equipment and lights at the end of the day. Consider using a power strip that can be turned off when you're done using your computers, printers, wireless routers and other electronics.

Look for ENERGY STAR qualified products for the Office

When buying new products for your office at work or at home, get the features and performance you want and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollutants. Look for ENERGY STAR qualified  office equipment, such as computers, copiers, and printers, in addition to more than 50 product categories, including  lighting,  heating and cooling equipment and  commercial appliances.

Ask your office building manager if your office building has earned the ENERGY STAR ENERGY STAR-labeled buildings provide safe, healthy, and productive environments that use about 35 percent less energy than average buildings. Their efficient use of energy also reduces the total operational cost of the building.

Use less energy for your commute

Switch to public transportation, carpooling, biking, telecommuting and other innovative ways to save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions on your way to and from work. Encourage your employer to offer commuter benefits that address limited or expensive parking, reduce traffic congestion, improve employee recruiting and retention and minimize the environmental impacts associated with drive-alone commuting. If you do drive, find out the fuel efficiency of your vehicle using EPA's and DOE's fuel economy Web site, and make more environmentally-informed choices when purchasing your next vehicle by using EPA's Green Vehicle Guide.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Recycle office paper, newspapers, beverage containers, electronic equipment and batteries. Reducing, reusing, and recycling in your office helps  conserve energy, and reduces pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from resource extraction, manufacturing, and disposal. You can reduce, reuse and recycle at the office by using two-sided printing and copying; buying supplies made with recycled content; and recycling used printer cartridges. For your old electronics, investigate  leasing programs to ensure reuse and recycling or donate used equipment to schools or other organizations.

<http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/rrr/recycle.htm>

<http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/rrr/reduce.htm>

<http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/wycd/waste/index.html>

 http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/materials/ecycling/index.htm

Question:

Do you do anything to reduce your carbon footprint at home?

Why is this question asked?

People who are concerned with the environment and interested in saving money try to reduce their carbon footprint at home.

Eco Action Plan:

Change 5 lights

Change a light, and you help change the world. Replace the conventional bulbs in your 5 most frequently used  light fixtures with bulbs that have the ENERGY STAR and you will help the environment while saving money on energy bills. If every household in the U.S. took this one simple action we would prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions from nearly 10 million cars.

Look for  ENERGY STAR qualified products

When buying new products, such as appliances for your home, get the features and performance you want AND help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Look for ENERGY STAR qualified products in more than 50 product categories, including  lighting,  home electronics,  heating and cooling equipment and  appliances.

Heat and cool smartly

Simple steps like cleaning air filters regularly and having your heating and cooling equipment tuned annually by a licensed contractor can save energy and increase comfort at home, and at the same time reduce greenhouse gas emissions. When it's time to replace your old equipment, choose a  high efficiency model, and make sure it is  properly sized and installed.

 Seal and insulate your home

Sealing air leaks and adding more insulation to your home is a great  do-it-yourself project. The biggest leaks are usually found in the attic and basement. If you are planning to replace windows, choose  ENERGY STAR qualified windows for better performance. Forced air  ducts that run through unconditioned spaces are often big energy wasters. Seal and insulate any ducts in attics and crawl spaces to improve the efficiency of your home.

Not sure where to begin?

A  home energy auditor can also help you find air leaks, areas with poor insulation, and evaluate the over-all energy efficiency of your home. By taking these steps, you can eliminate drafts, keep your home more comfortable year round, save energy that would otherwise be wasted, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Use green power

Green power is environmentally friendly electricity that is generated from renewable energy sources such as wind and the sun. There are two ways to use green power: you can buy green power or you can modify your house to generate your own green power. Buying green power is easy, it offers a number of environmental and economic benefits over conventional electricity, including lower greenhouse gas emissions, and it helps increase clean energy supply. If you are interested, there are a number of steps you can take to create a greener home , including installing solar panels and researching incentives for renewable energy in your state.

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

If there is a recycling program in your community, recycle your newspapers, beverage containers, paper and other goods. Use products in containers that can be recycled and items that can be repaired or reused. In addition, support recycling markets by buying products made from recycled materials. Reducing, reusing, and recycling in your home helps  conserve energy and reduces pollution and greenhouse gases from resource extraction, manufacturing, and disposal.

Be green in your yard

Use a push mower, which, unlike a gas or electric mower, consumes no fossil fuels and emits no greenhouse gases. If you do use a power mower, make sure it is a mulching mower to  reduce grass clippings.  Composting your food and yard waste reduces the amount of garbage that you send to landfills and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. See EPA's  GreenScapes program for tips on how to improve your lawn or garden while also benefiting the environment.  Smart Landscaping can save energy, save you money and reduce your household's greenhouse gas emissions.

Use water efficiently

Saving water around the home is simple. Municipal water systems require a lot of energy to purify and distribute water to households, and saving water, especially hot water, can lower greenhouse gas emissions. Look for products with EPA's WaterSense label; these products save water and perform as well or better than their less efficient counterparts. There are also simple actions you can take to save water: Be smart when irrigating your lawn or landscape; only water when needed and do it during the coolest part of the day, early morning is best. Turn the water off while shaving or brushing teeth. Do not use your toilet as a wastebasket - water is wasted with each flush. And did you know a leaky toilet can waste 200 gallons of water per day? Repair all toilet and faucet leaks right away. See EPA's WaterSense site for more water saving tips.

Spread the Word

Tell family and friends that energy efficiency is good for their homes and good for the environment because it lowers greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Tell 5 people and together we can help our homes help us all.

Resources:

  * EPA.gov

  * Green.Wikia.com

  * Climate Crises

  *  Nature.org

  * Clean Air

Question:

Do you do anything to reduce your carbon footprint at school?

Why is this question asked?

People who are concerned with the environment and interested in saving money try to reduce their carbon footprint at school.

Eco Action Plan:

Students

Bring science to life

Explore the Climate Change Kids Site and watch  Climate Animations that bring to life the science and impacts of climate change. The site also provides games that help students, their parents and their teachers learn about both the science of climate change and what actions they can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

High school students check your school's climate impact

High school students can investigate the link between everyday actions at their high school, greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Using  EPA's Climate Change Emission Calculator Kit (Climate CHECK) students can learn about climate change, estimate their school's greenhouse gas emissions and conceptualize ways to mitigate their school's climate impact. Students gain detailed understandings of climate-change drivers, impacts, and science; produce an emission inventory and action plan; and can even submit the results of their emission inventory to their school district.

Get Involved your College or University

College students can play an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions at their colleges or universities by reducing their emissions from energy they use in  dorm rooms. Students can also work with school administrators to: increase  energy efficiency on campus, reduce their school's greenhouse gas emissions by using  green power, create a  campus climate action plan , or develop an  inventory of their school's greenhouse gas emissions.

Educators

Teach students about climate change and ecosystems

Use the new Climate Change, Wildlife and Wildlands Toolkit for Formal and Informal Educators to learn about the science of climate change and its potential effects on our nation's wildlife and their habitats.

Engage middle school students in estimating emissions

Enhance critical thinking skills by introducing the  Global Warming Wheel Card Classroom Activity Kit to middle school students. A hand-held wheel card and other resources help students estimate household greenhouse gas emissions in order to encourage students to think about ways to reduce their personal, family, school and community contributions to climate change. If you are an informal educator, simply use the  Global Warming Wheel Card as a part of your field activities.

Learn from other educators

Investigate what other schools and organizations are doing to educate their audiences on climate change by clicking on  Educators' Links, a searchable database offering links to resources such as lesson plans, videos, books and toolkits.

Administrators

Save money and the environment

The least efficient schools use three times more energy than the best energy performers. By partnering with the highly successful  ENERGY STAR for K-12 program, school districts can serve as environmental leaders in their community, become energy efficient, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save money!

Estimate your emissions and take the challenge

School Administrators can also work to reduce their school's greenhouse gas emissions by developing an inventory of their school's emissions or by taking the  2008-2009 College & University Green Power Challenge.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Recycle school or classroom paper, newspapers, beverage containers, electronic equipment and batteries. Reducing, reusing and recycling at school and in the classroom helps  conserve energy, reduce pollution and greenhouse gases from resource extraction, manufacturing and disposal. You can reduce, reuse and recycle at school or in the classroom by using two-sided printing and copying; buying supplies made with recycled content; and recycling used printer cartridges. For your old electronics, investigate  leasing programs to ensure reuse and recycling or donate used equipment to schools or other organizations.

Chemicals & Toxins

Question:

Do you have toxic chemicals in your home or office?

Why is this question asked?

Environmental toxins are chemicals and other materials created largely from industry and carelessness. These chemicals have saturated our water, food and the very air we breathe. You can't see, feel, or smell many toxins--at least, not right away. We don't realize their affects until we come down with a chronic disease after years of exposure.

Eco Action Plan:

Gather up all products that contain unsafe chemicals and drop off at your local hazardous waste facility. Switch to alternatives containing nontoxic and biodegradable ingredients (some products labeled 'green'  aren't really safe \- look for  green certification labels).

  * Buy and eat, as much as possible, organic produce and free-range, organic foods.

  * Rather than eating fish, which is largely contaminated with PCBs and mercury, consume a high-quality purified fish or cod liver oil.

  * Avoid processed foods -- remember that they're processed with chemicals!

  * Only use natural cleaning products in your home

  * Switch over to natural brands of toiletries

  * Remove any metal fillings as they're a major source of mercury. Be sure to have this done by a qualified biological dentist

  * Avoid using artificial air fresheners, dryer sheets, fabric softeners or other synthetic fragrances as they can pollute the air you are breathing

  * Avoid artificial food additives of all kind, including artificial sweeteners and MSG

  * Get plenty of safe sun exposure to boost your vitamin D levels and your immune system (you'll be better able to fight disease)

  * Have your tap water tested and, if contaminants are found, install an appropriate water filter on all your faucets (even those in your shower or bath)

  * Seek to build your health up through the nutrition insights Total Health Program, and then limit your use of drugs (prescription and over-the-counter) as much as possible.

Sources:

Scorecard.org, Labor Environmental Alliance Society, Toxins and Cleaners brochure, Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, Oxford University.

For more information on types of adverse health effects, go to **Scorecard.org** and click on Health Effects. Scorecard also provides information on health effects of a variety of chemical substances; click on About the Chemicals. Scorecard is a site of the Environmental Defense Network.

Websites about Hazardous Substances and their Health Effects:

  * Environmental Defense Organization

<http://www.scorecard.org/chemical-profiles>

  * US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

<http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg>

  * New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services

<http://web.doh.state.nj.us/rtkhsfs/indexfs.aspx>

  * National Library of Medicine

http://www.nlm.nih.gov

  * US National Safety Council, Environmental Health Center (EHC)

http://www.nsc.org

  * Vermont Safety Information Resources Inc (SIRI)

<http://hazard.com/msds>

  * Vermont Safety Information Resources Inc (SIRI) - extensive list of links to sites with information from MSDS sheets and hazardous chemical information

www.hazard.com/msds/links.html

  * Agency for Toxic substances and Disease Registry, Center for Disease Control, US Government

<http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaq.html>

  * Another useful source of information is Environmental Health Perspectives [EHP], a peer reviewed journal published by the National Institute of Environmental Health Science. EHP is now an open access journal - all content is freely available to everyone online.

<http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/docs/admin/openaccess.html>

Additional Resources:

 http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2005/02/19/common-toxins.aspx

 http://www.nativevillage.org/Messages%20from%20the%20People/How%20to%20avoid%20environmental_toxins.htm

 http://green.yahoo.com/blog/ecomii_healthy_living/52/10-environmental-toxins-to-avoid.html

Question:

Do any of your employees suffer from Sick Building Syndrome?

Why is this question asked?

Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a combination of ailments (a syndrome) associated with an individual's place of work (office building) or residence. A 1984 World Health Organization report into the syndrome suggested up to 30% of new and remodeled buildings worldwide may be linked to symptoms of SBS. Most of the sick building syndrome is related to poor indoor air quality.

Eco Action Plan:

  1. Buy VOC absorbing plants.

  2. Gather up all products that contain unsafe chemicals and drop off at your local hazardous waste facility.

  3. Switch to alternatives containing nontoxic and biodegradable ingredients.

  4. Replace water-stained ceiling tiles and carpeting.

  5. Institute smoking restrictions.

  6. Use paints, adhesives, solvents, and pesticides in well-ventilated areas

  7. Increase the number of air exchanges, The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Engineers recommend a minimum of 8.4 air exchanges per 24-hour period.

  8. Proper and frequent maintenance of HVAC systems.

  9. UV-C light in the HVAC plenum.

Hazardous Waste

Question:

Do you have any hazardous waste?

Eco Action Plan:

Dispose of the following products at a hazardous waste facility:

  1. Building Materials - paint , varnish, paint thinner, solvents, rust remover, wood preservatives and driveway sealer.

  2. Automotive products - gasoline, transmission oil, brake fluid, kerosene, charcoal lighter fluid, power steering fluid, used motor oil, used oil filters, used antifreeze.

  3. Household cleaners - spot removers, rug cleaners, metal cleaners, bathroom cleaners, oven cleaner, drain cleaner.

  4. Pesticides - insect killers, weed killers, flea products, moth crystals, fertilizers with weed killer

  5. Miscellaneous - photographic chemicals, acids and corrosive chemicals, pool chemicals, compact fluorescent light bulbs (mercury) , mercury thermometers, Ni-Cd batteries.

Source:

  * GlobalStewards.org

Cleaning Green

Question:

Do you clean the office yourself or do you work with a cleaning company?

Why is this question asked?

Cleaning products are released to the environment during normal use through evaporation of volatile components and rinsing down the drain of residual product from cleaned surfaces, sponges, etc. Janitorial staff and others who perform cleaning can be exposed to concentrated cleaning products. However, proper training and use of a Chemical Management System (a set of formal procedures to ensure proper storage, handling, and use) can greatly minimize or prevent exposure to concentrated cleaning product during handling and use.

Certain ingredients in cleaning products can present hazard concerns to exposed populations (e.g., skin and eye irritation in workers) or toxicity to aquatic species in waters receiving inadequately treated wastes (note that standard sewage treatment effectively reduces or removes most cleaning product constituents). For example, alkyl-phenol ethoxylates, a common surfactant ingredient in cleaners, have been shown in laboratory studies to function as an "endocrine disrupter," causing adverse reproductive effects of the types seen in wildlife exposed to polluted waters.

Ingredients containing phosphorus or nitrogen can contribute to nutrient-loading in water bodies, leading to adverse effects on water quality. These contributions, however, are typically small compared to other point and non-point sources.

Volatile organic compounds (VOC) in cleaning products can affect indoor air quality and also contribute to smog formation in outdoor air.

Eco Action Plan:

  1. Create a formal environmental management system? (e.g., steps to reduce waste and emissions, efficient use of energy and materials, use of alternative fuels or renewable energy)

  2. Make sure your cleaning/janitorial company has International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001 certification.

  3. Form a formal partnership with the Design for the Environment Formulator Initiative.

Resources:

 http://www.care2.com/greenliving/make-your-own-non-toxic-cleaning-kit.html

 http://www.baltimoresun.com/features/green/sns-make-green-cleaning-products,0,1456118.story

<http://www.aboutmyplanet.com/daily-green-tips/cleaning-products>

<http://www.eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_solutions.htm>

<http://www.ecocycle.org/hazwaste/recipes.cfm>

 http://planetgreen.discovery.com/home-garden/assemble-a-green-cleaning-kit.html

Question:

Do you or your cleaning company use eco-friendly cleaning products?

Why is this question asked?

Cleaning products are necessary for maintaining attractive and healthful conditions in the home and workplace. In addition to the obvious aesthetic benefits of cleaning, the removal of dust, allergens, and infectious agents is crucial to maintaining a healthful indoor environment. But cleaning products can present several health and environmental concerns. They may contain chemicals associated with eye, skin, or respiratory irritation, or other human health issues. Additionally, the concentrated forms of some commercial cleaning products are classified as hazardous, creating potential handling, storage, and disposal issues for users. Reducing the human health and environmental concerns is an important incentive for implementing an EPP cleaning products program. Many of the recommendations in the guide are based on the fundamental pollution prevention principles of reducing the quantity and hazards of materials used.

Eco Action Plan:

  1. Use concentrated formulas with appropriate handling safeguards.

  2. Look for products in efficient packaging (e.g., light weight, reduced volume).

  3. Look for products that come in recyclable packaging.

  4. Look for Recycled-content packaging.

  5. Make use of refillable bottles.

  6. Use pump sprays rather than aerosols.

  7. Look for packaging and dilution systems designed to reduce exposure to the product.

  8. Purchase products shipped in bulk.

  9. Look for clear labeling and information on use and disposal.

  10. Use mats in entry ways to collect dirt and dust so you will need to wash the floor less often.

  11. Use re-usable cloths instead of paper towels.

  12. Use re-usable mop heads instead of disposable mop heads.

  13. Use products that are biodegradable, non-toxic, phosphate free, chlorine free, and have low or no VOC's.

  14. Whenever possible, remove your shoes before going indoors.

  15. Clean with Baking Soda.

  16. Clean with Vinegar-Based Cleaning Recipes.

  17. Clean with Lemon and Lemon Juice.

  18. Buy Green Cleaners.

  19. Use essential oils to make environmentally safe cleaning products.

  20. Choose environmentally friendly cleaning products.

  21. Buy recycled, unbleached paper towels.

  22. Choosing the right product for the right job to reduce time and resources.

  23. Don't run the water unless you are using it or catching it in a bucket for use. Sweep instead of wet mop when possible.

  24. Buy recycled, unbleached paper towels.

  25. Choosing environmentally friendly, non-toxic cleaning products.

  26. Choosing the right product for the right job to reduce time and resources.

  27. Clean asphalt or concrete with bio-safe agent (bio-dry.com).

  28. Don't run the water unless you are using it or catching it in a bucket for use.

  29. Hire an eco-friendly cleaning / janitorial service who is committed to clean and green products and processes.

  30. Look for clear labeling and information on use and disposal.

  31. Look for packaging and dilution systems designed to reduce exposure to the product.

  32. Look for products in efficient packaging (e.g., light weight, reduced volume).

  33. Look for products that come in recyclable packaging.

  34. Look for Recycled-content packaging.

  35. Make sure all disinfectants are eco-friendly.

  36. Make sure you use or your janitorial service uses HEPA vacuums.

  37. Make your own cleaning products (Baking Soda, Lemon Juice, Vinegar-based recipes)

  38. Purchase products shipped in bulk.

  39. Put a tracking matt at the door to collect mud and dust so you will need to wash the floor less.

  40. Sweep instead of wet mop when possible.

  41. Use concentrated formulas with appropriate handling safeguards

  42. Use essential oils to make environmentally safe cleaning products.

  43. Use Microfiber cleaning tools for cleaning.

  44. Use natural, non-chlorine cleaning products.

  45. Use Natural, reusable Mops, Sponges, Rags, and other accessories.

  46. Use products that are biodegradable, non-toxic, phosphate free, chlorine free, and have low or no VOC's.

* Use pump sprays rather than aerosols.

* Use re-usable cloths instead of paper towels.

* Use re-usable mop heads instead of disposable mop heads.

* Whenever possible, remove your shoes before going indoors.

Resources:

 http://www.gaiam.com/category/eco-home-outdoor/household.do?SID=WG092SPRTAPEMACS&gcid=S18376x028&keyword=eco-friendly%20house%20products

 http://home-solutions.hsn.com/cleaning-products-green-cleaning_c-hw0014_xc.aspx?prev=hp!sf!dept&rdr=1&sourceid=googlegeneral&cm_mmc=Paid%20Search%20Brand-_-General-_-Home-_-eco%20friendly%20cleaning%20products&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=eco%20friendly%20cleaning%20products&utm_campaign=Home

  *  http://www.buyonlinenow.com/green.asp?subcat=KEAA&gclid=CLK5n6iikJ4CFQhV2god4hY4oQ

<http://www.ecomall.com/biz/cleaning.htm>

 http://www.goodhomestore.com/?ovchn=GGL&ovcpn=Home+Cleaning&ovcrn=sr2GH1go193sb7pi6ai2+eco+cleaning+products&ovtac=PPC&SR=sr2GH1go193sb7pi6ai2&gclid=CI2Zr46jkJ4CFVhJ2gods0P_og

Cleaning products

  * http://www.seventhgeneration.com

  *  http://www.greeningschools.org/resources/view_cat_admin.cfm?id=122

Cleaning tip sheet

  * http://you-clean.com

  * <http://meetthegreens.pbskids.org/features/printables.html>

Composting

Question:

Do you compost?

Why Is This Question Asked?

Composting offers the obvious benefits of resource efficiency and creating a useful product from organic waste that would otherwise have been landfilled.

Composting Can ...

  1. Suppress plant diseases and pests.

  2. Reduce or eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers.

  3. Promote higher yields of agricultural crops.

  4. Facilitate reforestation, wetlands restoration, and habitat revitalization efforts by amending contaminated, compacted, and marginal soils.

  5. Cost-effectively remediate soils contaminated by hazardous waste.

  6. Remove solids, oil, grease, and heavy metals from storm water runoff.

  7. Capture and destroy 99.6 percent of industrial volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) in contaminated air.

  8. Provide cost savings of at least 50 percent over conventional soil, water, and air pollution remediation technologies, where applicable.

Eco Action Plan:

Compost!

Resources:

  * compostguide.com

http://www.compostguide.com

  * wisegeek.com

<http://www.epa.gov/compost>

  * epa.gov/compost

http://www.compostingcouncil.org

  * compostingcouncil.org

http://www.greenjohanna.se

  * greenjohanna.se

http://www.greencone.com

  * greencone.com

  * bokashi system treehugger.com/bokashi

  *  Basic Information \- provides a general description of what compost is and which materials  should and  should not be composted.

  *  Where You Live \- contains information about regional and state composting programs.

  *  Organic Materials \- provides more detailed information about the specific materials good for composting.

  *  Frequent Questions \- presents frequent questions about how and why you should compost.

  *  Laws/Statutes \- discusses regulations for organics materials and composting facilities.

  *  Environmental Benefits \- explains how composting benefits the environment.

  *  Science/Technology \- discusses how the composting process works and the different methods of composting, such as  creating your own composting pile

<http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/rrr/composting/by_compost.htm>

  *  Publications \- contains a list of composting and related publications.

Question:

Do you supply compost bins?

Why is this question asked?

Over 30% of waste going to landfills is compostable – but will take decades to biodegrade at a landfill because it is buried. When it finally does biodegrade it will release methane, which is a greenhouse gas 20 times more powerful than CO2.

What is our general recommendation?

We recommend that you evaluate and if possible implement an office composting plan.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Office composting represents a true sign of business eco-leadership. By composting you make something useful out of what would otherwise become more landfill mass.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
<http://compost.css.cornell.edu/worms/basics.html>[  
](http://compost.css.cornell.edu/worms/basics.html)<http://www.epa.gov/osw/education/quest/pdfs/unit2/chap3/u2-3_compost.pdf>[  
](http://www.epa.gov/osw/education/quest/pdfs/unit2/chap3/u2-3_compost.pdf)

Most States maintain an 'office of waste management'. That is usually the best place to start.

A business' established trash hauler might also have an option.

Computer Equipment

(Computers, Electronic Equipment and Appliances)

Businesses in the US spend $4 billion annually on inefficient use of office equipment (copiers, computers, postage machines, and printers).

Question:

What brand of copier? How old or new is it?

Why is this question asked?

Like all office peripherals, photocopiers are undoubtedly guzzlers of electricity – and all that paper has to come from somewhere. However, the good news is that copiers are becoming more environmentally friendly all the time, and energy efficiency is now one of the prime concerns of manufacturers and consumers alike.

What is our general recommendation?

When it is time for new machines:

  * Purchase modern digital copy machines with "energy save" modes that cause the machine to power down if it has not been used for a certain period of time.

  * Purchase machines that can use soy based toner.

  * Copy onto double-sided paper wherever possible.

  * Recycle used and scrap paper, rather than discarding it.

  * And ensure that the machine is switched off at the end of the day.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Energy savings, spending less money on paper, avoiding toxic ink - what's not to like?

What is the contact info to help implement?  
http://www.soyprint.net

Question:

Do you turn off your computer when you are not working?

Why is this question asked?

Even when it is not in use, computers drain a lot of energy and should be turned off.

Eco Action Plan:

  1. Activate the sleep mode on your computer.

  2. Use dual core computers.

  3. When you shut down your computer, don't forget to turn off the monitor - it can use twice as much energy as the computer!

Resources:

  *  http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/appliances/index.cfm/mytopic=10070

  *  http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/Turn-off-a-computer-frequently-asked-questions

  *  http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/Turn-off-a-computer-frequently-asked-questions

Question:

Do you do anything to conserve energy with electronics?

Why is this question asked?

Electronics consume a lot of energy, which raises your utility bills.

Eco Action Plan:

  1. Consider a laptop computer over a traditional desktop – laptops use less energy.

  2. Consider a multifunction device, which combines printing, copying, faxing and scanning and look for the ENERGY STAR label to further increase energy savings.

  3. Plug your copier, fax machine and mailing machine into an advanced power strip so that when you switch off your computer (or put it in sleep mode) all of the peripherals will also turn off.

  4. Turn off electronics when they are not in use.

  5. Use an advanced power strip for convenience; that way all of your computer accessories are turned off by one switch (even in sleep mode, your computer may cost you $105 a year).

  6. Use Battery Charging Systems & External Power Adapters.

  7. Use EnergyStar printers, screens, and devices.

  8. Use rechargeable batteries when possible.

  9. Use the power management feature on your computer monitor; it will turn off the monitor when idle for over 15 minutes when you leave your computer on.

Resources:

  *  http://www.conservation.org/act/simplesteps/green_work/Pages/office_electronics.aspx

  *  http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/materials/ecycling/faq.htm

MISC. QUESTIONS:

  1. Are energy efficient appliances and equipment used?

  2. Are the coils in the refrigeration units cleaned and maintained regularly?

  3. Are vending machines turned off when not in use?

MISC. SUGGESITONS:

  1. ENERGY STAR qualified office and imaging products use 30-75% less electricity than standard equipment. Purchase Energy Star printers, copiers, faxes and computers. Go to the Energy Star web side for more information on potential savings of buying Energy Star products: www.energystar.gov.

  2. Are computers, copiers, electronic equipment, and other appliances turned off when not in use?

  3. Plug multiple computer devices into a power strip and shut off the strip at the end of the day. Electric adapters for computers, printers and other devices use energy even when the device is off. Switching off a power strip is one way to avoid this overnight drain of electricity.

  4. Move website to a Green hosting service (e.g.: geekhosting)

  5. Use a Green programming service.

  6. Use dual core computers.

 http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/appliances/index.cfm/mytopic=10070

Corporate Kindness

Question:

Does your company have a "Corporate Kindness" program?

Why is this question asked?

Staff, clients, customers, vendors, and suppliers want to work with companies that care about the Triple Bottom Line. It's also the right thing to do.

Eco Action Plan:

  1. Create a safe, healthy, and ergonomically-sound workplace and products.

  2. Donate time, money & resources to help the disadvantaged

  3. Encourage staff to adopt non-human animals from shelters --- especially those on "death row."

  4. Encourage staff to spay & neuter their pets --- or any pets. Perhaps offer to pay half or the full cost.

  5. Encourage staff to volunteer at animal rescue organizations.

  6. Invest cash reserves in sustainable funds.

  7. Offer a sustainable investing option in your 401K plan.

  8. Offer fair pay and benefits to your staff.

  9. Offer green products or services.

  10. Offer to pay half or full cost to spay & neuter their pets.

  11. Offer to pay non-human animal adoption fee(s). (typically $25 - $75)

  12. Participate in socially responsible pension funds

  13. Purchase Fair Trade products and support local living economy

  14. Regularly measure progress in meeting fundamental needs, annual sustainability report

  15. Seek stakeholder & community input, participate in community activities & groups

  16. Send extra food from company events and lunches home with staff or deliver the food to a local charity rather than throwing it away.

  17. Sponsor wellness programs and promote policies encouraging healthy, balanced lifestyles.

  18. Support environmental non-profits.

  19. Support sustainable public policies and participate in triple bottom line programs (GRI)

Question:

Has your company ever held an employee contest to find the best way to improve the bottom line while helping the environment?

Why is this question asked?

Employees often know the particular aspects of certain business areas better than the boss. Their input can be valuable.

What is our general recommendation?

Hold a contest every quarter where employees gain some small prize. Giving them credits toward 'green catalog' purchases is a great incentive.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Employees have literally saved companies millions of dollars with their green ideas for helping the bottom line. A great example is Citizens Banks 'Green $ense' program.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
<http://www.catalogs.com/green.html>

Question:

Does your company have cash reserves that are invested? Is any of that money in sustainable funds?

Why is this question asked?

We are not in the business of providing investment advice but this area looks like it is ripe with opportunity.

What is our general recommendation?

Evaluate placing a portion of your company's cash reserves in a sustainable investment fund.

Why do we make that recommendation?

'Green' businesses need our support and many have a remarkable opportunity for growth.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
http://invest-n-trade.blogspot.com/2008/07/green-mutual-funds-introduction.  
html

Question:

Do you have a sustainable investing option in your 401K plan?

Why is this question asked?

401K providers will not start providing sustainable investment options unless their customers demand them.

What is our general recommendation?

Ask your 401K or SEP IRA provider if they offer a sustainable investment fund. Then please consider it.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Sustainable investment funds seem to be one of the few bright spots in the current economy

What is the contact info to help implement?  
Contact your current retirement plan provider

Question:

Do you currently offer any green products or services?

Why is this question asked?

According to market researcher Mintel, about 12% of the U.S. population can be identified as True Greens, consumers who seek out and regularly buy so-called green products. Another 68% can be classified as Light Greens, consumers who buy green sometimes.

What is our general recommendation?

Design new products with sustainability principles in mind. Using cradle to grave eco-consciousness - new products should be created that reflect your values.

Why do we make that recommendation?

You can be the change that you desire and make money to boot. What is better than that?

What is the contact info to help implement?

Question:

Are there any parking problems? Does your company operate a green transport plan? Do they support and promote public transportation, walking, cycling, car-pooling to and at work? Do you have reserved parking spots for employees who car pool?

Why is this question asked?

The massive amounts of carbon emitted by commuters contribute significantly to global warming.

What is our general recommendation?

Institute a green transport plan. The plan should encompass walking, cycling, car-pooling, & use of public transportation. Since employees won't need a parking space an offset incentive could be offered. As of January 1, 2008, companies became able to be more environmentally responsible by providing their employees with tax-free transit commuter benefits up to $115 a month. A Carbon Free Friday is a great idea for encouraging car-pooling.

Why do we make that recommendation?

According to a recent study by SAIC titled Public Transportation's Contribution to U.S. Greenhouse Gas Reduction, taking public transportation is a very effective way to reduce a household's carbon footprint. If one commuter of a household switches his or her daily driving to using public transportation, the household carbon footprint decrease by 10 percent.

An individual switching to public transit can reduce his or her daily carbon emissions by 20 pounds; that's more than 4,800 pounds in a year. This is far greater than the many actions people are being encouraged to take.

What is the contact info to help implement?

http://www.bestworkplaces.org

 http://www.publictransportation.org/reports/asp/pays_to_ride.asp

Question:

Does your company support carbon offsetting?

Why is this question asked?

15-37% of all plant and animal species will become extinct by 2050 if global warming is not addressed now.

What is our general recommendation?

Reduce what you can and offset the rest. Institute a carbon offset program.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Businesses need to take responsibility for their actions. Furthermore, by implementing a program you may be able to trade carbon offset credits as a commodity.

What is the contact info to help implement?

http://www.carbonfund.org

http://www.chicagoclimatex.com

Question:

Donate to any environmental non-profits?

Why is this question asked?

Donations to environmental non-profits help education and awareness efforts.  
What is our general recommendation? Begin realigning & branding your products as green and donate a portion of product proceeds to an environmental non-profit such as GECKO.  
Why do we make that recommendation? Reach out to green consumers and you will be rewarded.

According to market researcher Mintel, about 12% of the U.S. population can be identified as True Greens, consumers who seek out and regularly buy so-called green products. Another 68% can be classified as Light Greens, consumers who buy green sometimes.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
<http://www.corporatekindness.org/actnow.html>

Question:

Does your company volunteer any man-hours for environmental cleanups?

Why is this question asked?

The ecologically sensitive areas near your business add value to your quality of life. Have a nice beach near the office? How about a public park that employees take breaks at?

What is our general recommendation?

Organize an annual clean up effort through an environmental non-profit such as GECKO. Check with your accountant to see if the work hours donated can be written off.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Demonstrating your commitment to the environment and your community assists local brand awareness efforts.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
<http://www.corporatekindness.org/volunteer.html>

Question:

Does your company report on environmental and social profits as well as financial metrics when it reports?

Why is this question asked?

This question is for public companies to evaluate if they are engaged in 'triple bottom line reporting'

What is our general recommendation?

If you are public and not currently reporting on your sustainability efforts - hire a Sustainability Officer.

Why do we make that recommendation?  
A good Sustainability Officer:

  * Maximizes resource benefits -increases cost efficiencies by decreasing  
energy and resource waste.

  * Increases internal & external stakeholder support

  * Manages environmental regulatory risk

  * Generates revenue & creates new funding potential

What is the contact info to help implement?  
Contact GoGreen@EarthSaversInstitute.com

Question:

Do you ever hold company trips? If so do you fly or do you charter a bus?

Why is this question asked?

A company trip can have negative environmental effects associated with travel and waste.

What is our general recommendation?

Consider local eco-tourism for your company trips.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Given that there will be a carbon footprint associated with your trip - some lite environmental education for the troops can help offset your impact.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
 http://www.ecotourism.org/site/c.orLQKXPCLmF/b.4832143/k.CF7C/The_International_Ecotourism_Society__Uniting_Conservation_Communities_and_Sustainable_Travel.htm

Donate

Question:

Do you donate a portion of profits? Do you currently label products or services with "A portion of the proceeds supports ____________ an environmental non-profit"?

Why is this question asked?

Without the need to redesign your entire product line \- donating a portion of your proceeds is a relatively inexpensive and tax-deductible way to help environmental causes.

What is our general recommendation?

Determine a percentage based upon market opportunity and implement it. Make sure that all product packaging and promotional materials include the language "A portion of the proceeds from this product are donated to__________, an environmental non-profit".

Why do we make that recommendation?

One of the greatest challenges facing all environmental non-profits is funding.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
<http://green.wikia.com/wiki/List_of_environmental_organizations>

Question:

Does your company donate money, products, services, or time to any organizations or causes?

Why is this question asked?

Staff, clients, customers, vendors, and suppliers want to work with companies that donate money, products, services, or time. It's also the right thing to do.

Eco Action Plan:

  1. Dispose of unwanted items through websites such as freecycle.org or craigslist.org or gunnisonshopper.com

  2. Donate old computers to schools, charities, and organizations that can refurbish or reuse the parts.

  3. Donate old electronics & cell phones.

  4. Donate money, products, services, or time to environmental or non-human animal organizations.

Education

Question:

Do you have a program in place to educate your staff on environmental issues, eco-friendly living, sustainability, etc?

Why is this question asked?

Green companies have an obligation to not only set an example, but to educate their staff so they can apply that knowledge in their work environmental and personal lives.

Eco Action Plan:

  1. Have your staff take Earth Savers Institute educational courses.

  2. Invest in training and education so your staff can "talk green" to each other, clients, customers, and others.

Resources:

http://www.earthsaversinstitute.com

http://earthsaversinstitute.prfessor.com

Socially Responsible Investing

Question:

Do you invest responsibly?

Why is this question asked?

Many people want to consider more than just the rate of financial return when investing but don't have the necessary information. Socially responsible investing lets you know that the companies your funds support are not champion polluters, makers of harmful products, or bad corporate citizens.

Eco Action Plan:

Socially responsible portfolios have more than tripled since 1995, with more than one in ten dollars invested in the U.S. estimated to be part of such portfolios (some resources to check out include Calvert Group, Pax World Fund and the Coop America Guide). Insist on entrusting your funds to companies that use your personal and social values as a measure when making decisions about where to invest your money.

http://www.socialinvest.org

Pay your phone bill and do a good deed \- Some companies donate a percentage of their profits to environmental organizations. Working Assets Long Distance gives millions of dollars each year to non-profits. Earth Tones directs all of its profits to environmental groups, and even allows free calls to elected representatives in Congress.

Resources:

  * calvertgroup http://www.calvertgroup.com

  * domini http://www.domini.com

  * paxworld http://www.paxworld.com

  * rsfsocialfinance http://rsfsocialfinance.org

  * shorebankcorp <http://www.shorebankcorp.com/bins/site/templates/splash.asp>

  * socialinvest http://www.socialinvest.org

  * socialk http://www.socialk.com

  * socialfunds http://www.socialfunds.com

  * trilliuminvest http://trilliuminvest.com

  * winslowasset http://www.winslowasset.com

Energy Conservation

Question:

Do you have a system set up to let your staff know which electronics to turn off and when?

Why is this question asked?

Your staff should know which electronics to turn off so they get into the habit of doing it every workday.

Eco Action Plan:

Set up a "traffic light system" using colored stickers. Green for machines that can be switched off when not in use. Yellow for machines that take a long time to warm up and should be left on in the day (photocopy machines) and Red for equipment that should be left on all the time (answering machines).

Question:

Do you use any appliances?

Resources:

  * Get Energy Smart <http://www.getenergysmart.org/resources/tips.aspx>

  * www.aceee.org http://www.aceee.org

  * www.efficientpowersupplies.org http://www.efficientpowersupplies.org

Question:

Do you use computers?

Eco Action Plan:

  1. When you shut down your computer, don't forget to turn off the monitor - it can use twice as much energy as the computer!

  2. Use an advanced power strip for convenience; that way all of your computer accessories are turned off by one switch (even in sleep mode, your computer may cost you $105 a year).

  3. Use the power management feature on your computer monitor; it will turn off the monitor when idle for over 15 minutes when you leave your computer on.

  4. Consider a laptop computer over a traditional desktop – laptops use less energy.

Question:

Do you use any copiers, fax machines, and other electronics?

Resources:

  * Get Energy Smart <http://www.getenergysmart.org/resources/tips.aspx>

Question:

Do you use cordless phones?

Eco Action Plan:

When buying a cordless phone, look for the ENERGY STAR label. ENERGY STAR phones use only about one-third the energy of standard cordless phones.

Question:

Do you use TVs, VCRs, and DVD players?

Eco Action Plan:

  * Turn televisions off when no one is watching them. A TV left on for 8 hours a day or while you sleep will cost you about $41-$102 per year.

  * When choosing a new television look for the ENERGY STAR label to save energy.

  * If considering a flat-panel or large-screen television, consider purchasing an LCD model rather than a plasma model to cut your power usage by approximately 50%.

Resources:

  * Get Energy Smart

Question:

Do you use Printers, Scanners, & All-in-One Devices?

Eco Action Plan:

  1. Ink jet printer's use as much as 90% less energy than typical laser printers.

  2. Choose a multifunctional product (printer/copier/scanner) instead of separate products.

  3. Don't forget to turn your printer off at night as it still draws power even when not in use.

  4. Plug your printer, scanner and all-in-one device into an advanced power strip so that when you switch off your computer (or put it in sleep mode) all of the peripherals will also turn off.

Resources:

  * Get Energy Smart <http://www.getenergysmart.org/resources/tips.aspx>

Energy Conservation @ Work

Question:

Do you conserve energy at work?

Eco Action Plan:

  1. Keep room temperatures at 68 degrees in the day and 55 degrees at night.

  2. Turn off your office lights while you attend meetings and at night and over the weekend.

  3. Turn lights off in restrooms, conference rooms, libraries, and so forth when the

room is not in use.

  4. Limit the use of space heaters.

  5. Recycle cans, bottles, newspapers, and magazines.

  6. Limit the use of disposable products at company supplied lunches and events.

  7. Put your computer and printer on energy saving settings when you know you'll be away for a while.

  8. Buy Green Cleaners.

  9. Purchase energy efficient appliances for your offices.

  10. Send extra food from company events and lunches home with employees or deliver the food to a local charity rather than throwing it away.

  11. Email advisories about how employees can use less paper. Examples include: set printers to duplex by default; print on both sides of paper for internal or personal use documents.

  12. Purchase large or refillable containers of creamer, sugar, salt, pepper, and butter instead of individual containers.

  13. Suggest lighting changes and use more energy efficient bulbs.

  14. Buy all employees a "green team" sweatshirt that they can leave in their offices or cubicles to wear when feeling cold.

  15. Evaluate packaging, shipping, and marketing materials to eliminate waste.

  16. Ask vendors who supply company lunches not to deliver lunches in individual boxes.

  17. Encourage employee car pools.

  18. Encourage employees to recycle at home; provide a listing of recycling centers or reuse sites such as Freecycle.com.

  19. Donate unwanted cell phones to organizations such as Recellular, Inc. that will recycle, refurbish, and promote reuse to provide funding for charitable and environmental causes.

  20. Buy and sell used two-way radios, parts, and equipment at locations such as TalkFar.com and UsedRadios.com.

Energy Use & Savings

Question:

Who supplies your electric power?

Why is this question asked?

This is a brand level issue. When a company can say that its products or services are created or powered by wind, solar, hydro, or geothermal energy they can loudly proclaim their environmental commitment to the marketplace. Making the right call for the environment in this area is one of the strongest ways to put a green foot forward to life conscious consumers.

What is our general recommendation?

If feasible - go into the power business. Make your business as energy independent as possible by installing solar, wind, etc... Many utilities will actually pay you back for excess energy fed into their grid. There are numerous state-by-state and even federal incentives. If getting gear installed is out of reach – then contact your local utility to sign up for one of the many green energy options that are being offered. Most states now require power utilities to offer something in the way of a green alternative. Don't expect your utility to promote it though – you'll have to ask.

Why do we make that recommendation?

The advent of fossil fuel burning technologies has been a tremendous boon to mankind and a tremendous force of destruction for everything else around us. Imagine a world where we can get the benefits of the technology without the majority of the adverse environmental impacts. Then, please do your part. By becoming energy independent your business gains a lasting strategic edge over your competition. At a minimum most businesses will realize a competitive marketing advantage through promoting the fact that they are green powered.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
Small inexpensive wind systems:

 http://www.target.com/400-Watt-Wind-Generator/dp/B000C1Z2VE/sr=1-10/qid=1223395619/ref=sr_1_10/602-9539905-3312663?ie=UTF8&index=target&rh=k%3Awind%20power&page=1

Question:

Do your computers all enter a power save mode after a period of inactivity?

Why is this question asked?

Almost every computer and monitor made has power save functionality but only a very small fraction of computer users know about it or use it.

What is our general recommendation?

Enable power save on every user's computer and monitor after 15 minutes. Make sure that the policy is enforced by blocking end user ability to alter the setting without permission.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Given that almost all computers and monitors have this capability, why not use it to save your business a boatload of money & cut CO2 emissions to boot?

What is the contact info to help implement?  
If a company has a 'computer person' then they should be able to set this up without difficulty.  
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=power_mgt.pr_power_management

Question:

What temperature do you set the thermostats at? Can employees change these themselves?

Why is this question asked?

Consider this fact published by the US Dept of Energy: Households whose main space-heating fuel was natural gas would have consumed 5 percent less natural gas for space heating if they had set their thermostat 1° F lower.

What is our general recommendation?

In winter, set office thermostats between 65 and 68 during the day/business hours, and 60 degrees during unoccupied times. In summer, set thermostats between 78 and 80 degrees during the day/business hours, and above 80 degrees during unoccupied hours. Make sure that employees are made aware of the office temperature guidelines. Adjust thermostats higher when cooling and lower when heating an occupied building or unoccupied areas within a building, e.g., during weekends and non-working hours, rooms filled with filing cabinets not people etc....During summer months, adjusting your thermostat setting up one degree typically can save 2-3% on cooling costs. Consider installing locking devices on thermostats to maintain desired temperature settings.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Adopting a common sense energy use policy for office temperature will save your business a great deal of money and the environment a great deal of unnecessary abuse. Locking the thermostat helps ensure that personal employee preferences don't override sound policy.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
NA

Question:

Do you have signs posted to turn off lights in unused rooms?

Why is this question asked?

The amount of energy wasted on rooms with no one in them is enormous.

What is our general recommendation?

Sometimes a simple solution is best for small businesses: Post a sign next to all exits that reminds people to turn off lights and unused equipment.

Why do we make that recommendation?

It is easy to forget to turn the lights off. A simple reminder posted in an easily seen place makes it more likely that your company won't be throwing money away.

Question:

Do you have signs posted to close doors of unused rooms?

Why is this question asked?

Open doors mean wasted energy. If your heating and air conditioning systems are cycling to regulate the temperature in an empty meeting room - your company is losing money.

What is our general recommendation?

Sometimes a simple solution is best for small businesses: Post a sign next to all exits that reminds people to save energy by closing the doors to unused rooms. On the outside of the door a two-sided sign should be posted that says 'Room in Use' on one side and 'Room Available' on the other.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Corporate culture tends to suggest that unused rooms should be left with the doors open to indicate that a room is free for others to use. Unfortunately that line of thinking runs exactly opposite to sound environmental & energy efficiency practices.

Question:

Do you have signs posted to lower thermostats in unused rooms?

Why is this question asked?

Most of us don't even consider the room thermostat when we leave a meeting or exit the filing room etc...

What is our general recommendation?

Sometimes a simple solution is best for small businesses: Post a sign next to all exits that reminds people to save energy by turning off the AC or lowering the heat to 60 in unused rooms.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Providing temperature control to unused rooms is generally an utter waste of company money and environmental resources. Sometimes people just need a kindly worded sign to spare the world some unnecessary abuse.

Question:

What sort of lights do you use?

Why is this question asked?

This question carries tremendous ecological consequences. Lighting makes up approximately 20% of all electricity use.

What is our general recommendation?

If you own your own building or are planning to build out new space – use SolaTubes as much as possible & please evaluate LED technology. For most general applications – please switch any incandescent light bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (known as CFLs).

Why do we make that recommendation?

For buildings or space to be built out – SolaTubes eliminate much of the need for daytime lighting electricity use. LED technology is far more efficient than even Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs and LEDs contain no mercury. For most general applications – Switching to Energy Star compliant Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs will result in a 75% improvement in energy efficiency and actually decrease the amount of mercury released into the environment (even though CFL's contain mercury) by reducing mercury emissions from coal fired power plants.

What is the contact info to help implement?

http://www.solatube.com

http://www.ledworkplace.org  
http://www.energystar

Question:

What sort of hand towels or dryer do you have?

Why is this question asked?

This duplicated Energy Consumption checklist item is being asked under both 'Office Supplies' and Energy Consumption. Look to question 29 for recommendations.

What is our general recommendation?

See number 29.

Why do we make that recommendation?

See number 29.

What is the contact info to help implement?

See number 29.

Question:

Do your doors shut automatically?

Why is this question asked?

There is significant energy waste from doors being left open in offices and other work environments.

What is our general recommendation?

For most small and medium sized businesses: Simply installing 'door closers' is sufficient. A two-sided sign should be posted outside conference room doors that says 'meeting in progress' on one side and 'conference room available' on the other.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Whether it is air conditioning on warm days or heating on cold ones, you are wasting energy if the door is open. In combination with turning off unneeded heating and cooling systems in empty rooms: A simple door closer is a cost effective way to make sure your business isn't wasting money keeping empty rooms at a comfortable temperature.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
<http://www.popularhardware.com/lcn-closers/>

Question:

Is non-essential electrical equipment switched off at night or when not in use?

Why is this question asked?

Copiers, monitors, computers, VCRs, etc... All gobbling up energy and company cash while not in use. At the scale of one small business it is costly – at the scale of the global business community it is an economic and ecological disaster.

What is our general recommendation?

Small to medium sized business: First things first, do a machine audit. Find out what you have, note whether it can be turned off at night, and then make sure someone is responsible for pulling the plug or powering stuff down at closing time. Large businesses should evaluate "Energy Command and Control Systems". These software + hardware + infrastructure combination systems can do things like automatically power down non-essential systems when they are not in use.

Why do we make that recommendation?

The machine audit makes sure you are not missing anything and making someone responsible helps ensure accountability. Large businesses may have difficulty administering such a program without automated assistance.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
Small and Medium sized businesses: NA  
Large businesses: <http://www.eaton.com/>

Questions:

Do you have programmable thermostats?

Why is this question asked?

Nobody remembers to turn the thermostats down all the time. Energy waste by businesses is too widespread to calculate effectively.

What is our general recommendation?

If you do not have programmable thermostats, get Energy Star qualified ones. They pay for themselves.

Why do we make that recommendation?

This recommendation comes direct from the Energy Star program. Lifecycle analysis proves the case that programmable Energy Star qualified thermostats save energy vs. manual thermostats. Energy Star qualified programmable thermostats come preprogrammed!

What is the contact info to help implement?  
<http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=thermostats.pr_thermostats>  
<http://www.eartheasy.com/shop/energy_efficiency.html>

Question:

Do you have motion sensors for lighting? What about timers?

Why is this question asked?

Lighting accounts for about 20% of all electricity use in the U.S. and more than 40% of electricity use in offices, stores, and other commercial buildings. In a typical commercial building with 50,000 square feet, about $45,000 is spent on lighting energy each year. Much of this energy is wasted, resulting in higher energy bills and needless air pollution. When one looks at energy waste, few things compare to lighting being used unnecessarily.

What is our general recommendation?

Put signs up to remind people to turn off lights as they leave the room – moreover - Install light sensors and timers in rooms that people visit and spend relatively limited time in. Bathrooms are a given – but conference rooms and other rooms can also use motion sensors when combined with timers set for longer periods.

Why do we make that recommendation?

People forget to turn the lights off all the time. Sometimes even forgetting when there is a sign present to turn the lights off when we leave. Motion sensors make sure that if the sign doesn't do its job then technology will do it.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
<http://www.eartheasy.com/shop/energy_efficiency.html>

Question:

Do you have light dimmers installed in work areas?

Why is this question asked?

Lighting accounts for about 20% of all electricity use in the U.S. and more than 40% of electricity use in offices, stores, and other commercial buildings. In a typical commercial building with 50,000 square feet, about $45,000 is spent on lighting energy each year. Much of this energy is wasted, resulting in higher energy bills and needless air pollution. When one looks at energy waste, few things compare to lighting being used unnecessarily.

What is our general recommendation?

Currently, we were unable to find a commercially viable dimmer switch that works with CFL bulbs. Therefore we do not recommend them for general use. If you must use incandescent lighting, then please use dimmers as they increase energy efficiency.

Why do we make that recommendation?

It must be noted that according to Energy Star and lighting industry leaders – dimmers significantly shorten the life of CFL bulbs. However, the technology proffered by www.purespectrumlighting.com looks promising. If you must use incandescent bulbs then we recommend dimmers because they increase energy efficiency on this old technology. With a dimmer switch, less is more—more money, that is. Dim your lights by a quarter, you increase your energy savings by 20 percent; dim them by half, increase your savings 40 percent. You also extend bulb life up to 20 times when you dim a bulb halfway. Want to motivate workers? Give them an office with a dimmer switch. That's because, as a new study indicates, office workers who have the ability to change the brightness of their lighting tend to be more motivated to perform their work.

The study, part of a research project by the Light Right Consortium, sought to determine the impact of different forms of realistic office lighting on workers and whether the lighting contributed to the well-being of the employees.

Temporary office workers were hired to labor under one of six different lighting conditions for a full day. The workers performed both clerical and cognitive office work while evaluating their office environment and assessing their moods. The study area, performed at a lighting lab in Albany, New York, consisted of a typical open office floor plan (cubicles) and lighting conditions ranged from overhead to indirect, with brightness controls or without.

Overall, 91 percent of the office workers stated they preferred lighting that offered direct/indirect lighting (light that projects both up and down from a single fixture), wall washing and dimming controls for the overhead lighting in their workstations.

According to the study, satisfaction with lighting caused workers to believe their workspace was more attractive, while also breeding happier employees who were more comfortable and satisfied with their work environment and their work. Workers who were able to control their lighting were found to be consistently productive throughout the day while traditionally, workers become less motivated and productive as the day progresses. When armed with lighting control, the workers also were found to be more accurate and persistent with work that required sustained attention. Interestingly, workers who could control their own lighting tended to choose light levels that were lower than traditional office lighting, although the degree to which their set their levels varied considerably. This, said researchers, indicates that offices should consider using lower wattage overhead or ambient lights supplemented by brighter local lights that can be controlled by the worker.

Question:

Do you have a stand-alone fax machine? Is it Energy Star compliant?

Why is this question asked?

Since fax machines are usually in operation 24 hours a day, a special focus should be put on low standby consumption. Only approximately 25 % of the overall energy is consumed for transmitting and receiving, the remaining 75 % is used up during standby operation. Fax machines are one of the most energy-intensive types of office equipment.

What is our general recommendation?

Energy Star qualified fax machines. If you wish to see an excellent pdf document created on the topic of 'How to buy an energy efficient fax machine' by the U.S. Department of Energy then please click here.

Why do we make that recommendation?

ENERGY STAR qualified imaging equipment delivers the same performance as less efficient, conventional equipment and is, on average, 25% more efficient. Efficient designs help ENERGY STAR equipment run cooler and last longer, so businesses that use these product may also save on air conditioning and maintenance. Overall, imaging products qualified under the new ENERGY STAR specification will save more than $3 billion over the next five years and avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 4 million cars.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
www.amazon.com[  
](http://www.amazon.com/)

Question:

Ever heard of blackle.com?

Why is this question asked?

Given the sheer volume of business searches on Google, it has been posited that by switching to a black background Google search - that energy could be saved.

What is our general recommendation?

If your business still uses the old CRT monitors or plasma displays then set your routers to redirect Google searches to www.blackle.com. If you have switched to LCD monitors, no change is necessary.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Our recommendation is based on the following study: <http://techlogg.com/content/view/360/31/>

What is the contact info to help implement?  
www.blackle.com

Question:

How old are your exit signs?

Why is this question asked?

Many exit signs contain a radioactive material known at Tritium, which is harmful to the environment.

What is our general recommendation?

We are not experts on this technology. We suggest that you evaluate Photoluminescent Exit Signs and Exit Path Markings instead of LED and Tritium based exit signs for your  
building or replacement application. If you must handle a Tritium based exit sign the EPA recommendations are:

  * Never tamper with a tritium exit sign.

  * A tritium exit sign should be clearly labeled with a statement that it contains tritium.

  * Return outdated tritium exit signs to the manufacturer. The address of the manufacturer usually can be found on the back of the tritium exit sign. The manufacturer can provide instructions on how to ship the tritium exit sign safely.

Disposal of a broken sign should be arranged through the manufacturer or a health physics consultant. When an exit sign containing tritium is damaged and the sealed tube within the sign is broken, you should:

  * Leave the sign alone; do not touch it.

  * Evacuate the area immediately.

  * Isolate the area; do not allow entry.

  * Ventilate the area to the outside.

  * Identify all individuals possibly exposed.

If you think you have been contaminated, you should:

  * Shower with soap and water (or at least wash face and hands).

  * Change clothing and put the potentially contaminated clothes in a plastic bag for testing to confirm exposure.

  * Drink plenty of fluids to help the tritium leave the body more quickly.

  * Collect a urine sample for testing to confirm or rule out internal exposure.

  * Call your local fire or police departments.

  * Call your state's radiation control program.

  * Call the manufacturer for technical information.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Our recommendation to evaluate Photoluminescent Exit Signs and Exit Path Markings instead of LED and Tritium based exit signs is based upon the following website (we cannot speak to this sites accuracy or validity): <http://www.activesafety.com/news2.htm>

What is the contact info to help implement?  
http://www.activesafety.com/

Question:

Do you have light dimmers installed in work areas?

Why is this question asked?

Lighting accounts for about 20% of all electricity use in the U.S. and more than 40% of electricity use in offices, stores, and other commercial buildings. In a typical commercial building with 50,000 square feet, about $45,000 is spent on lighting energy each year. Much of this energy is wasted, resulting in higher energy bills and needless air pollution. When one looks at energy waste, few things compare to lighting being used unnecessarily.

What is our general recommendation?

Currently, we were unable to find a commercially viable dimmer switch that works with CFL bulbs. Therefore we do not recommend them for general use. If you must use  
incandescent lighting, then please use dimmers as they increase energy efficiency.

Why do we make that recommendation?

It must be noted that according to Energy Star and lighting industry leaders – dimmers significantly shorten the life of CFL bulbs. However, the technology proffered by www.purespectrumlighting.com looks promising. If you must use incandescent bulbs then we recommend dimmers because they increase energy efficiency on this old technology. With a dimmer switch, less is more—more money, that is. Dim your lights by a quarter, you increase your energy savings by 20 percent; dim them by half, increase your savings 40 percent. You also extend bulb life up to 20 times when you dim a bulb halfway. Want to motivate workers? Give them an office with a dimmer switch. That's because, as a new study indicates, office workers who have the ability to change the brightness of their lighting tend to be more motivated to perform their work.

The study, part of a research project by the Light Right Consortium, sought to determine the impact of different forms of realistic office lighting on workers and whether the lighting contributed to the well-being of the employees.

Temporary office workers were hired to labor under one of six different lighting conditions for a full day. The workers performed both clerical and cognitive office work while evaluating their office environment and assessing their moods. The study area, performed at a lighting lab in Albany, New York, consisted of a typical open office floor plan (cubicles) and lighting conditions ranged from overhead to indirect, with brightness controls or without.

Overall, 91 percent of the office workers stated they preferred lighting that offered direct/indirect lighting (light that projects both up and down from a single fixture), wall washing and dimming controls for the overhead lighting in their workstations.

According to the study, satisfaction with lighting caused workers to believe their workspace was more attractive, while also breeding happier employees who were more comfortable and satisfied with their work environment and their work. Workers who were able to control their lighting were found to be consistently productive throughout the day while traditionally, workers become less motivated and productive as the day progresses. When armed with lighting control, the workers also were found to be more accurate and persistent with work that required sustained attention. Interestingly, workers who could control their own lighting tended to choose light levels that were lower than traditional office lighting, although the degree to which their set their levels varied considerably. This, said researchers, indicates that offices should consider using lower wattage overhead or ambient lights supplemented by brighter local lights that can be controlled by the worker.

MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS

  1. Are lights, fans and equipment (computer, printers, etc.) turned off when not in use?

  2. Are building temperatures set back when not in use?

  3. Are thermostats set to higher or lower than necessary in summer and winter?

MISCELLANEOUS SUGGESTIONS

Conserve energy

According to a US Department of Energy (DOE) end use study, lighting accounts for about 29% of the energy use in a typical office.

One study found that one workstation (computer and monitor) left on after business hours is responsible for the emission of nearly one ton of carbon dioxide per year. This can be decreased by 80% if the computer is turned off at night and set to 'sleep mode' during the day.

  1. Conduct an energy audit. Consider involving students in the audit as a learning project.

  2. Make sure your building systems (e.g., boilers, fans and pumps) are operating efficiently. Optimize efficiency through regular inspections and preventative maintenance.

  3. Use compact fluorescent bulbs instead of standard incandescent "screw-in" bulbs.

  4. Clean lights and fixtures every two years to keep light output high.

  5. Convert to higher efficiency fluorescent lamps and electronic ballasts for most general lighting applications.

  6. Take advantage of natural light or daylighting, particularly when a school undergoes significant remodeling or when new structures are added.

  7. Consider high intensity discharge lights (e.g., high pressure sodium) instead of standard fluorescent lights for outdoor areas.

  8. Replace incandescent bulbs in exit signs with a light-emitting diode (LED) or compact fluorescent replacement kit.

  9. Install double pane windows and/or windows with a low-emission coating.

  10. Plug holes and caulk windows to stop heat loss.

  11. Replace damaged doors and windows to reduce the need for heating and cooling in the building.

  12. Turn off lights in unoccupied rooms and machines during non-use hours.

  13. Consider time clocks, occupancy sensors, and dimming controls to reduce lighting energy.

  14. Regulate energy input according to desired energy levels.

  15. Investigate variable speed drives for fans and pumps.

  16. Turn off the light in vending machines.

  17. Create a work order system to report climate control problems that may require service.

  18. Have a building energy audit or E Star rating conducted with an approved provider.

  19. Conduct 25% or more of improvements outlined in audit report.

  20. Maintain weatherization measures around windows.

  21. Install and set a programmable thermostat.

  22. Install appropriate window treatments and coverings.

  23. Schedule service for your heating system every two years.

  24. Plug all electronic equipment into power strips and turn them off every night.

  25. Install a high efficiency natural gas furnace.

  26. Install a high efficiency boiler.

  27. Use energy-star rated appliances.

  28. Fix Leaks. Seal air leaks around doors, windows, electrical outlets and other wall openings.

  29. Insulation. Enhance insulation in ceilings, walls and floors as appropriate. Install windows with better insulating properties.

  30. Turn off your computer when you leave the office; contrary to popular belief, this will not harm it in the long run.

  31. Turn off the lights when you leave the office for a meeting and for the day.

  32. Talk to you office manager and ask him/her to enable the energy saving features on the office printer(s), photocopier(s) and scanner(s), and to consider installing occupancy sensors for the lights.

  33. Tip: Screen savers do not conserve energy; set your computer to sleep mode if you are not using it for a certain period of time (for example, 10 minutes).

  34. Thermostat Settings. Alter the settings on the thermostat to reduce the use of heating and air conditioning equipment.

  35. Loading Areas. Install air infiltration barriers in loading areas.

  36. Energy Audit. Conduct and implement an energy-saving audit of the office, where cost effective. Some electrical utility companies will do this for free or at a very modest cost for their customers. Do a free self-assessment using the Business Energy Analyzer at http://www.energyguide.com/

  37. Other Energy-saving Measures. See the ABA-EPA Law Office Guide to Energy Efficiency at http://www.abanet.org/environ/climatechallenge/lawofficeguide.pdf for other practical measures that can be taken to cut energy use in an office setting.

Lighting

Question:

Do you use CFL bulbs?

Why is this question asked?

ENERGY STAR qualified lighting provides bright, warm light and uses about 75% less energy than standard lighting, produces 75% less heat, and lasts up to 10 times longer.

Eco Action Plan:

Making improvements to your lighting is one of the fastest ways to cut your energy bills. An average household dedicates 11% of its energy budget to lighting. Using new lighting technologies can reduce lighting energy use in your home by 50% to 75%. Advances in lighting controls offer further energy savings by reducing the amount of time lights are on but not being used.

Use linear fluorescent tubes and energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) in fixtures throughout your home to provide high-quality and high-efficiency lighting. Fluorescent lamps are much more efficient than incandescent (standard) bulbs and last about 6 to 12 times longer.

Today's CFLs offer brightness and color rendition that is comparable to incandescent bulbs. Although linear fluorescent and CFLs cost a bit more than incandescent bulbs initially, over their lifetime they are cheaper because of how little electricity they use. CFL lighting fixtures are now available that are compatible with dimmers and operate like incandescent fixtures.

Question:

Do you turn lights off when not in use?

Why is this question asked?

The cost effectiveness of when to turn off lights depends on the type of lights and the price of electricity. The type of light is important for several reasons. All types of lights have a nominal or rated operating life, which is the total number of hours that they will provide a specified level or amount of light. However, the operating life of all types of light bulbs is affected by how many times they are turned on and off. The more often they are switched on and off, the lower their operating life. The exact number of hours that switching lights on and off reduces the total operating life depends on the type of light and how many times it is switched on and off.

Eco Action Plan:

Incandescent Lighting

 Incandescent lights (or bulbs) should be turned off whenever they are not needed. Nearly all types of incandescent light bulbs are fairly inexpensive to produce and are relatively inefficient. Only about 10%–15% of the electricity that incandescent lights consume results in light—the rest is turned into heat. Turning the light(s) off will keep a room cooler, an extra benefit in the summer. Therefore, the value of the energy saved by not having the lights on will be far greater than the cost of having to replace the bulb.

Fluorescent Lighting

The cost effectiveness of turning  fluorescent lights off to conserve energy is a bit more complicated. For most areas of the United States, a general rule-of-thumb for when to turn off a fluorescent light is if you leave a room for more than 15 minutes, it is probably more cost effective to turn the light off. Or in other words, if you leave the room for only up to 15 minutes, it will generally be more cost effective to leave the light(s) on. In areas where electric rates are high and/or during peak demand periods, this period may be as low as 5 minutes.

MISC QUESTIONS:

  1. Is your facility using the most energy efficient lighting options (fluorescent, mercury vapor, etc.)?

  2. Are there areas that have excessive or unneeded lighting?

  3. Are you making effective use of available lighting, such as natural sunlight?

  4. Have you installed lighting management equipment such as dimmers, timer and sensors?

Did you know?

Up to 40% of all electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off.

Standby power accounts for 10% of our electricity consumption. A laptop computer consumes 34.1 watts when turned on, and 16.5 watts on standby and your microwave oven consumes more electricity powering its digital clock than it does heating your food.

Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) use 50%- 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last up to ten times longer.

Light emitting diodes (LEDs) do not contain mercury and have 60,000 hours of useful life.

Replacing a single incandescent bulb with a CFL will keep a half-ton of CO2 out of the atmosphere over the life of the bulb.

Lighting Efficiency Suggestions:

Pick three (3)

  * Replace all of your applicable incandescent lights with CFLs/LEDs...

  * Conduct on-site lighting audit...

  * Complete 25% or more of improvements outlined in audit report......

  * Install occupancy/vacancy/motion sensors..................

  * Install bypass/delay timers...........................

  * Regularly clean lights and fixtures (increases efficiency).....................

  * Install appropriate dimmer switches where possible............

  * Install lighting control system........................

  * Install timers on exterior night-lights............

Misc. Suggestions:

  * Natural Lighting. Use natural lighting in place of electrically powered light. Paint walls in light colors to enhance the effect of natural light.

  * Replace your light bulbs with CFLs or LEDs:

  * Purchase power strips and plug your devices in. Turn the strips off when the devices are not in use.

  * Invest in a SmartStrip for your computer and other office electronics and it.

  * Buy CFLs or LEDs when your incandescent bulbs die out. Tip: There are CFLs or LEDs for different types of lights, including soft and bright lights as well as for dimmers, so read the label carefully to make sure you are buying one that is appropriate for your needs and your budget.

  * Turn off the lights and unplug electronics that are not in use:

  * Lights-out Policy. Adopt an internal policy that encourages employees to turn off lights, computers, and other equipment at the end of the workday and otherwise when not likely to be in use. Apply "switch-me-off" stickers as reminders. Install timers and motion sensor light switches where practicable. Use task lighting to illuminate only those areas where light is required.

  * Replace low output (60 to 100 watt) incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. (CFLs last 10 times longer and use 50 to 80 percent less energy.) Replace high output (100 to 150 watt) incandescent bulbs with halogen bulbs. Replace incandescent bulbs in exit signs with LED bulbs. Replace T-12 fluorescent lamps and magnetic ballasts with T-8 lamps and electronic ballasts.

  * Energy-efficient Systems. Use other energy-efficient lighting and heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems to the extent this can be decided or influenced by the organization.

  * Lighting retrofits are one of the most cost-effective energy conservation measures available. Replacing inefficient lights and magnetic ballasts with efficient lights and electronic ballasts saves energy, provides a better quality of light, and the lighting system will last longer.

<http://www.eco-office.com/>

Healthy Living

Question:

Do you eat organic food?

Why is this question asked?

The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) defines organic as follows:

Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation. Before a product can be labeled "organic," a Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified, too.

Eco Action Plan:

Order and eat organic food.

 http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/eat-safe/Dirty-Dozen-Foods

Resources:

  * organic.org <http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/cheap/20040901a1.asp>

  * The Daily Green <http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating-plans>

  * theorganicpages <http://www.theorganicpages.com/topo/index.html>

  * gaiam <http://www.gaiam.com/greenmarket>

Question:

Are you vegetarian?

Why is this question asked?

Switching to a vegetarian diet is a powerful way to help protect our environment and help ensure everyone has enough to eat. The United Nations recently released  Livestock's Long Shadow–Environmental Issues and Options, which concludes that the livestock sector (primarily cows, chickens, and pigs) emerges as one of the top two or three most significant contributors to our most serious environmental problems, at every scale from local to global. It is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gases - responsible for 18% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions as measured in CO2 equivalents. By comparison, all transportation emits 13.5% of the CO2. It produces 65% of human-related nitrous oxide (which has 296 times the climate change potential of CO2) and 37% of all human-induced methane (which is 23 times as warming as CO2). It also generates 64% of the ammonia, which contributes to acid rain and acidification of ecosystems. In addition, the enormous amounts of grain required to feed livestock reduces the amount of food available for the world's hungry. Buying organic, locally grown food also reduces climate change emissions and helps protect the environment.

Eco Action Plan:

Consider becoming a lacto-ovo vegetarian (no meat but some eggs and dairy products) or vegan (no animal products).

Resources:

Informational sites:

  * Why Vegan http://www.veganoutreach.org

  * Warrior for a Healthy Planet  http://www.lime.com/magazines?uri=consciouschoice.com/lime/1995-98/cc116/howardlyman.html

  * Vegan Action http://www.vegan.org

  * Vegetarianism: A Few Facts <http://www.vegsource.com/articles/veg_definition.htm>

  * 101 Reasons I'm a Vegetarian <http://www.vegsource.com/articles/veg_definition.htm>

  * Diet Bio <http://www.dietobio.com/index_en.html>

  * Notmilk! <http://www.dietobio.com/index_en.html>

Healthy School Lunches:

Support efforts to increase healthy food choices in school lunches (US)

Green Calculator:

Learn about the effect your diet is having on the environment with the Eating Green Calculator.

<http://www.cspinet.org/EatingGreen/calculator.html>

Non-GMO:

There are many organizations that are working to protect our food supply from genetically engineered produce. Please get involved in any way you can. Whenever possible, buy products containing non-GMO soy, cotton, and corn. Ask your local supermarket to carry non-GMO products and ask your friends to also make this request - have faith that your requests will get back to the growers and store headquarters. This trend will only turn around when customer demand non-GMO products. Your pocketbook is your most effective voice.

Unprocessed Food:

Eat unprocessed/unpackaged food whenever possible.

Smart Seafood:

If you purchase seafood, consult  a seafood choices chart to select environmentally smart seafood. Also, learn more about avoiding mercury in your seafood at NRDC.

 http://www.seafoodchoices.org/resources/links.php#linksseafoodcards

<http://www.nrdc.org/health/effects/mercury/index.asp>

"Dolphin Safe" Tuna:

Only purchase tuna labeled "dolphin safe."

Shade-Grown Coffee:

Buy shade-grown coffee to protect desperately needed migratory bird habitats. Many "fair trade certified" coffees are shade-grown. In the U.S., locate a supplier near you on the TransFair Retail Outlets listing.

<http://www.shadecoffee.org/shadecoffee>

<http://www.transfairusa.org/content/WhereToBuy>

Free-Range:

If you eat meat, buy "free-range" raised animals. According to the EPA, "there are approximately 450,000 AFOs (Animal feeding operations - livestock-raising operations, such as hog, cattle and poultry farms, that confine and concentrate animal populations) in the United States. About 6,600 of these operations fall into the largest category and are referred to as Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs)."

Books:

Books on  organic food and switching to a  vegan diet.

 http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=vegan%20diet&tag=globalstewa05-20&index=books&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325

Question:

Do you buy local?

Why is this question asked?

Each pound of local food you purchase prevents a quarter pound of climate change (C02) emissions. Support your area's Farmer's Market. If possible, grow your own fruits and vegetables using organic gardening practices. You can find local farmer's markets, community supported agriculture, restaurants that cook with regional cuisine, and food cooperatives through Local Harvest.

Eco Action Plan:

Buy food (and drink - ideally tap - water) from local companies whenever possible.

Question:

Do you offer organic, veg, and raw food to your staff at events?

Why is this question asked?

Organic, vegetarian, vegan, and raw food is healthier than eating the meat of animals. Plus, it gives everyone (sometimes vegetarians and vegans are "left out") a chance to eat healthy and tasty dishes.

Eco Action Plan:

Offer organic, veg, and raw food to your staff at events.

Resources:

Food safety

  *  traditionaloven

 http://www.traditionaloven.com/articles/122/dangerous-food-additives-to-avoid

  * foodsafety

http://www.foodsafety.gov

  * homefoodsafety

<http://www.homefoodsafety.org/pages/tips/index.jsp>

  * pbs

<http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/madcow/tips.html>

Healthy eating

  * organic.lovetoknow

<http://organic.lovetoknow.com/Organics_on_a_Budget>

  * organicconsumers

<http://www.organicconsumers.org/state/MD.cfm>

Locally grown food resources

  * localharvest

http://www.localharvest.org

  * foodroutes

<http://www.foodroutes.org/buylocal.jsp>

Gardens & Landscaping

Question:

Do you have a garden?

Why is this question asked?

Some offices have a garden on their property as a beautification project, but also to offer food and gardening opportunities to their staff.

Eco Action Plan:

  1. Purchase and/or maintain some green acreage.

  2. Create a vegetable garden for your employees. Or simply create an oasis for local wildlife or growing native varieties of plants.

Resources:

Organic Gardening

Go organic!! - here are some  basics. Also check out books on  organic gardening.

[  
](http://www.cnps.org/cnps/education/) Native Garden

Learn about creating a Native Garden from eNature. Get to know the specific ecosystem your home is located in (e.g., Oak Woodland, Grasslands) and select plants native to this ecosystem.

Xeriscape

Tips on how to grow an environmentally friendly lawn can be found at the  Lawn care using Xeriscape (water conservation) concepts.

 http://www.csu.org/residential/greenback/water/xeriscape/item1123.html

Rain Garden

Create a rain garden on your property to reduce runoff into storm drains.

<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rain_garden>

Veggies in Containers

Tips on  growing great vegetables in containers.

 http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/04/22/HOGUNIBUCQ1.DTL&hw=peirce&sn=147&sc=181

Window Farms

Innovative way to grow food from recycled containers hanging in windows.

http://www.windowfarms.org

Composting

Composting provides important nutrients for your organic garden. Learn more at Wikipedia's Compost page.

<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Composting>

Free Dirt Exchange

Find free soil in your area for your landscaping project or garden through Tons of Dirt. http://tonsofdirt.com

Worm Composting

Learn about worm composting (vermiculture) at Earthworm FAQ.

http://www.howtocompost.org

Mulching

Mulching mowers are available which will convert cut grass into a natural fertilizer.

Carbon Debt

Work off your carbon dioxide "debt" by planting trees! Find out how much you need to work off with the Climate Change Calculator.

http://www.americanforests.org/global_releaf

http://www.americanforests.org/resources/ccc

Pesticides:

Learn about current toxicity and regulatory information for pesticides in the PAN Pesticide Database.

http://www.pesticideinfo.org

Source:

GlobalStewards.org

Question:

Do you have a wildlife habitat on your property?

Why is this question asked?

As people take over more and more of the land, we need to provide food, water, and shelter to the animals that are now relying on us for their survival.

Eco Action Plan:

A backyard wildlife habitat or "naturescape" can be created in your own backyard. A miniature version can even be created on your patio or deck. Basic elements include fresh water (i.e., a bird bath and, if in a yard, water low to the ground); plants and feeders that provide nourishment for birds, insects, etc.; and rocks, trees, bushes and/or bird houses for shelter and nesting. Purchase plants that are native to your area. The National Wildlife Federation has an excellent program: The Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program which provides some helpful, detailed examples.

Resources:

http://www.nwf.org

Attracting Animals:

Learn how to attract:

  * Hummingbirds <http://www.hummingbirds.net/attract.html>

  * Butterflies <http://www.thebutterflysite.com/gardening.shtml>

  * Birds http://howtoattractbirds.com

  * Dawn of a New Lawn provides inspiration and information on switching to native plants.

<http://audubonmagazine.org/backyard/backyard0105.html>

Books:

  * Books on  backyard wildlife habitat.

 http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=backyard%20wildlife%20habitat&tag=globalstewa05-20&index=books&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325

Question:

Do you Support Organic & Sustainable Farming?

Why is this question asked?

Pesticide use -- which has increased 50 percent over the last 30 years -- has been linked to cancer, birth defects, and reproductive problems. NRDC's own studies show that pesticides are among the five worst environmental threats to children's health. In addition, pesticides contaminate water and often poison wildlife. Non-sustainable farming has also been shown to lead to topsoil erosion, toxic runoff from farmland into rivers, lakes, and streams, and decreased biodiversity.

Eco Action Plan:

Ask for organic produce

Often, organic produce costs more and is more difficult to get, but many supermarkets and greengrocers are willing to stock organic food if they know customers will buy it regularly. Talk to your friends and neighbors about their willingness to buy organic and then let your produce manager know that many customers are interested.

Deal directly with organic food growers and suppliers

If you can't find a local grocer who will stock organic food, contact organic growers and suppliers directly.

Become a Community Supported Agriculture supporter

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) cooperatives bring together local farmers and consumers. As a member of the cooperative, you pledge to cover farm operation costs for the season. In return, you share in the harvest. CSA farms are not all organic, but they all strive to operate sustainably.

Farmers: cut down on pesticide use

Innovative and successful farmers around the country are switching from conventional pest management practices, which are heavily reliant on pesticides, to profitable alternative agricultural practices that substantially reduce pesticide use. Read profiles of these farmers and their methods in Fields of Change.

Resources:

http://www.nrdc.org/health/farming/fields/focinx.asp

Question:

Do you use landscaping as part of your energy efficiency plan?

Why is this question asked?

A well-designed landscape not only can add beauty to your home but it also can reduce your heating and cooling costs. On average, landscaping for energy efficiency provides enough energy savings to return an initial investment in less than 8 years.

Eco Action Plan:

Here you can learn more about the following elements of an energy-efficient landscape design:

 Climate

Use energy-efficient landscaping strategies based on your regional climate.

 Microclimate

Consider your home's microclimate along with your regional climate in your landscape design.

 Shading

Use trees and other plants to help shade your home if needed to help reduce cooling costs.

 Windbreaks

Use windbreaks—tree and/or shrub plantings—around your home if needed to help reduce heating costs.

 Water conservation

Conserve water along with energy for a more sustainable landscape.

 http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/landscaping/index.cfm/mytopic=11960

Resources:

Financing & Incentives

  *  Find Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency Energy Savers

<http://www.energysavers.gov/financial/70010.html>

Professional Services

  *  Find a Firm American Society of Landscape Architects

<http://online.asla.org/scriptcontent/index_find_firm.cfm>

  * Find a Designer Association of Professional Landscape Designers

<http://www.apld.com/members/search.asp>

Resources:

Community Gardens

  * garden <http://www.garden.org/home>

  * gardenguides http://www.gardenguides.com

  * organicgardeningresources http://www.organicgardeningresources.com

Gardening stores list

  * gardeningsuppliesguide http://www.gardeningsuppliesguide.com

  * onlinegardenstore http://www.onlinegardenstore.org

Xeriscaping

  *  aggie-horticulture  http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/xeriscape/xeriscape.html

  *  energysavers  http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/landscaping/index.cfm/mytopic=11960

  * eartheasy <http://www.eartheasy.com/grow_xeriscape.htm>

The Green Supply Chain

Question:

Do you have a green supply chain?

Why is this question asked?

Your company should work strictly or predominately with those that share the same eco-friendly mission.

Ask ...

  1. what are your supplies?

  2. where do they come from?

And then ...

  1. consult with your suppliers about their sustainability efforts.

  2. identify the impacts of each product in your supply chain.

  3. Complete a supply chain worksheet for each of your suppliers.

  4. Have your suppliers complete your Supply Chain and Purchasing Questionnaire.

  5. Begin to make company purchases based on your new perspective.

Eco Action Plan:

  1. Buy from Green Certified Providers.

  2. Shorten the transit distance of supplies.

  3. Reduce packaging when possible.

  4. Buy recycled. Check out the EPA supplier database. www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/procure/database.htm

  5. Buy well-designed, more durable items.

  6. Buy items that can be repaired, upgraded, reused, and recycled.

  7. Ask your suppliers if they are prepared to take back products at the end of their life for reuse or recycling.

  8. Ask suppliers what practices they have adopted to improve their environmental performance.

  9. Ask vendors who supply company lunches not to deliver lunches in individual boxes.

  10. Encourage Vendors and Suppliers to hire an Eco Consultant or Sustainability Specialist.

  11. Establish a Green Supply Chain Audit and protocol program.

  12. Reduce packaging when possible.

  13. Use your relationship to encourage your suppliers and vendors on the path to sustainability.

  14. Work with suppliers that share and support your enthusiasm for green business practices.

Resources:

  *  logistics.about.com  http://logistics.about.com/od/greensupplychain/a/GSC_Best_Prac.htm

  * mhia.org

<http://www.mhia.org/news/industry/7056/the-green-supply-chain>

  * greensupplychain.com

<http://www.greensupplychain.com/whatIsGreen/index.html>

Question:

Do you have a green partners business development program?

Why is this question asked?

If you are going to go green - why not work with others that share your values and make some money to boot?

What is our general recommendation?

Work with a business development person that understands green network markets.

Why do we make that recommendation?

It will increase your revenue production potential.

Question:

Who handles your pest control?

Why is this question asked?

The presence of pesticides in storm water runoff has a direct impact on the health of aquatic organisms and can present a threat to humans through contamination of drinking water supplies.

What is our general recommendation?

Make sure your pest people understand your commitment to the environment. Demand that they use eco-safe products or find someone that will.

Why do we make that recommendation?

The pest control industry is a service industry. The strongest influencer on their business practices is the consumer. Nobody wants nasty dangerous chemicals used around them anyway.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
Share this link with your pest contractor:  
<http://www.extremelygreen.com/pestcontrolguide.cfm>

Question:

Do you have events catered? Insist on organic foods?

Why is this question asked?

Pesticide coated genetically modified food sound appetizing? It makes up the bulk of the U.S. food supply.

What is our general recommendation?

Insist that your caterers use organic locally grown foods.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Organic foods are generally better for you and the environment. Locally grown stuff doesn't have the carbon footprint associated with long distance transport.

What is the contact info to help implement?

Contact local vendors

Question:

Do you receive raw or component materials from anyone?

Why is this question asked?

You should know how all this stuff really got here.

What is our general recommendation?

Make your material suppliers demonstrate environmental commitment. Are they behaving in a sustainable way? Please ask them that question. Resource extraction (especially mining and logging), manufacturing processes, & excessive packaging are all key concerns.

Why do we make that recommendation?

The strongest voice to effect raw and component material suppliers environmental practices is you - their customer.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
Case by case

Question:

Does your company issue uniforms or have promotional items like T-Shirts printed? Insist on Organic materials? Do you use a dry cleaning service?

Why is this question asked?

Each step of the clothing production process carries the potential for an environmental impact. For example, conventionally grown cotton, one of the most popular clothing fibers, is also one of the most water- and pesticide-dependent crops. At the factory stage, effluent may contain a number of toxins. Shipped clothes from China have a large carbon footprint associated with long distance shipping. If you company uses a dry cleaning service, then beware. 95% of dry cleaners use PERC. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences states that: "Short-term exposure to PERC can cause adverse health effects on the nervous system that include dizziness, fatigue, headaches, sweating, in-coordination, and unconsciousness. Long-term exposure can cause liver and kidney damage." The International Association for Research on Cancer classifies PERC as a probable carcinogen.

What is our general recommendation?

Every business is different & every uniform or piece of promotional clothing has its purpose. When you're redesigning uniforms and promo clothing items - think green. Will organic or recycled materials work for your uniforms application? If so - please ask your vendors to produce a green option. On dry cleaning - opt for one of the new 'green dry cleaning services' that are popping up everywhere.

Why do we make that recommendation?

If Wynham Resorts can pull off a green uniform then almost anybody can. On dry cleaning - perc is a toxic soup, plain and simple.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
<http://www.organicconsumers.org/clothes/leaders.cfm>

MISCELLANEOUS SUGGESTIONS:

  1. Buy from Eco Certified providers

  2. Shorten the transit distance of supplies

  3. Reduce packaging when possible

Product Deliveries

  1. Reduced Deliveries. Arrange with suppliers to reduce the frequency of deliveries to the extent practicable.

  2. Efficient Delivery Routing. Use special routing software or other tools and load consolidation to improve the energy efficiency of product delivery to customers.

  3. Reduce, Reuse Packaging. Reduce the amount of packaging used for product deliveries to the minimum needed to protect products from damage. Use durable reusable shipping containers. Shred or form used paper into shipping packing.

Question:

Who do you purchase your supplies, products, and inventory from?

Why Is This Question Asked?

Are they eco-friendly?

Eco Action Plan:

  1. Buy recycled. Check out the EPA supplier database. www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/procure/database.htm

  2. Choose products with minimal packaging to reduce waste.

  3. Choose TISSUE PAPER made from recycled paper or tree-free alternatives such as kenaf or hemp fiber.

  4. If considering a flat-panel or large-screen television, consider purchasing an LCD model rather than a plasma model to cut your power usage by approximately 50%.

  5. Ink jet printer's use as much as 90% less energy than typical laser printers.

  6. Look for pencils manufactured from sustainable harvested timber or wood substitutes such as recycled paper, old plastic cups, wood off-cuts, and reclaimed denim.

  7. Look for recycled content whenever possible, including paper, glass, metal, plastic, and other items.

  8. Preserves our natural resources by decreasing the demand for virgin materials.

  9. Print promotional materials with soy or other low-VOC inks

  10. Purchase paper products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council

  11. UNIFORMS: Choose a material and supplier that is eco-friendly. Choose chemical-free, organic cotton, wool, or hemp options.

  12. Use reusable and laundered roll towels (they can be cheaper than paper towels, and make for less waste.)

  13. Use unbleached, post consumer content (copy and toilet paper, facial tissues, paper towels).

  14. When purchasing computers, select a brand whose manufacturer accept end-of-life responsibility, design their products to minimize toxic material, and enable component recycling.

  15. Buy from eco-friendly vendors and suppliers.

  16. Check out www.TheGreenOffice.com for your office supplies needs.

  17. Favor local trade and buy from local suppliers.

Resources:

  * www.eco-office.com http://www.eco-office.com

Heating & Cooling

Question:

Do you have an HVAC system?

Why is this question asked?

Heating and cooling account for about 56% of the energy use in a typical U.S. home; making it the largest energy expense for most homes. A wide variety of technologies are available for heating and cooling your home, and they achieve a wide range of efficiencies in converting their energy sources into useful heat or cool air for your home. In addition, many heating and cooling systems have certain supporting equipment in common, such as thermostats and ducts, which provide opportunities for saving energy.

Eco Action Plan:

  1. Check your heating and cooling system for safety and efficiency. You can tell a heating and cooling system isn't functioning properly if the temperature from room to room is varying, if the house feels too hot or too cold, and if the air is stuffy or clammy.

When looking for ways to save energy in your home, be sure to think about not only improving your existing heating and cooling system, but also consider the energy efficiency of the supporting equipment and the possibility of either adding supplementary sources of heating or cooling or simply replacing your system altogether.

 Selecting and Replacing Heating and Cooling Systems

When replacing or upgrading an existing heating and cooling system, it's important to first consider the limitations imposed by your current system and available energy sources. When selecting a heating and cooling system for a new house, your options are generally much wider, although your builder or developer may place limitations on your choices.

 Cooling Systems

Depending on where you live, cooling your home can be as simple as opening a window or as complex as using a central air conditioning unit. A wide variety of cooling technologies are available.

 Heating Systems

Although most U.S. homes use either a furnace or a boiler, other approaches range from wood stoves to active solar heating systems.

 Heat Pump Systems

Heat pump systems provide both heating and cooling and offer the benefit of delivering more useful energy than they consume.

 Supporting Equipment for Heating and Cooling Systems

Thermostats and ducts provide opportunities for saving energy. Dehumidifying heat pipes allow central air conditioners and heat pumps to deliver drier air. Electric and gas meters allow you to track your energy use closely.

Resources:

Financing & Incentives

  *  Find Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency <http://www.energysavers.gov/financial/70010.html>

  * Get Energy Smart

<http://www.getenergysmart.org/resources/tips.aspx>

Question:

Do you have a boiler?

Eco Action Plan:

  * Choose digital thermostats on heating and cooling systems to control temperatures more accurately.

  * Keep your boiler running smoothly by having it serviced by a BPI-certified Home Performance with ENERGY STAR contractor.

Question:

Do you have Central AC?

Eco Action Plan:

  1. Use a programmable thermostat when possible.

  2. Choose digital thermostats on heating and cooling systems to control temperatures more accurately.

  3. Make sure you're not covering your ducts with furniture, rugs, etc.

  4. During the summer, keep all south-facing draperies closed during the day.

  5. Change or clean your air filter based on the manufacturer's recommendation. This will make sure the unit is operating efficiently so you will realize your maximum energy savings.

Question:

Do you have a dehumidifier?

Eco Action Plan:

  1. When you go shopping for a dehumidifier, look for the ENERGY STAR label.

  2. Also look for the yellow EnergyGuide label to tell how energy efficient the product really is by comparing it with other dehumidifiers on the market.

Question:

Do you have a furnace?

Eco Action Plan:

  1. Choose digital thermostats on your furnace.

  2. Change your furnace filters every 2 months (or more often if you have pets) as they'll help keep your furnace working efficiently for usually less than a dollar per filter.

  3. Have your oil or gas fired furnace serviced regularly, typically once a year.

Question:

Do you have a Room AC?

Eco Action Plan:

  1. Set your air-conditioning thermostat at 78°F or higher during the summer season. Each degree above 75° saves you 3% of the energy used to cool your home.

  2. Save money and increase your comfort by using a timer or programmable thermostat on your air conditioner.

  3. Look for the ENERGY STAR label.

  4. Place your air conditioner in a central window, rather than a corner window, to allow for better air movement.

  5. Remove air conditioners in the fall or install a quality plastic cover.

  6. Seal spaces around the air conditioner with caulking to prevent cool air from escaping.

  7. Clean the cooling and condenser fans plus the coils to keep your air conditioner operating efficiently and check the filter every month and replace as needed.

MISC. QUESTIONS:

  1. What is the type and age of heating system?

  2. What is the type and age of boiler?

  3. What is the boiler energy efficiency rating?

  4. What is the type and age of furnace?

  5. What is the furnace efficiency rating (AFUE rating)?

  6. What is the type and age of hot water heater?

  7. What is the water heater energy efficiency rating?

  8. What is the temperature of your hot water heater?

  9. What is you air conditioning system type and age?

  10. What is the air conditioning system efficiency rating (SEER rating).

  11. Are the filters replaced regularly?

  12. Are the HVAC systems maintained regularly?

  13. Has the duct system been tested for leakage?

  14. Is the duct system cleaned and maintained regularly?

  15. Are vents free from obstruction?

  16. Are there conditioned areas that are not used?

  17. Is there an opportunity for a programmable thermostat?

  18. Is the existing thermostat properly calibrated?

  19. Are furnaces, boilers and air conditioning systems operating efficiently?

  20. Is there a regular maintenance and update schedule for these systems?

  21. Are filters replaced regularly?

  22. Is the building properly ventilated?

MISCELLANEOUS SUGGESTIONS:

  1. Complete a full Energy audit and assessment

  2. Install programmable thermostat

  3. CFL or LED bulbs totally (t5 encouraged)

  4. CFL or LED bulbs mostly (t5 encouraged)

  5. Solar lighting (outside)

  6. Skylights or Solar Tube

  7. Motion detector switches in key areas

  8. Install timers on outside lights

  9. Solar panel installation

  10. Wind power installation

  11. Remote building energy management (like Icontrol.com)

  12. Install LED lights in direct lighting, track lighting, night lights

  13. Timer for electric water heater

  14. Wall switch on powered outlets (Phantom load)

  15. Power strip on powered devices (Phantom load)

  16. Annually seal building from leaks

  17. GESPER electric conditioning (20% reduction or more)

  18. Furnace at least 90% efficient

  19. EnergyStar appliances

Indoor Air Quality

Question:

Do you have VOC absorbing plants?

Why Is This Question Asked?

All plants remove the Carbon Dioxide we emit during breathing and release Oxygen into the air for us to breathe. This exchange takes place during photosynthesis, which most plants perform during daylight hours.

All plants remove impurities from the air to a lesser or greater effect. They remove the impurities or Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) by absorbing them through their leaves or via their growing medium.

The VOCs are moved (translocated) to the plant's roots where micro-organisms living in the root zone (rhizospere), turn the VOCs into food for the plant. Perfect recycling!

(Dr B Wolverton, NASA)

Eco Action Plan:

Buy VOC Absorbing plants

Nighttime workers

Epiphytic Bromeliads, orchids and succulents exchange Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide at night rather than as most other plants do during the daytime. This makes them perfect bedroom plants to refresh the air we breathe during sleep.

Plants that raise humidity levels

As plants return 97% of the water we give them back into the air, water-loving plants help to raise humidity levels. Particularly useful in centrally heated or air-conditioned buildings.

Some water loving plants:

  1. Schefflera

  2. Bamboo

  3. Hemp

Peace Lily: Spathiphyllum

  * Winner of Dutch office plant of the year 2007

  * A good all rounder and best at removing all toxins according to Dr. Bill Wolverton in his Eco Friendly Houseplants book*

Boston Fern: Nephrolepis exaltata and obliterate

  * Good air cleaner; also good for raising humidity levels and keeping us comfortable

  * Particularly useful in centrally heated or air conditioned rooms/spaces

Dracaena deremensis, marginata and fragrans

  * One of the best plants at removing Trichloroethylene emitted by photocopiers and printers – perfect for the home office!

Umbrella plant: Schefflera actinophylla

  * Good air purifier and also a water lover which means Schefflera is good for humidifying the air - like Boston ferns

Ivy: Hedera helix

  * Good at cleaning the air but don't forget that plants can also help to reduce the physical signs of stress

Palms like Areca (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens), Bamboo (Chamaedorea seifrizi); Lady (Raphis excelsa), Dwarf Date (Phoenix roebelenii), Kentia (Howea)

  * Areca came out tops in Wolverton's poll for cleaning the air but all of the palms are good at air cleaning

Rubber plant/Weeping fig: Ficus robusta and bejamina

  * Hard working and good looking

Bromeliads

  * Like orchids – see below – these plants work at night absorbing toxins and emitting oxygen to refresh the air

  * Perfect for the bedroom!

Mother-in-law's tongue: Sansevieria

  * Winner of Dutch office plant of the year 2008

  * Won on criteria of purifying air and ease of care

Best air cleaning flowering plants

  * Chrysanthemum – no 2 in the charts for ridding the air of Formaldehyde

  * Gerbera – no 3 in the same charts

  * Orchids – clean and refresh the air at night whilst you sleep so perfect for the bedroom

  * Anthurium

  * Potted Tulips

Resources:

  * Air Quality Index (AQI)

  * Smog - Who Does It Hurt?

  * Ozone \- Good Up High, Bad Nearby

  * Ozone and Your Health

  * Air Quality Guide for Ozone

  * osha

  *  lungusa

  * epa

  * epa

  * cdc

  *  cmhc-schl

  * livestrong.com

  * houseplants

  * flowercouncil.org

  * greendesign

  * flowercouncil

Question:

Do you have mold?

Why is this question asked?

Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold.

Eco Action Plan:

Get a mold inspection.

Resources:

http://www.certifiedmoldinspectors.com

Did you know?

  * Over 90% of all reported poisonings in America occur at home, with the leading reported cause being household cleaners.

  * Many chemicals in household cleaning products have been linked to long-term or delayed health effects; these include cancer, endocrine disruption, reproductive issues, asthma, organ damage and neurological problems.

  * Up to 80% of contact with pesticides happens indoors. Several pesticides cause asthma and allergies; others are linked to lung disease, cause cancer or affect the nervous system.

  * In one study, 90% of people tested had 5 to 16 pesticides in their bodies; most of the 6-11 year olds tested in one study had four times the amount deemed acceptable by the EPA (2005 CDC report).

  * Did you know? The U.S. General Accounting Office has found that 15,000 schools suffer from poor indoor air quality, affecting more than eight million children or one in five children in America's schools.

Alternatives:

  * Buy pest control products without chemicals. For alternative methods, go to www.beyondpesticides.org.

  * Keep pests out by installing or fixing door strips on outside doors, sealing baseboards with caulk, plugging holes with caulk or steel wool, caulk cracks around windows and doors.

  * Don't buy more pesticides than you will need. If you have leftover pesticides, dispose of them at your local hazardous waste disposal site (www.earth911.org). Never dispose of pesticides by pouring them down a drain of any kind or on the street.

  * Buy natural alternatives. These can be found at natural food stores such as MOMs (in DC area), Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and increasingly, at regular supermarkets.

  * Make your own: see Annie Berthold-Bond's 'Better Basics for the Home' book for alternative recipes.

MISC. SUGGESTIONS:

  1. Inspect ventilation equipment air filters regularly and replace as needed.

  2. Specify maintenance supplies (paints, finishes, cleaners, caulks, sealants) that are low emitters of potential indoor air contaminants. Ask vendors and manufacturers to help select the safest products available that can accomplish the job effectively.

  3. Use carpet adhesives or adhesive free systems that minimize the amount of off-gassing of chemicals during installation of carpeting.

  4. Avoid wood products and furnishings that use large amounts of formaldehyde as a bonding agent.

  5. Clean spills promptly.

  6. Seal containers of volatile liquids.

  7. Ensure that the ventilation system is clean and that an adequate amount of outdoor air is supplied to occupied areas.

  8. Ensure that the mechanical rooms are free of trash and chemicals.

  9. Make sure the air intakes of ventilating systems are not in an area where cars or buses idle.

  10. Eliminate any bird or animal nests or droppings near outdoor air intakes.

  11. Check for cooking odors or smoke in areas adjacent to the cooking, preparation, and eating areas.

  12. Monitor trends in health complaints, especially in timing or location of complaints.

  13. Avoid tracking pollutants into work areas and seal off work areas from occupied portions of the building.

  14. Consider recessed grates, "walk off" mats and other techniques to reduce the amount of dirt entering the building.

  15. Clean up dust generated from construction activities.

  16. Establish a regular schedule for inspecting roofs, ceilings, walls, floors and carpeting for water leakage, stains or discoloration, and mold growth or odors.

  17. Check the mechanical room and roof for leaks and spills.

  18. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.

  19. Vent showers and other moisture-generating sources to the outside.

  20. Reduce the potential for water vapor condensation on walls, underside of roof decks and around pipes or ducts.

  21. Keep building materials like wood, porous insulation, paper and fabric dry.

  22. Prevent rain and snow from entering air intakes.

  23. Provide adequate ventilation to maintain indoor humidity levels between 30%-50%.

  24. In areas with high humidity levels, consider switching the air conditioning system to a setback system at night.

  25. Use exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing and cleaning in food service areas.

  26. Avoid standing water in ventilation systems, air conditioning or refrigerator drip pans.

  27. Avoid carpeting in areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem.

  28. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 28-48 hours of occurrence.

  29. Inspect bathrooms (especially around and under sinks) for signs of standing water, water stains or mold.

  30. Have an Indoor Air Quality test performed

  31. Replace janitorial cleaning products with eco-friendly alternatives

  32. Replace vacuums used with HEPA vacuums

  33. Humidity at 30-60% (preferably 30-50%)

  34. Replace pesticide services with Green alternatives

  35. Replace disinfectants with Green alternatives

  36. Install VOC eating plants in the office area

  37. Install Carbon Monoxide detector(s) or test every 6/mo

  38. Install Radon gas detector(s) or test at least once

  39. Have a Mold inspection

  40. Paint with low VOC paint

  41. Replace your cleaning supplies.

Insulation

Question:

Do you insulate your windows?

Eco Action Plan:

  1. Choose ENERGY STAR-qualified windows to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in winter.

  2. Use multiple panes of glass to insulate against the weather, sound, and impacts.

  3. Consider U-value and Low-E coatings. U-value is the measure of the window's ability to insulate.

  4. Low-E window coatings are thin and transparent, permitting visible light to pass through, while effectively reflecting radiation and keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

  5. Close storm windows in the fall.

  6. Plastic installed over windows will help reduce drafts when installed securely.

Question:

Do you insulate your doors?

Eco Action Plan:

  1. Choose ENERGY STAR qualified doors that use materials to prevent heat loss and provide maximum energy savings.

  2. Use multiple glass panes (double- or triple-paned insulating glass) to reduce heat flow.

  3. Use improved weather stripping in the frames as well as a magnetic strip to create a tighter seal to help reduce air leakage around the edges.

Question:

Do you have skylights?

Eco Action Plan:

  1. Choose energy-efficient skylights to help in reducing your home heating and cooling costs.

  2. Use multiple panes of glass to insulate against the weather, sound, and impacts.

Question:

Do you have an attic?

Eco Action Plan:

  1. Insulate your home, especially the attic.

  2. Install a vapor barrier in your attic to reduce the flow of moisture from inside your home through the insulation. This eliminates the condensation that reduces insulation efficiency.

Question:

Do you use eco-friendly insulation?

Why is this question asked?

A trend in new housing is going "green." With all the concern for the environment, suppliers of building materials now make much of their product  eco-friendly. As more and more of these materials become available, the prices are going down and the usage of them is going up. Use these steps to learn more about eco-friendly insulation and how to choose the right one for your house.

Eco Action Plan:

Step 1

Decide on an overall budget. A budget is important in any building project and you should have created one with your contractor before the project began. Often choosing eco-friendly insulation can put a fluctuation in the budget. With a budget for the insulation in mind, it will make shopping and comparing prices easier. All good budgets also have a cushion for mistakes and miscalculations.

Step 2

Ask the builder for recommendations. If your builder has experience with eco-friendly insulation, and you should have hired one that has, then ask them for recommendations before researching suppliers of your own. They may also get a contractor's discount if ordered through their company. Explore all options before purchasing the eco-friendly insulation.

Step 3

Look at future  energy savings. The future energy savings of using eco-friendly insulation can be significant. Check out eco-friendly living sites, like Low Impact Living, to calculate the potential savings from using eco-friendly insulation opposed to standard fiberglass insulation.

Step 4

Evaluate installation costs. Installation costs are going to be additional to those of the product itself. If your builder will not be installing the insulation, make sure to get the installation costs worked into the quote. This cost should also have been worked into your insulation budget.

Step 5

Understand that greener options are usually more expensive. While greener options can tend to be more expensive, the prices are coming down as more and more people go green. To help alleviate the costs, check with your homeowners insurance to see about premium savings you can get for going green, and some energy companies and state and federal governments offer rebates for going green.

Resources:

  * http://www.insulation.org

  *  http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/insulation_airsealing/index.cfm/mytopic=11530

  *  http://www.ecoact.org/Programs/Green_Building/green_Materials/insulation.htm

  * http://www.simplyinsulate.com/content/whatkind/types.html

Video Resources:

  * http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoqe_BncWEE

  *  http://www.buildinggreentv.com/keywords/blue-jean-insulation

Options:

  *  http://www.getwithgreen.com/2007/07/11/insulation-a-list-of-eco-friendly-products-that-can-help-you-save/

  * Natural Cotton <http://www.bondedlogic.com/>

  * Recycled Denim <http://www.idahoblue.com/>

  * Green Fiber Cocoon Insulation <http://www.greenfiber.com/>

  * Recycled Fiberglass <http://www.naima.org/pages/benefits/environ/recycled.html>

  * Mushrooms  http://www.popsci.com/environment/article/2009-05/green-styrofoam

MISCELLANEOUS SUGGESTIONS:

  1. Shading. To reduce electrical demands for air conditioning, control the heat from natural lighting by shades, awnings, or glass film. Plant trees or vine trellises to provide natural shading during warm weather.

  2. Insulated glass windows.

  3. Insulation blanket on water heater.

  4. Insulation on exposed water pipes (basement or crawl space).

  5. Water heater turned down to 120 degrees.

  6. Insulating foam for outlet sealer.

  7. Plastic window insulation in winter.

  8. Add insulation in the roof.

Kitchen

Question:

Do you have a kitchen?

Eco Action Plan:

  1. Avoid anti-bacterial soaps & air fresheners

  2. Avoid plastics.

  3. Avoid purchasing used refrigerators, as an older refrigerator often uses more than three times the energy of today's models.

  4. Defrost your refrigerator regularly so it can operate more efficiently, and do so only on weekends to avoid peak load.

  5. Establish a compost bin for organic matter such as food waste. Use compost in office garden.

  6. Establish separate bins for plastic, glass, and aluminum containers.

  7. If possible, build a kitchen facility so your staff can bring and prepare their own food.

  8. Invest in eco-friendly cups, plates, and utensils. They should be made from recycled plastic, biodegradable bamboo, or bio plastics such as corn or potato starch.

  9. Keep your refrigerator away from the stove and heat registers.

  10. Make sure the seals on your refrigerator, freezer and oven doors fit tightly.

  11. Purchase large or refillable containers of creamer, sugar, salt, pepper, and butter instead of individual containers.

  12. Put full loads in the dishwasher and use the "energy saving" setting for the drying cycle, or let dishes air dry to reduce energy use.

  13. Select a refrigerator/freezer with energy-saving features.

  14. Test your refrigerator and freezer by placing a thermometer inside for an hour. The reading should be as follows: Refrigerator 36-38%

  15. To save even more energy, defer use until off-peak hours, after 6:30 pm and before 9:30 am.

  16. Use reusable dishes, mugs, utensils, and hand towels.

  17. Use your own mug(s) to drink coffee.

  18. Vacuum and clean the condenser coils, motor and evaporator pan of your refrigerator once or twice a year, and leave space between your refrigerator and the surrounding walls and cabinets to allow air to circulate around the coils.

Question:

Do you encourage employees to bring lunch to work?

Why is this question asked?

It may seem like a silly question, but when one considers that millions of workers drive out at lunchtime every day \- it becomes clear that massive amounts of CO2 emissions are being generated.

What is our general recommendation?

Provide an eco-friendly dining area and encourage people to use it. Post a note in the break area that says: 'By bringing your lunch to work today you reduced your carbon footprint'. It also makes sense to post a list of restaurants that are within walking distance.

Why do we make that recommendation?

It reduces CO2 emissions and keeps your valuable workers closer to their work.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
N/A

Marketing

Question:

Do you do any marketing?

Eco Action Plan:

  1. Encourage social marketing so you can say something positive, and encourage positive behaviors to the target audience and the general society.

  2. Give green corporate gifts (such as organic wine and chocolates), send we-cards, and make your events carbon neutral.

  3. Print Sales & marketing materials on recycled paper.

  4. Publicly report your environmental performance. (check out www.Globalreporting.org)

  * <http://www.globalreporting.org/Home>

Resource:

  * http://womma.org

Office Supplies

Question:

Who is your office supply company?

Why is this question asked?

  * Who your company uses as an office supplier can say a great deal about your company's environmental impact.

  * Given the wide range of office supply products that most businesses use; it is of fundamental importance to select an office supply company that not only delivers goods cheaply and on time, but that also shares your values.

What is our general recommendation?

Gradually phase out your existing office supply company and gradually phase in a 'green office supply' company.

Some possible suggestions are:

GreenOfficeStore.com (of NJ), TheGreenOffice.com (of CA), Green Earth Office Supply (of CA), GreenLine Paper Company (of PA), Dolphin Blue (of TX) and TreeCycle (of OR).

Why do we make that recommendation?

  1. These companies were selected against environmental impact criteria such as:

  2. Percentage of recycled materials in the products they offer

  3. Reduced chemically dependent processes

  4. Perhaps most importantly they are unlike chain stores that sell enormous amounts of earth damaging products such as virgin paper without remorse.

What is the contact info to help implement?

<http://www.greenofficestore.com/>  
<http://www.greenlinepaper.com/>  
<http://www.thegreenoffice.com/>  
<http://greenearthofficesupply.stores.yahoo.net/index.html>  
<http://www.dolphinblue.com/>  
<http://www.treecycle.com/>

Question:

What sort of paper do you use?

Why is this question asked?

Paper is the lifeblood of many businesses and given the fact that the process of creating it is one of the most ecologically harmful things in industry, it is easy to see why paper is so high up on our list.

Few items in the standard office have the environmental impact of paper. The average U.S. office worker is responsible for an entire tree per year in paper use. Paper waste accounts for over 40% of the total waste currently being landfilled in the United States.

What is our general recommendation?

Purchasing 100% post consumer recycled fiber papers which are also chlorine free. There is an extremely large selection available so feel free to select at will based on price.

We particularly like:

Cascades Enviro100 Copy or ASPEN 100 Recycled Copy/Laser Paper.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Compared to using virgin wood, paper made with 100% recycled content uses 44% less energy, produces 38% less greenhouse gas emissions, 41% less particulate emissions, 50% less wastewater, 49% less solid waste and -- of course -- 100% less wood.

Chlorine-free paper is an environmentally preferable alternative to paper bleached with chlorine. Chlorine and its derivatives (such as chlorine dioxide)—the most common bleaching agents used by the pulp and paper industry—are quite harmful to the environment, particularly the aquatic environment.

Why specifically do we recommend:

Cascades Enviro100 Copy

  * 100% Post Consumer Recycled Fibers (exceeding EPA standards)

  * 100% Processed Chlorine Free (PCF), certified by CFPA

  * Made with biogas energy

  * Excellent quality and performance

  * Standard Paper Brightness (90 bright)

We recommend this paper:

performs as well as virgin (non-recycled) paper.

What is the contact info to help implement?

The majority of office suppliers offer recycled paper of some type. Businesses need to be made aware of the gimmick of slapping a recycled label on the paper product when that could mean as little as 5% recycled content is used. Chlorine free adds yet another layer of complexity. The office suppliers we have found that offer 100% recycled chlorine free paper are:

<http://www.greenofficestore.com/>  
<http://www.greenlinepaper.com/>  
<http://www.thegreenoffice.com/>  
<http://greenearthofficesupply.stores.yahoo.net/index.html>  
<http://www.dolphinblue.com/>  
<http://www.treecycle.com/>

Question:

What sort of pens and pencils do you use?

Why is this question asked?

Americans buy more than 5.1 Billion pens every year, and most are the disposable type, thrown in the trash once the ink runs dry. That adds up to about 770 tons more of unnecessary plastic waste in landfills each year. Many pens are made from PVC plastic which releases dangerous dioxins (the active ingredient in Agent Orange) during production. Enough wood pencils are produced each year to circle the planet 62 times.

What is our general recommendation?

Use only refillable low or non-toxic ink pens and refillable mechanical pencils, which are made from recycled materials or sustainable biodegradable materials. If absolutely necessary, at least purchase pens that are manufactured from recycled plastic and pencils from sustainably harvested timber or wood substitutes such as recycled paper, old plastic cups, wood off-cuts, and reclaimed denim.

Two specific pens we recommend are 'Woody Pens' and the 'Triggerwood Pen'.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Refillable pens cut down on waste. Non-toxic inks are recommended to reduce the amount of toxins ending up in the water table. Refillable mechanical pencils do not use trees and need to be replaced far less often. Pens and mechanical pencils made from recycled or sustainable biodegradable materials reduce energy & resource utilization and decrease landfill stress.

Why specifically do we recommend:

Woody Pens

  * Refillable

  * Made from sustainable materials

  * Non toxic

  * No animal by-products

Why specifically do we recommend:

the Triggerwood Pen

  * Refillable

  * Made from sustainable materials

  * Non toxic

  * No animal by-products

What is the contact info to help implement?

<http://greenearthofficesupply.stores.yahoo.net/index.html>  
<http://www.thegreenoffice.com/>  
<http://www.treecycle.com/>

Question:

What sort of paper binders (or clips) do you use?

Why is this question asked?

Countless paper binders and paper clips are used by businesses daily.

Tremendous amounts of raw materials and energy are used in their creation.

What is our general recommendation?

Use paper binders and paper clips made from 100% recycled materials.

Why do we make that recommendation?

By selecting paper binders and clips made from 100% recycled materials you eliminate most of the need for mining raw materials, cut down on international shipping of raw or refined materials, and decrease chemical and energy usage during the production cycle of some of the most prevalent products on earth. Additionally you decrease landfill stress, and increase demand for recycled aluminum and plastic creating a causal loop wherein recycling at the ground level becomes more prized economically and socially.

What is the contact info to help implement?

<http://www.greenofficestore.com/>  
<http://www.greenlinepaper.com/>  
<http://www.thegreenoffice.com/>  
<http://greenearthofficesupply.stores.yahoo.net/index.html>  
<http://www.treecycle.com/>

Question:

What sort of calculators does the office use? Can we see one?

Why is this question asked?

Virtually every employee in the United States has a calculator. The ecological impact of these devices from pre-cradle to grave is truly enormous.

What is our general recommendation?

Solar calculators for now but...Believe it or not: The only manufacturer of calculators created from recycled materials at this point is Cannon. These products are not for sale yet. However, the product names will be LS-63TG, LS-154TG, HS-20TG, HS-1000TG and TS-1200TG. All will be solar powered.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Solar calculators decrease the need for disposable batteries. By decreasing the need for disposable batteries you decrease the need for mining raw materials, cut down on international shipping of raw or refined materials, and decrease chemical and energy usage during the production cycle of calculator batteries. Additionally you decrease landfill stress and water table poisoning.

Why specifically do we recommend:

Not yet in production - Cannon LS-63TG, LS-154TG, HS-20TG, HS-1000TG and TS-1200TG

  * Discarded machines are recycled and the material is used to manufacture this new series of calculators hence avoiding utilization of new resources.

  * Even the packaging, labels and manuals for these series are derived from recycled paper, making this product a wholly recycled unit.

  * Solar cells offset the need to purchase disposable batteries.

What is the contact info to help implement?

Solar calculators can be purchased anywhere.

We will update when the Canon products hit mass production.

Question:

What sort of envelopes do you use?

Why is this question asked?

Envelopes are made of paper. The average U.S. office worker is responsible for an entire tree per year in paper use. Paper waste accounts for over 40% of the total waste currently being landfilled in the United States.

What is our general recommendation?

Purchasing envelopes made of 100% post consumer recycled material and that are Certified Process Chlorine Free. There is an extremely large selection available so feel free to select at will based on price. If you are feeling extra green you may also want to evaluate:

<http://www.ecoenvelopes.com/html/home.html>

<http://www.actionenvelope.com/ae/control/earthFriendly>

Why do we make that recommendation?

Compared to using virgin wood, envelope paper made with 100% recycled content uses 44% less energy, produces 38% less greenhouse gas emissions, 41% less particulate emissions, 50% less wastewater, 49% less solid waste and -- of course -- 100% less wood.

Chlorine-free envelope paper is an environmentally preferable alternative to envelope paper bleached with chlorine. Chlorine and its derivatives (such as chlorine dioxide)—the most common bleaching agents used by the pulp and paper industry—are quite harmful to the environment, particularly the aquatic environment.

What is the contact info to help implement?

<http://www.greenofficestore.com/>  
<http://www.greenlinepaper.com/>  
<http://www.thegreenoffice.com/>  
<http://greenearthofficesupply.stores.yahoo.net/index.html>  
<http://www.dolphinblue.com/>  
<http://www.treecycle.com/>

Question:

Are your rubber bands made from recycled materials?

Why is this question asked?

While a product as simple as the rubber band may seem below environmental notice, consider that the rubber industry is actually classified by most nations as a 'chemical industry'.

The production processes of rubber become particularly chemically intensive when increasing the 'strength' and 'elasticity' of rubber. Those are 2 of the defining characteristics of the rubber band.

What is our general recommendation?

Rubber bands made from recycled materials such as tire inner tubes.

Why do we make that recommendation?

  1. Rubber recycling is less chemically & resource intensive than rubber production.

  2. Arguably more important, it is difficult to imagine just how environmentally damaging tires are to our world.

  3. 70% of Ontario Canada's old tires are exported to the United States for incineration.

  4. Because land-filling tires is so space intensive & poses severe environmental issues itself, incineration is extremely widespread.

  5. Incinerating rubber is a carbon and chemical releasing nightmare.

  6. Many of the carbon release mitigation methods (when they are employed) themselves have the ring of ecological disasters waiting to happen. Anything that consumers can do to support the recycling of rubber should be strongly considered.

What is the contact info to help implement?

<http://greenearthofficesupply.stores.yahoo.net/index.html>

Question:

What sort of adhesives like glue do you use?

Why is this question asked?

Originally all glue manufacturers obtained bones and tissues of animals from slaughterhouses, tanneries, and meat packing companies; it is no coincidence that the world's largest glue manufacturer is the dairy called Borden Company. Similarly, manufacturers of fish glue obtain remains from canneries and other processing plants.

All that being said, animal based glues were probably still better for the environment than what came later. Animal derived glues need to be kept heated in order to be applied. Now white glue (Elmer's) and the similar yellow glue used in woodworking are made of polyvinyl acetate (or PVA). PVA is part of the vinyl family of plastics.

What is our general recommendation?

  1. For office use: Please avoid or cut down on glue use at your business. When you need paper glue then use reusable glue pens with non-toxic PVA glue.

  2. For woodwork: EcoGlue.

  3. For construction & industrial use: Please make use of the wide variety of bio-adhesives.

Why do we make that recommendation?

For office use

Glue in general is chemically and/or energy intensive to make. Refillable glue pens need to be replaced far less often. *Unfortunately we were unable to find a commercially viable plant based glue alternative to PVA glue for standard 'white glue' uses.

Because animal derived glues need to be kept heated in order to be applied, they are not viable for office use. The scientific research on bio alternatives is very exciting.

For woodwork

Amazing EcoGlue™

  * Water-based adhesive.

  * Less than 1% VOCs (volatile organic compounds)

  * Virtually no hazardous air pollutants (less than 0.165 by weight)

  * 100% recyclable packaging

For builders & industrial use

Builders & industrial operations have the amazing power to dictate change. From soy protein based adhesives to Caulobacter crescentus there is an amazing array of 'bioadhesives' and 'biocomponents for use in making adhesives'. Anytime you can replace harsh chemicals with plants, algae etc... you are almost certainly making a positive change.

What is the contact info to help implement?

Reusable Glue Pens with non-toxic PVA glue (www.thegreenoffice.com)

EcoGlue. <http://www.eclecticproducts.com/ecoglue/>  
Bioadhesives <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bioadhesives>  
Water-based bonding: http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/3M-  
GREENGUARD/Green-Adhesives/LEED/GreenGuard-Certified-Adhesives/

Question:

What sort of correction fluids or tapes do you use?

Why is this question asked?

Whiteout correction fluids contain large quantities of straight and branched chain hydrocarbons. They contribute to ozone depletion, global warming, and sick office syndrome.

Correction tapes are almost always made of some form of plastic, have plastic dispensers, and are usually excessively packaged. Further, the adhesives on correction tape bring up the environmental issues associated with adhesives.

What is our general recommendation?

We recommend recyclable, non-toxic, and ozone friendly correction fluids.

We specifically like Planet Pleaser correction fluid or as a close second option.

Why do we make that recommendation?

  1. Planning your product to be recycled by you before you even ship it is a sign of environmental stewardship.

  2. Products that are listed as non-toxic are supposed to conform to strict health criteria.

  3. Ozone friendly designations lead us to believe that a company is at least mitigating the issues during their manufacturing process.

Why specifically do we recommend:

Planet Pleaser correction fluid

  * Entirely recyclable when returned to the manufacturer. A pre-addressed envelope is included, so that you may return the empty bottles to the manufacturer, who will recycle the residual fluid and bottle. Although you will bear the cost of the postage, this fluid is usually priced well enough that it is still very economical.

  * The fluid is non-toxic (complies with Proposition 65) and does not deplete the ozone layer.

  * This product is not tested on animals, and does not contain any animal by- products.

What is the contact info to help implement?

<http://greenearthofficesupply.stores.yahoo.net/index.html>

Question:

What kinds of clipboards are used?

Why is this question asked?

  1. Most common, inexpensive clipboards are made of Masonite or particleboard.

  2. Masonite is formed using the Mason method, using wooden chips and blasting them into long fibers with steam and then forming them into boards.

  3. Particle board, or particleboard, (called "chipboard" in some countries) is an engineered wood product manufactured from wood particles, such as wood chips, sawmill shavings, or even saw dust, and a synthetic resin or other suitable binder, which is pressed and extruded.

What is our general recommendation?

Clipboards made of 100% recycled materials of which at least 60% is post consumer-recycled material.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Both Masonite and particleboard are generally created from 'pre-consumer recycled material'. 'Pre-consumer recycled material' is a bit of a misnomer. In the case of making Masonite and particleboard (and many other products) it is OK legally to label the use of sawmill shavings and other sawmill byproducts as 'recycled'. Post consumer recycled materials are the better metric because additional demand for cutting down new trees is not created. Therefore we ask you to be conscious of the distinction. Please select products with as much post consumer recycled material as possible.

What is the contact info to help implement?

<http://www.greenofficestore.com/>  
http://greenearthofficesupply.stores.yahoo.net

Question:

What kinds of desk pads are used?

Why is this question asked?

The most important environmental impact one can make with regard to office products is stopping the unnecessary use of them.

What is our general recommendation?

  1. Desk pad calendars are virtually obsolete. Any employee with a computer should not need a desk pad calendar.

  2. If an employee does not have a computer then please be creative in alternatives. One nice trick is to ask the employee if they can use their cell phone to keep track of their schedule. If a desk pad is absolutely necessary please try to purchase ones made of 100% post consumer recycled materials.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Unnecessary office supplies increase business administrative expenses and have an unnecessary negative impact on the environment.

What is the contact info to help implement?

<http://www.dolphinblue.com/>  
<http://www.treecycle.com/>  
<http://www.thegreenoffice.com/>

Question:

What kinds of filing supplies are you using?

Why is this question asked?

  1. Many businesses have enormous amounts of paper filed away.

  2. In order to store paper files you need costly space (which is usually lighted and air conditioned), filing cabinets, files, plastic tabs, & labels.

  3. All of these requirements cost money and have a negative impact on the environment.

What is our general recommendation?

  1. If at all possible, businesses should look to scan originals, store them electronically, and recycle the originals.

  2. For storing those documents that simply must be originals, please select recycled filing cabinets, files, tabs, & labels.

Why do we make that recommendation?

ROI analysis is absolutely clear: A terabyte of disk storage is commercially available on a KBOOK storage drive at $199 from Best Buy. Ten Terabytes could hold the printed collection of the Library of Congress. Environmental analysis is also absolutely clear: Think in terms of the environmental impact of the space, filing infrastructure, catalog draws, etc... of the library of congress vs. under 30 lbs of electronic storage drives.

What is the contact info to help implement?

Your best bet is to contact the people you usually rely on for computer assistance. If you are a small business & do not have a resource in that area, KBOOKs which are available at Best Buy are great storage devices & the scanner you select should be the type that can scan multiple pages at once.

For recycled office filing supplies:

<http://www.dolphinblue.com/>  
<http://www.treecycle.com/>

Question:

What kinds of notebooks or pads are supplied?

Why is this question asked?

These items are made of paper. The average U.S. office worker is responsible for an entire tree per year in paper use. Paper waste accounts for over 40% of the total waste currently being landfilled in the United States.

What is our general recommendation?

Encourage employees to keep notes electronically & when necessary use notepads, which are made of 100%, recycled materials at least 50% of which should be post consumer recycled material. If possible, please also select paper products that are processed chlorine free.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Compared to using virgin wood, notepad paper made with 100% recycled content uses 44% less energy, produces 38% less greenhouse gas emissions, 41% less particulate emissions, 50% less wastewater, 49% less solid waste and -- of course -- 100% less wood. Chlorine-free notepad paper is an environmentally preferable alternative to envelope paper bleached with chlorine. Chlorine and its derivatives (such as chlorine dioxide)—the most common bleaching agents used by the pulp and paper industry—are quite harmful to the environment, particularly the aquatic environment.

What is the contact info to help implement?

<http://www.greenofficestore.com/>  
<http://www.greenlinepaper.com/>  
<http://www.thegreenoffice.com/>  
<http://greenearthofficesupply.stores.yahoo.net/index.html>  
<http://www.dolphinblue.com/>  
<http://www.treecycle.com/>

Question:

What card stock do you use if any?

Why is this question asked?

Card stock is made of paper. The average U.S. office worker is responsible for an entire tree per year in paper use. Paper waste accounts for over 40% of the total waste currently being landfilled in the United States.

What is our general recommendation?

Stand out from the crowd. Consider using card stock made from novel sources like sugarcane etc. If regular material is a must, go with card stock made from 100% recycled materials of which at least 50% is post consumer recycled material.

Why do we make that recommendation?

As the world's number one crop, sugar cane is one of the most readily available non-tree fibers. Bagasse is a by-product of the sugar-making process and would otherwise just be trashed.

What is the contact info to help implement?

There are enough alternative fiber materials to suit any need. For sugar cane based bagasse cardstock:

<http://www.greenlinepaper.com/>

For recycled cardstock:

<http://www.greenofficestore.com/>  
<http://www.greenlinepaper.com/>  
<http://www.thegreenoffice.com/>  
<http://greenearthofficesupply.stores.yahoo.net/index.html>  
<http://www.dolphinblue.com/>  
<http://www.treecycle.com/>

Question:

Do you use desk caddies to reuse paper clips and such?

Why is this question asked?

Desk caddies are usually made from plastic. Desk caddies can be useful in both organizing space and extending service use of items such as paper clips, rubber bands, pens, etc...

What is our general recommendation?

Use them but buy ones made from post consumer recycled materials.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Desk caddies generally make up for their environmental impact by encouraging reuse of items. By using recycled ones you further offset the initial environmental impact of the purchase.

What is the contact info to help implement?

<http://www.thegreenoffice.com/>

Question:

What kind of labels do you use?

Why is this question asked?

Labels are made of paper. The average U.S. office worker is responsible for an entire tree per year in paper use. Paper waste accounts for over 40% of the total waste currently being landfilled in the United States

What is our general recommendation?

Purchasing labels made of recycled material.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Compared to using virgin wood, labels made with 100% recycled content uses 44% less energy, produces 38% less greenhouse gas emissions, 41% less particulate emissions, 50% less wastewater, 49% less solid waste and -- of course -- 100% less wood.

What is the contact info to help implement?

<http://greenearthofficesupply.stores.yahoo.net/index.html>

Question:

Do you issue award certificates or gift certificates to your employees, customers or suppliers? If so what are they printed on?

Why is this question asked?

Award certificates are made of paper. The average U.S. office worker is responsible for an entire tree per year in paper use. Paper waste accounts for over 40% of the total waste currently being landfilled in the United States

What is our general recommendation?

For awards to your employees

Consider sending electronic versions of awards or posting electronic copies on the company intranet. At a minimum use award papers made of 100% recycled materials. Give customers the option of using gift certificates on printed receipts with a "we support using less paper to conserve trees" or something similar printed on the receipt. If your customer wants a paper certificate use smaller certificates printed on 100% recycled materials.

For suppliers

A nicely worded letter to the effect of what is being awarded is often sufficient. Consider replacing the large expensive framed award certificate with a more reasonably priced framed letter.

Why do we make that recommendation?

From an ROI perspective, 'doing more with less' usually makes sense. From an environmental perspective doing more with less always makes sense.

What is the contact info to help implement?

Electronic templates for employees and others:

<http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/CT101043001033.aspx>

Question:

Any chalkboards around? What sort of chalk?

Why is this question asked?

Chalkboards or blackboards have disadvantages:

A) they are large items that eventually are land filled &

B) they produce dust, the amount depending on the quality of chalk used. Some people find this uncomfortable or may be allergic to it, and there has been speculation about links between chalk dust and respiratory problems. The dust also precludes the use of chalk in areas shared with dust-sensitive equipment such as computers.

What is our general recommendation?

If possible please purchase used chalkboards. Also, use non-toxic chalk that is classified as low dust or no dust.

Why do we make that recommendation?

We are pro-chalkboards because they often displace the use of paper posted announcements. Also the long product life expectancy of chalkboards ensures that they will not be disposed of quickly. By purchasing used chalkboards you completely replace the need for a new product lifecycle. Non-toxic + low dust or no dust chalk spares company employees from toxic allergens and company equipment from dust.

What is the contact info to help implement?

For chalk::<http://greenearthofficesupply.stores.yahoo.net/index.html>

Question:

Any whiteboards around? What sort of markers?

Why is this question asked?

Given the shear number of whiteboards and markers used in office environments around the globe, the environmental impact of these products is staggering. In the educational field alone the potential exists for some 700-million whiteboard markers to be discarded each year, just in Canada and USA.

What is our general recommendation?

Please select whiteboards where the trim is recyclable and made from recycled material & most importantly - select refillable whiteboard markers.

Why do we make that recommendation?

We are pro-whiteboards because they often displace the use of paper posted announcements. Also the long product life expectancy of whiteboards ensures that they will not be disposed of quickly. We searched for fully recycled whiteboards and they did not seem to be available. We did find whiteboards where the trim is recyclable and made from recycled material. Refillable whiteboard markers are preferable to disposable ones in that they result in less waste.

What is the contact info to help implement?

For whiteboard http://www.worthingtondirect.com/school_furniture/new_for_2008/flexi_color_trim_markerboards.htm

For markers

http://www.ecostationery.com/

Question:

Who supplies your drinking water? Their disposal methods of containers?

Why is this question asked?

The United States is the world's leading consumer of bottled water. In 2006, bottled water consumption in the US reached a record 8.3 billion gallons, 185 million gallons of which was imported. The total amount spent on bottled water was over $11 billion. It costs more money to drink bottled water than to put gas in your car--up to five times more--due mainly to its packaging and transportation.

86 percent of plastic water bottles used in the United States become garbage or litter. Buried water bottles can take up to 1,000 years to biodegrade. Many businesses use large plastic water jugs thereby contributing significantly to the environmental issue.

What is our general recommendation?

Replace delivered water jugs with a water-cooling filtration system that employs energy saving measures when idle.

Why do we make that recommendation?

From an ROI perspective the issue is clear cut:

A one time purchase of a water-cooling filtration system & associated periodic filter changes more than offsets delivery of bottled water hands down. From a health & environmental perspective the issue is more than clear cut- it is remarkable.

In 1999, NRDC conducted 1,000 separate tests of more than 100 brands of bottled water and concluded that bottled water is not necessarily any purer or any safer than city tap water.

The FDA, who regulates bottled water, states that "Companies that market bottled water as being safer than tap water are defrauding the American public."

A city's tap water cannot have any E. coli or fecal coliform bacteria, while bottled water is allowed a certain amount of these bacteria. In addition, most cities' tap water must be tested for Cryptosporidium or Giardia, common water pathogens that can cause intestinal problems, including diarrhea. In contrast, bottled water companies are not required to conduct these tests.

In contrast to tap water, which is distributed through an energy-efficient infrastructure, transporting bottled water long distances involves burning massive quantities of fossil fuels.

Making bottles to meet Americans' demand for bottled water requires more than 1.5 million barrels of oil annually, enough to fuel some 100,000 U.S. cars for a year.

What is the contact info to help implement?

<http://www.aquamarklx.com/>

Question:

What sort of coffee does the office use?

Why is this question asked?

Coffee is an important export commodity. In 2004, coffee was the top agricultural export for 12 countries, and in 2005, it was the world's seventh largest legal agricultural export by value. It is a massive industry and a cultural staple across the world. Its environmental impact is difficult to overestimate.

What is our general recommendation?

Forest shade-grown coffee.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Originally, coffee farming was done in the shade of trees, which provided habitat for many animals and insects. This method is commonly referred to as the traditional shaded method. Many farmers (but not all) have decided to modernize their production methods and switch to a method where farmers would now use sun cultivation, in which coffee is grown in rows under full sun with little or no forest canopy. This causes berries to ripen more rapidly and bushes to produce higher yields but requires the clearing of trees and increased use of fertilizer and pesticides.

Traditional coffee production, on the other hand, caused berries to ripen more slowly and it produced lower yields compared to the modernized method but the quality of the coffee is allegedly superior. In addition, the traditional shaded method is environmentally friendly and serves as a habitat for many species.

Opponents of sun cultivation say environmental problems such as deforestation, pesticide pollution, habitat destruction, and soil and water degradation are the side effects of these practices. The American Birding Association has led a campaign for "shade-grown" and organic coffees, which it says are sustainably harvested. However, while certain types of shaded coffee cultivation systems show greater biodiversity than full-sun systems, they still compare poorly to native forest in terms of habitat value.

What is the contact info to help implement?

<http://www.defenders.org/support_us/marketplace/java_forest/>

Question:

Do you have milk & cream delivered? Who delivers it?

Why is this question asked?

Milk & cream products have an unbelievably large environmental impact. Consider just these few points:

A) the production of milk is a massive source of water pollution.

B) A small farm of 200 cows will produce as much nitrogen as in the sewage from a community of 5,000 to 10,000 people, according to a U.S. Senate report on animal waste.

C) The fossil fuel energy humans use simply to transport milk and cream is absolutely enormous.

What is our general recommendation?

Please order your milk & cream from providers that market local organic milk, organic cream, & organic soymilk in reusable glass containers. Add organic soymilk to your orders and post a notice on the fridge that says "For our environmentally conscious & our lactose intolerant employees we have begun adding organic soy milk to our orders".

Why do we make that recommendation?

Purchasing locally derived dairy products lessens the environmental impact of transporting it. Organic milk & cream come from cows whose milk production was not prompted by artificial growth hormone, whose feed was not grown with pesticides and which had access to pasture. Organic soymilk is considered to be even more environmentally friendly than organic milk. The soybean plant is a legume, it replenishes the nitrogen content of the soil in which it is grown thereby revitalizing fields and decreasing dependence on chemical fertilizers. The soy plant (unlike cows that take in enormous amounts of oxygen and release CO2 contributing to global warming) takes in CO2 and releases oxygen. Reusable glass containers are far better for the environment than disposable plastic ones.

What is the contact info to help implement?

Contact local vendors.

Question:

What kinds of cups are provided?

Why is this question asked?

Most businesses provide disposable cups for cold and hot drinks. The environmental impact is enormous. Consider these facts:

If you drink coffee from a disposable cup every day of the week, you are contributing about 23 pounds to the waste stream over the course of a year. Currently, 25 BILLION Styrofoam cups alone are thrown away annually. Think about how high that number would climb if disposable paper and plastic cups were added.

Styrofoam and plastic cups are produced from petroleum, are not biodegradable, and have the potential to contaminate water supplies and to cause negative health impacts.

Paper cups, though biodegradable, use lots of energy and natural resources to produce.

What is our general recommendation?

Provide each employee with one reusable coffee mug made from recycled material. Make sure you give each employee a note with the cup that says something to the effect of 'Please keep this cup at the office. Disposable cups will no longer be provided due to the negative impact of disposable plastic and disposable Styrofoam cups on the environment'.

If you simply cannot make this change then please consider something along the lines of cups made from biodegradable plastic alternatives.

Why do we make that recommendation?

From an ROI perspective the matter is clear-cut: One reusable cup per employee per year along with associated cleaning liquid is far less expensive than providing that same employee 2 or 3 disposable cups per day.

From an environmental perspective the impact of this change is significant even on its' smallest scale of one person.

Complete lifecycle analysis shows that a reusable cup over its average life of 3000 uses is responsible for 30 times less solid waste and 60 times less air pollution than any disposable alternative.

What is the contact info to help implement?

http://www.impression.ca/templates/Search.cfm?  
TeamID=149&TeamMainID=13  
<http://www.excellentpackaging.com/pages/1/EPSNature.htm>  
<http://www.thegreenoffice.com/>

Questions:

Are utensils or plates provided? If so, what kind?

Why is this question asked?

Most offices have paper plates and plastic utensils around for employee use. The environmental impact is tremendous.

What is our general recommendation?

If your office has a means for employees to clean dishes then we suggest providing real plates and real utensils. If not, we suggest switching to Spudware for utensils and Bagasseware for plates etc...

Why do we make that recommendation?

Spudware and Bagasseware are biodegradable and commercially viable.

The fact that they are not plastic or Styrofoam based products means you offset much of the environmental impact.

What is the contact info to help implement?

<http://www.excellentpackaging.com/pages/1/EPSNature.htm>  
<http://www.greenlinepaper.com/>  
<http://www.thegreenoffice.com/>  
<http://greenearthofficesupply.stores.yahoo.net/index.html>  
<http://www.treecycle.com/>

Question:

What sort of napkins are you ordering?

Why is this question asked?

Disposable napkins are almost always made of paper. The average U.S. office worker is responsible for an entire tree per year in paper use. Paper waste accounts for over 40% of the total waste currently being landfilled in the United States

What is our general recommendation?

If possible please switch to providing reusable napkins. Given that reusable napkins may be difficult or impossible for many businesses to implement, as the alternative - purchase non-bleached napkins that are made from 100% recycled material of which at least 80% is post consumer recycled material.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Reusable cloth napkins in general have a life cycle that is far less environmentally damaging than constantly using and disposing of paper napkins that cannot be recycled. Alternatively, non-bleached napkins that are made from 100% recycled material of which at least 80% is post consumer recycled material are less chemically intensive than virgin paper disposable napkins and reduce both landfill stress and demand for new tree cutting.

What is the contact info to help implement?

<http://www.greenlinepaper.com/>  
<http://www.thegreenoffice.com/>  
<http://greenearthofficesupply.stores.yahoo.net/index.html>  
<http://www.treecycle.com/>

Question:

Who handles janitorial duties for your business? What sort of cleaners are they using?

Why is this question asked?

Cleaning products can be among the most hazardous and environmentally damaging chemicals in your office. These products create hazardous waste - threatening human health and the natural environment. There are many green products available that are just as effective as traditional ones.

What is our general recommendation?

  1. If janitorial duties are handled in-house then switch to organic cleaners & eco-friendly supplies.

  2. If an outside contractor is used, then let them know that you require organic cleaners & eco-friendly supplies be used in your office.

  3. We are in favor of 7th Generation products.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Whenever you can replace harsh chemicals with plant based cleaners you are almost certainly helping to limit the damage to the natural world.

Why specifically do we recommend?

7th Generation products

  * These folks by all appearances 'get it'. The highest bar of criteria that we could think of was to select only a company that offered a 100% plant based all-purpose cleaner with recycled packaging. 7th Generation reached that bar.

  * There packaging is recyclable but we would like to see a greater commitment from them on the amount of post consumer recycled material in their packaging.

  * The bottles we have seen post a minimum commitment of 25% post consumer recycled material.

  * We think they can do better - but for right now they are the market leader.

What is the contact info to help implement?

http://www.seventhgeneration.com  
<http://www.thegreenoffice.com/>  
<http://greenearthofficesupply.stores.yahoo.net/index.html>

Question:

What kind of paper towels are you ordering for kitchen use?

Why is this question asked?

The U.S. has just 4% of its forests left.

What is our general recommendation?

  1. To the greatest extent possible offices should cut down on their use of paper towels.

  2. Paper towels once used cannot be recycled.

  3. Posting a sign near the paper towels that says: 'The use of

  4. paper towels increases demand to cut down trees – please use them sparingly' doubles as both an earth friendly measure and a clever way to cut costs.

  5. We recommend using paper towels that are made from post consumer recycled

  6. material & that are processed chlorine free.

Why do we make that recommendation?

With regard to the reduction of use recommendation – it just makes good sense – if posting a sign decreases the use of paper towels by 25% then you have done both the environment and the company checking account some good. With regard to using paper towels that are made from post consumer recycled material that are processed chlorine free: Compared to using virgin wood, paper products made with 100% recycled content uses 44% less energy, produces 38% less greenhouse gas emissions, 41% less particulate emissions, 50% less wastewater, 49% less solid waste and -- of course -- 100% less wood.

Chlorine-free paper towels are an environmentally preferable alternative to paper towels bleached with chlorine. Chlorine and its derivatives (such as chlorine dioxide)—the most common bleaching agents used by the pulp and paper industry—are quite harmful to the environment, particularly the aquatic

environment.

What is the contact info to help implement?

<http://www.greenofficestore.com/results.asp?Keyword=towel>  
 http://www.greenlinepaper.com/tissue-towel/paper-towels/cat_31.html  
http://www.thegreenoffice.com/component/option,com_virtuemart/page,shop.  
browse/category_id,68116/Itemid,10/  
<http://greenearthofficesupply.stores.yahoo.net/recpapnaptow.html>

Question:

What sort of hand soap do you provide?

Why is this question asked?

The ingredient lists of most soap these days read off like a chemistry lesson and unfortunately much of what goes down our drains ends up in the environment.

Soaps contain fragrances and chemicals that stress the already heavily damaged aquatic environment and have been proven to cause birth & liver defects in animals.

What is our general recommendation?

Avoid antibacterial soap completely unless you work in the medical or related field.

Replace chemical based soaps with equally effective plant based soaps packaged in recycled materials.

Why do we make that recommendation?

  1. In general soap & water is 90% effective in killing or removing bacteria from our hands if we wash for 15 seconds.

  2. Antibacterial soap is somewhat more effective at killing bad bacteria but it is also extremely good at killing the 'good' bacteria that we couldn't live without.

  3. The ingredients in many antibacterial soaps are environmentally damaging & often toxic with repeated use.

  4. They should be avoided in general.

  5. Whenever you can replace harsh chemicals with plant based alternatives you are almost certainly making a positive change for the environment.

What is the contact info to help implement?

<http://www.greenofficestore.com/details.asp?id=OFL-10-HS-8-RTU>  
http://www.greenlinepaper.com/cleaning-products/cleaning-products/vermont-  
soap/prod_233.html  
http://www.thegreenoffice.com/component/option,com_virtuemart/page,shop.  
browse/category_id,68195/Itemid,10/

Question:

What sort of hand towels or dryer do you have for bathroom use?

Why is this question asked?

Bathroom paper towels have an immense environmental impact. From the trees cut down to create them to the countless plastic trash bags full of them - we're talking a huge impact.

What is our general recommendation?

Eliminate paper towels from your bathroom and use an AirBlade instead.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Dyson's AirBlades are far more energy efficient than most dryers, you don't have to touch a gross button, and there is no solid waste issue like paper towels. They are also far cheaper to operate than constantly ordering paper towels for the bathroom.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
http://www.dysonairblade.com//homepage.asp?sinavtype=menu[  
](http://www.dysonairblade.com/homepage.asp?sinavtype=menu)

Question:

Are air fresheners being ordered? If so, what kind?

Why is this question asked?

Air fresheners are completely unregulated. There can be anything in them - When used indoors under certain conditions, many common household cleaners and air fresheners emit toxic pollutants at levels that may lead to health risks, according to a new study by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

What is our general recommendation?

If possible, stop ordering them all together. Cite the study if there are any complaints. If you must continue to order air fresheners then please opt for some of the earth sensitive choices below.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Our recommendations in this area are based on sound science & straightforward ROI consideration. When air freshener is an absolute must - then non-toxic stuff is flat out better.

What is the contact info to help implement?

<http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/05/060524123900.htm>  
 http://www.amazon.com/Orange-Mate-Mist-Air-Freshener/dp/B0002VE4PE  
<http://www.eccobella.com/index.php?cPath=25>

Question:

What kind of toilet paper does the office have?

Why is this question asked?

Every day about 270,000 trees are effectively flushed down the toilet or end up as garbage.

What is our general recommendation?

Purchase process chlorine free toilet paper that is 100% recycled of which at least 40% is post consumer waste. We specifically recommend 7th Generation bathroom tissue.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Compared to using virgin wood, paper products made with 100% recycled content uses 44% less energy, produces 38% less greenhouse gas emissions, 41% less particulate emissions, 50% less wastewater, 49% less solid waste and -- of course -- 100% less wood. Chlorine-free bathroom tissue is an environmentally preferable alternative to toilet paper bleached with chlorine. Chlorine and its derivatives (such as chlorine dioxide)—the most common bleaching agents used by the pulp and paper industry—are quite harmful to the environment, particularly the aquatic environment.

Why do we specifically recommend:

7th Generation bathroom tissue

  * 100% recycled paper of which 80% is post consumer

  * Hypoallergenic

  * Whitened by an environmentally safe process

  * Packaged with recycled material

Quote from 7th Generation: "If every household were to replace just one roll

of 500-sheet virgin fiber toilet paper with 7th Generation we would collectively

save 448,000 trees over 1,000,000 cubic feet of landfill space, and

161,000,000 gallons of water." Now imagine the positive impact that businesses could create by making the change.

What is the contact info to help implement?

http://www.seventhgeneration.com  
<http://greenearthofficesupply.stores.yahoo.net/index.html>  
<http://www.treecycle.com/>  
<http://www.greenofficestore.com/>  
<http://www.greenlinepaper.com/>

Question:

Is hand sanitizer provided by the company?

Why is this question asked?

All of those plastic bottles of chemicals being handed around for what? Study after study is being generated showing that the net health impact of hand sanitizers in general circulation is potentially negative.

What is our general recommendation?

Don't offer hand sanitizer unless your profession specifically calls for it. Soap and water is sufficient for most applications.

If you do need to use hand sanitizer then Clean Well seems to be the most environmentally friendly option.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Good old soap with water is very effective at removing most forms of bacteria without the adverse health effects and additional environmental effects (if you buy hand sanitizer you are not going to stop buying soap right?).

Why do we specifically recommend:

Clean Well hand sanitizer Clean Well claims on its website that its product is 100% poison free and 100% green.

Please visit the Clean Well website listed below to evaluate its' efficacy for your application.

What is the contact info to help implement?

<http://www.cleanwelltoday.com/>  
http://www.target.com  
<http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/>  
http://www.amazon.com

Question:

What sort of trash bags do you use?

Why is this question asked?

It takes a normal plastic bag over 1000 years to degrade in a landfill and less than 3% of plastic bags actually get recycled.

Processing crude petroleum into virgin plastics creates many dangerous chemicals.

The 436 plastic facilities in the U.S. emit over 37 million pounds of toxic air emissions & create over 2.5 billion pounds of production related waste each year.

What is our general recommendation?

Use 100% biodegradable and compostable trash bags.

Why do we make that recommendation?

While recycled bags are better environmentally than normal trash bags, our take is that by purchasing biodegradable bags you are breaking the 'disposable plastic cycle'. The plastic that is being recycled is better utilized by making durable items instead of disposable ones. An example is plastic resin lumber being used to make park benches and decking.

What is the contact info to help implement?

<http://www.greenofficestore.com/>  
<http://www.greenlinepaper.com/>  
<http://greenearthofficesupply.stores.yahoo.net/index.html>  
<http://www.treecycle.com/>

Question:

Do sales people here have marketing materials? Printed on recycled materials?

Why is this question asked?

Brochures, business presentation folders, handouts, corporate gifts for customers & leads, trade show materials... the never ending list of marketing materials goes on and on. The environmental impact of these countless items is limited only by the lack of creativity of our most creative gurus.

What is our general recommendation?

First and foremost: STOP THE PRESSES!

Take stock of the materials you have now before ordering more. Also, send an email that says if your sales people have any marketing materials hoarded in their cars – please return it to a central collection table.

When you do need more marketing items then please opt for printing on recycled materials & become 'green creative'.

Why do we make that recommendation?

No business owner is going to like these statistics: The collateral produced by marketing almost never gets used in the field ... 50% to 80% according to the American Marketing Association is wasted and the figure is up to 90% wasted according to Frost & Sullivan.

When you really do need more marketing materials then there are a tremendous number of ways to limit your environmental impact:

Printing on recycled paper, recycled mugs, organic cotton T-Shirts, & other ideas like Environmentally friendly corporate gifts - such as trees planted in someone's name, etc... Get creative & take credit for it!

What is the contact info to help implement?

<http://www.epromos.com/category/20403.html>  
<http://www.greenmarketing.net/>  
<http://www.greenofficestore.com/>  
<http://www.greenlinepaper.com/>  
<http://www.thegreenoffice.com/>  
<http://greenearthofficesupply.stores.yahoo.net/index.html>  
<http://www.dolphinblue.com/>  
<http://www.treecycle.com/>

Question:

Do any of your people work outside? Sunscreens provided? Bug repellents? Types.

Why is this question asked?

Many businesses have workers that spend a good deal of time outdoors. Some are thoughtful enough to provide sunscreen and bug repellent. Unfortunately most sunscreens and bug repellents are generally full of environmentally damaging chemicals.

What is our general recommendation?

Purchase all natural sunscreens and bug repellents.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Man-made chemicals in general are harmful to the environment. DEET (found in most bug repellents) is particularly worrisome due to its rapid absorption through the skin to the bloodstream.

What is the contact info to help implement?

http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/natural-sunscreens-  
460608  
http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/natural-insect-  
repellents-460608

Office

Question:

Is your office eco-friendly in any way?

Eco Action Plan:

  1. Provide closet space for staff's attire.

  2. Contact the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a list of materials exchange organizations. www.epa.gov/jtr/comm/exchange.htm

  3. Keep a recycling bin in the office and a stack of previously used paper near printers for reuse

  4. Print and copy on both sides of paper.

  5. Reduce unwanted mail (call and request: catalogchoice.org, stopjunkmail.org, or the-dma.org)

  6. Use 2nd hand scrap paper.

  7. Use non-disposables everywhere possible

  8. Use rechargeable batteries.

  9. Use electronic files rather than paper ones

  10. Ask companies (cell phone, cable TV, ISP) to send you an invoice by e-mail or through their website ( area).

  11. Back up files often.

  12. Donate your unused filing cabinets.

  13. Implement Internet communication for demos.

  14. Install duel screens to reduce unnecessary printing.

  15. Pay all bills on line.

  16. Scan all incoming bills into your system.

  17. Scan all general business correspondence.

  18. Scan instead of photocopying.

  19. Shred all documents once they are scanned.

  20. Use a Paperless document system (e.g.: Questys.com).

  21. Use a Paperless Faxing System (e.g. Maxemail.com)

  22. Use a Paperless Faxing System (e.g. MessageVision.com)

  23. Use a Paperless Invoicing system (e.g.: Freshbooks.com).

  24. Use an internet fax service for sending and receiving.

  25. Use e-mail for as much communication as possible.

  26. Use electronic signatures for all outgoing documents.

  27. Use Internet marketing campaigns (e.g.: AttainedResponse.com)

  28. Work with http://www.depositnow.com/

  29. Work with http://www.pixily.com/

  30. Hang signage that will encourage water/energy conservation in your workplace

  31. Use software such as GREEN PRINT, which eliminates wasteful pages in any printout automatically.

  32. Choose a multifunctional product (printer/copier/scanner) instead of separate products.

  33. Choose eco-friendly furniture (made from recycled or sustainably harvested nontoxic materials)

  34. Choose Energy Star-compliant and enabled office equipment.

  35. Choose models that allow double-sided printing and copying.

  36. Consider combination products to save space, simplify set-up, and save energy in standby mode.

  37. Use an Energy Star compliant Fax Machine.

  38. Use 2nd hand office furniture.

  39. Use Eco friendly office furniture.

  40. Use low-VOC paints, non-plastic laminates, formaldehyde-free furniture, green carpeting.

  41. Choose 100% post-consumer, chlorine-free recycled paper (copying, cards, towels, tissues, TP)

  42. Establish an "exchange spot" for office supplies.

  43. Use a desk caddy to save envelopes, rubber bands, and paper clips.

  44. Use adhesive-tape holders that are refillable rather than disposable..

  45. Use both sides of paper.

  46. Use envelopes that have re-sealable flaps and space for multiple addresses.

  47. Use long-life refillable pens made from recycled plastic, paper, or timber, or from fully biodegradable bioplastic (derived from corn starch).

  48. Use post-consumer recycled content office supplies (paper, envelopes, files folders, pens, etc.)

  49. Use printers and/or copiers with a long-lasting print drum that requires only toner refills.

  50. Use recycled/remanufactured toner cartridges

Resources:

Check out www.TheGreenOffice.com for your office supplies needs.

www.seventhgeneration.com

www.methodhome.com

www.f-k-com for cups made from corn-derived resin.

www.bettermousepads.com/recycled

www.ecoenvelopes.com

www.twinsupply.com

Green Printing www.qg.com

Signs www.jessupmfg.com

Green IT

Question:

Do you have a Green IT system set up?

Eco Action Plan:

  1. Uses a Green hosting service (i.e. Geekhosting.com).

  2. Uses a Green Programming service.

Green Team

Question:

Do you have a Green Team who will focus on keeping the company on the path to sustainability?

Why is this question asked?

Many staff members would love the opportunity to take on the responsibility of being part of a "Green Team."

Eco Action Plan:

  1. Form a green team.

  2. appoint a leader.

  3. Discuss goals. Form a plan.

  4. Discuss budget.

  5. List ideas to make company more sustainable.

  6. Discuss and divide responsibilities of team members.

  7. Set deadlines.

  8. Develop a meeting schedule.

  9. Set means of communication between meetings (e-mail?)

  10. Discuss training options

  11. Begin!

  12. Adopt a policy that permits climate-appropriate clothing.

  13. Assign some staff with interest to form a Green team.

  14. Be a climate leader. Check out www.epa.gov/climateleaders.com

  15. Buy all staff a "green team" sweatshirt that they can leave in their offices or cubicles to wear when feeling cold.

  16. Calculate your carbon footprint (www.ghgprotocol.org)

  17. Dedicate yourself to making the changes that are practical, cost-effective, and sustainable.

  18. Develop tree planting program to address CO2 footprint, use green hotels

  19. Discusses sustainability at meetings.

  20. Embrace the concept of being a green business.

  21. Encourage a vibrant corporate culture (games of volleyball, lots of natural light, an enthusiasm for the outdoors, healthy living, exercise, caring, etc)

  22. Encourage energy awareness.

  23. Establish a "Quality Circle" to gather and discuss ways to improve processes.

  24. Establish a culture of volunteerism by setting aside business hour's time where staff can work on social projects.

  25. Establish a workplace charitable giving program, and encourage your staff to support community groups, especially eco-friendly and animal rescue.

  26. Establish community partnerships. Check out: www.nwf.org/conservationdirectory.com

  27. Evaluate packaging, shipping, and marketing materials to eliminate waste.

  28. Hold employee contests to find the best way to improve the bottom line while helping the environment.

  29. Identify products and practices to reduce waste toxicity.

  30. Invest in training and education so your staff can "talk green" to each other, clients, customers, and others.

  31. Make the time commitment to go green.

  32. Make the time to plan and implement green initiatives.

  33. Offer a "casual Friday."

  34. Organize a "Serv-a-palooza" day, where staff can do good in the community one day a month, quarter, or year.

  35. Publicly report your environmental performance. (check out www.Globalreporting.org)

  36. Seek out businesses that can use the products left over by your operation.

  37. Set up a suggestion box, and acknowledge those who contribute ideas.

  38. Take a look at your current business practices and make a list of the areas that you believe you can make positive eco-friendly changes.

  39. Assign someone at work to be a recycling coordinator.

  40. Identify items and/or packaging that can be recycled, and then be sure to recycle them.

  41. Sponsor a Community Recycling Program

  42. Identify products and practices to reduce waste toxicity.

  43. Monitor your current practices.

  44. Set realistic targets.

  45. Start with easy hit targets.

  46. Consider incentives for staff.

  47. Celebrate success.

  48. Keep it going.

Resources:

  *  http://humanresources.about.com/od/employeeinvolvement/qt/work_environs.htm

  *  http://humanresources.about.com/u/ua/employeeinvolvemen1/green_ideas.htm

  * <http://www.mycommute.org/documents/forming_a_green_team.pdf>

  *  http://green.yahoo.com/blog/greenpicks/224/how-to-form-a-green-team-at-work.html

  *  http://www.printablepromotions.com/docs/green/StartingAGreenTeam.htm

  *  http://www.bchydro.com/guides_tips/green_your_business/waste_recycling_guide/Form_A_Green_Team.html

Paperless Office

Question:

Is your office paperless?

Why is this question asked?

The paperless office is now considered to be a philosophy to work with minimal paper and convert all forms of documentation to a digital form. The ideal is driven by a number of motivators including productivity gains, costs savings, space saving, the need to share information etc. – Wikipedia

Eco Action Plan:

  1. Make computer files, not paper whenever possible.

  2. Scan all incoming bills into your system.

  3. Scan all general business correspondence.

  4. Shred all documents once they are scanned.

  5. Scan instead of photocopying.

  6. Use e-mail for as much communication as possible.

  7. Ask companies (cell phone, cable TV, ISP) to send you an invoice by e-mail or through their website (client area).

  8. Pay all bills on line.

  9. Use an internet fax service for sending and receiving.

  10. Use electronic signatures for all outgoing documents.

  11. Donate your unused filing cabinets.

  12. Back up files often.

  13. Consider working with <http://www.pixily.com/>

  14. Consider working with <http://www.depositnow.com/>

  15. Implement Internet communication for client demos

  16. Install Paperless document system (e.g.: Questys.com)

  17. Install Paperless Invoicing system (e.g.: Freshbooks.com)

  18. Install Paperless Faxing System (e.g. MessageVision.com)

  19. Install duel screens to reduce unnecessary printing

  20. Internet Client campaigns (e.g.: AttainedResponse.com)

  21. Pay employees via Direct Deposit

  22. use electronic methods for standard office procedures.

  23. File documents electronically.

  24. In e-mails, ask recipients to avoid printing.

  25. Use electronic planners and calendars.

  26. Use website to post documents to the public and media.

  27. Use Google documents and spreadsheets for secure office sharing.

Resources:

  *  freelancefolder.com

  *  cabinetng.com

  * .microsoft.com/smallbusiness/resources

  * wikipedia.org/wiki/Paperless_office

  *  buyerzone.com/office_equipment

  * www.docusign.com

  * www.topazsystems.com

Question:

Are there any documents or forms used internally that are paper based today?

Why is this question asked?

Internal forms, which are paper based, are almost always wasteful uses of company resources.

What is our general recommendation?

Replace paper based internal forms with electronic digitally signed ones. If someone really needs a paper copy they can print it.

Why do we make that recommendation?

It's simple – why use up company paper if you don't have to. Using paper for internal forms can be widely replaced by technology, which is more cost efficient and less environmentally damaging.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
 http://livedocs.adobe.com/livecycle/8[.  
](http://livedocs.adobe.com/livecycle/8.2/programLC/programmer/help/wwhelp/wwhimpl/common/html/wwhelp.htm?context=sdkHelp&file=000580.html)2/programLC/programmer/help/wwhelp/wwhimpl/common/html/wwhelp.[htm?  
](http://livedocs.adobe.com/livecycle/8.2/programLC/programmer/help/wwhelp/wwhimpl/common/html/wwhelp.htm?context=sdkHelp&file=000580.html)context=sdkHelp&file=000580.html [   
](http://livedocs.adobe.com/livecycle/8.2/programLC/programmer/help/wwhelp/wwhimpl/common/html/wwhelp.htm?context=sdkHelp&file=000580.html)

Products (your)

Question:

What materials do you use to manufacture your products?

Eco Action Plan:

  1. Reuse wood and use non-Old Growth, certified, sustainably-harvested wood products

  2. Sell locally produced products.

  3. Sell products made from organic or recycled materials.

  4. Sell products that adhere to Fair Trade standards.

Question:

Do you use eco-friendly packaging materials?

Why is this question asked?

Packaging materials are some of the most wasteful items any company has to contend with.

Eco Action Plan:

  1. Eliminate Styrofoam & PVC.

  2. Make it reusable and recyclable.

  3. Packaging. Seek biodegradable alternatives like bio plastic.

  4. Re-use or recycle all shipping materials (Styrofoam peanuts, shredded paper, and plastic)

  5. Reduce unnecessary packaging of your products and take responsibility for its disposal.

  6. Reuse shipping containers and peanuts (use bio-based).

Resources:

PACKING MATERIALS

  * www.puffystufftn.com

  * www.cushioncube.com

BAGS

  * www.reusablebags.com

Recycle

Question:

Do you have a recycling program?

Why is this question asked?

Recycling is one of the most feel-good and useful environmental practices around. The benefits go way beyond reducing piles of garbage -- recycling protects habitat and biodiversity, and saves energy, water, and resources such as trees and metal ores. Recycling also cuts global warming pollution from manufacturing, land filling and incinerating.

Eco Action Plan:

Please see out "Earth Savers Guide To Recycling @ Work."

Resources:

  * nrdc.org

Question:

Do you recycle electronics?

Why is this question asked?

The use of electronic products has grown substantially over the past two decades, changing the way and the speed in which we communicate and how we get information and entertainment. Our growing reliance on electronics is illustrated by some remarkable figures. According to the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), Americans own approximately 24 electronic products per household.

Eco Action Plan:

Donate or Recycle Your Old Computer and Other Electronics.

  1.  Find a Local Program

  2.  Manufacturer and Retailer Programs

  3.  Government-Supported Donation and Recycling Programs

Donating your working cell phone or PDA can benefit your community. When cell phones and accessories are in good working order, some programs donate them to worthy charities or sell them at a discount to those in need.

Recycling cell phones helps the environment by saving energy and keeping usable materials out of landfills. Cell phones and PDAs are made of precious metals, copper, and plastics-all of which require energy to mine and manufacture. Recycling conserves these materials so they can be turned into new products.

Resources:

  *  Basic Information about  reducing and  recycling electronics.

  *  Where You Live provides information about regional and State eCycling programs.

  *  Where Can I Donate or Recycle My Old Computer and Other Electronics? lists organizations and retailers with donation and recycling programs.

  *  Statistics on the Management of Used and End-of-Life Electronics.

  *  Regulations/Standards for handling electronic equipment.

  *  Frequent Questions and answers about electronic waste.

  *  Resources publications and links that offer additional information on the management of electronics.

Question:

What do you do with your old electronics like computers?

Why is this question asked?

Only one out of five computers on average is being recycled today. This means the rest are going into landfills. The same type of statistics apply to cell phone, fax machines, etc...

What is our general recommendation?

If it still works, look to see if any of your employees would like to purchase the equipment at a steep discount. If no one in your organization wants the working equipment then donate it to charity for a tax deduction.

Question:

Do you recycle plastic?

Why is this question asked?

Plastic now makes up over 11% of landfill waste and this percentage has been growing steadily over time. Plastic containers and such are part of the 'disposable item consumer culture'.

What is our general recommendation?

First and foremost – get creative in ways to use less plastic. Then recycle what you have to use. Make sure that a for-plastics recycling bin is available at every place where there is a trash receptacle. Make sure that signs are present near all plastic recycling bins that clearly show what your trash hauler will accept for plastic recyclables.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Since many types of plastic are not recyclable and because plastic is one of the biggest bad guys out there in terms of sheer human waste – we have recommended that you go out of your way to cut down on the use of plastics at your business. However, since it is currently unrealistic to cut out plastics altogether – we have also recommended making recycling plastic an eco-priority. If you don't point out which items are recyclable then people will 'contaminate' the recyclable load and your hauler (or the processing plant) may discard the whole batch.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
http://earth911.com/blog/2008/06/02/breaking-down-the-secret-code/[  
](http://earth911.com/blog/2008/06/02/breaking-down-the-secret-code/)

Question:

Do you recycle plastic?

Why is this question asked?

Plastic is recyclable and often viewed as the more environmentally acceptable material whether it really is or not.

Most plastic products come with a code on the bottom, this code determines if and how this product can be recycled. Before being recycled the plastic is sorted by a Plastic Identification Code and number; there are 7 classifications for plastic.

Eco Action Plan:

Taking the responsibility of the consumer use is the only means of avoiding plastics in the landfill.

Ensure your plastic makes it to a recycle center; given the choice of plastic or glass choose glass since it is more durable.

Take a reusable water bottle with you and refill it instead of buying the filled water bottles.

Buy clothing made from natural materials such as organic cotton, hemp and silk.

When at the grocery store and asked if you would prefer plastic or paper say "no thanks, I brought my own bags today."

Resources:

  * QuantumBalancing.com

  * PlasticsIndustry.org

Electronics recycling

  * electronicsrecycling

  * epa

  * earth911

  * ecyclingcentral

  * crserecycling

Paper recycling

  * earth911

  * paperrecycles

  * epa

Plastics recycling

  * ecologycenter

  *  environment

  * plasticsrecycling

  * earth911

Plastics classification

  * infoplease

  * recyclenow

Recycling Tips

  * sustainable

  * greenstarinc

  * 42explore

  *  realsimple

Zero Waste Management

  * zerowasteamerica

  *  ecocycle

  * zerowaste

Question:

Do you recycle @ the store?

Eco Action Plan:

  * Choose recyclable products - Identify items and/or packaging that can be recycled, and then be sure to recycle them! Our landfills are full of recyclable products that were discarded.

  * Select products made from recycled materials - Look for recycled content whenever possible, including paper, glass, metal, plastic, and other items. Understand product labeling and know how to identify recycled products.

Question:

Do you recycle industrial materials?

Why is this question asked?

Industry organizations can have a direct positive impact on protecting our environment through recycling industrial waste and materials.

Almost all industrial processes produce waste that can be turned into usable materials. Recycled industrial materials have many of the same properties as the virgin materials they replace. In fact, recycled goods can even improve the product's quality. Coal fly ash, for example, can enhance the strength and durability of concrete.

Recycling industrial materials:

  1. Preserves our natural resources by decreasing the demand for virgin materials.

  2. Conserves energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by decreasing the demand for products made from energy-intensive manufacturing processes.

  3. Saves money by decreasing disposal costs for the generator and decreasing the cost of materials for end users.

Eco Action Plan:

EPA has identified three primary areas for industry materials recycling:

  * Coal Combustion

  * Construction and Demolition Debris

  * Foundry Sand

Question:

Do you sponsor a community recycling program?

Why is this question asked?

The EPA is challenging everyone—from citizens to community leaders—to do their part to conserve resources.

Eco Action Plan:

Identify opportunities to get involved in your community, where you can play a significant role in material management and waste reduction. Discover how to launch new resource conservation initiatives and learn about current programs within your area, state, or region.

Question:

Do you recycle @ home?

Why is this question asked?

The best place to start and make a difference is right in your own home. You can reduce the amount of materials you use and waste you produce, reuse products in new ways, recycle goods, and choose items and alternative methods to use less toxic chemicals.

Eco Action Plan:

Learn how you can reduce, reuse, and recycle materials to decrease household waste, including food, paper, electronics, cleaners, pesticides, motor oil, and lawn and garden waste.

Resource:

  * Check out EPA's shopping tips to help make smart decisions at the store with resource conservation in mind. <http://www.epa.gov/osw/education/pdfs/shopping.pdf>

Question:

Do you have a recycling coordinator?

Why is this question asked?

Accountability is key to the success of your recycling program. Who is going to be at the forefront of this effort? Accountability is key to the success of your recycling program. This is especially true at the beginning. Finding the right person to head this up is crucial. The ideal recycling coordinator will be:

  * Enthusiastic about recycling and/or the environment

  * Well organized

  * A good communicator

  * Familiar with starting, overseeing and maintaining programs

  * In contact with the company's waste haulers, janitorial staff or contracts

  * How much time does this position take? Well, that really depends on your employees' participation. One hour per month is usually enough to maintain a successful program. Ask for volunteers, and you'll find the best candidate quickly

Eco Action Plan:

Ask someone to be a recycling coordinator.

Question:

Do you recycle cell phones?

Eco Action Plan:

Donate your used cell phones.

Resources:

  * www.recellular.com/recycling

  * www.eco-cell.org/locate_recycler.asp

  * www.newtechrecycling.com

Question:

Do you recycle ink?

Eco Action Plan:

Refill your ink cartridges.

Resource:

  * www.usrecycleink.com

Question:

Do you recycle printer and toner cartridges?

Why is this question asked?

Over 300 million printer and toner cartridges are landfilled every year.

What is our general recommendation?

Contact us and we will recycle them for you.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Two reasons: Recycling cartridges reduces negative environmental impact and by recycling through GECKO you help us raise funds to carry out our mission of actively educating businesses on green practices.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
GoGreen@EarthSaversInstitute.com or GECKO.

Question:

Do you recycle cardboard or other packaging materials?

Why is this question asked?

90% of all items shipped within the U.S. are packaged. Packaging is a massive source of environmental harm.

What is our general recommendation?

Select vendors with reduced packaging (Wal-Mart is actually requiring its vendors to reduce packaging), if you can - reuse the packaging that you receive for something useful, & ultimately recycle the cardboard.

Why do we make that recommendation?

When it comes to packaging – business consumers need to make a stand by demanding reduced packaging. The enormity of the excess packaging problem is creating tremendous landfill strain and environmental damage. Finally by recycling packaging you are saving energy, saving trees, and reducing waste at landfills.

  * Recycling 1 Ton of Cardboard saves 682 Gallons of oil

  * Recycling 1 Ton of Cardboard saves 7,000 Gallons of water

  * Recycling 1 Ton of Cardboard saves 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space

  * Recycling 1 Ton of Cardboard saves about 17 trees

What is the contact info to help implement?  
For recycling: Contact your trash hauler.  
How to on recycling cardboard with a baler: http://www.wikihow.[com/Recycle-  
](http://www.wikihow.com/Recycle-Cardboard-with-a-Baler)Cardboard-with-a-Baler[  
](http://www.wikihow.com/Recycle-Cardboard-with-a-Baler)Sample reuse ideas for cardboard: [http://www.greenecoservices.com/reuse-  
](http://www.greenecoservices.com/reuse-cardboard-make-money/)cardboard-make-money/

Question:

Which Company handles your trash disposal?

Why is this question asked?

Unfortunately all that garbage we throw away doesn't vanish when the trash men pick it up. We all know it is going somewhere. We'd like to hope that what can be recycled is being recycled but the truth is: Trash Disposal companies are not usually what springs to mind when one thinks of green awareness.

What is our general recommendation?

Select your waste disposal company based upon the strength of their recycling capabilities.

Why do we make that recommendation?

This action item has a direct and measurable impact on the environment and potentially the company coffers – some waste disposal companies compensate you for recyclable things like paper etc...

What is the contact info to help implement?  
This is always a location-by-location issue.

Question:

Do you recycle paper?

Why is this question asked?

Paper is one of the largest sources of business waste.

What is our general recommendation?

This is one of our strongest areas of concern. If you are not recycling used paper at your business, then we implore you to start. Supply paper recycling bins at every location that there is a trash receptacle. Post a sign near every for-paper recycling bin that says 'It is company policy to recycle paper'.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Industrialized papermaking has an effect on the environment both upstream (where raw materials are acquired and processed) and downstream (waste-disposal impacts).

  * Energy consumption is reduced by recycling, although there is debate concerning the actual energy savings realized. The EIA claims a 40% reduction in energy when paper is recycled versus paper made with unrecycled pulp. While the Bureau of International Recycling, BIR, claims a 64% reduction.

  * About 35% of municipal solid waste (before recycling) by weight is paper and paper products. Paper lets off methane as it decomposes in landfills. Methane is a greenhouse gas that is 20 times more damaging than CO2. Better that the paper never reaches the landfill.

  * The US EPA has found that recycling causes 35% less water pollution and 74% less air pollution.

If you do not post signs then most people will consistently revert to simply throwing the paper in the normal trash bins.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
Contact State Government Office of Waste Management  
Reduce

Question:

Do you do anything to reduce waste?

Why is this question asked?

The critical first step of waste prevention has been overshadowed by a focus on recycling. Please help to promote a greater awareness of the importance of the "Reduce" part of the Reduce-Reuse-Recycle mantra.

Eco Action Plan:

Please see the "Earth Savers Guide To Reducing."

Question:

Do you reduce while shopping?

Eco Action Plan:

  * Choose products with minimal packaging to reduce waste. Packaging materials account for a significant amount of the trash we generate. Consider buying items in bulk or those with minimal packaging (e.g., items such as fruit, vegetables, and even tools are available in bins and do not require packaging.

  * Identify products and practices to reduce waste toxicity.

  * Choose products with reduced toxicity, such as batteries with reduced mercury.

  * Simple guidelines will help you identify alternative options and to replace many products-pesticides, cleaners, polishes, deodorizers, and others-that contain hazardous components.

Question:

Do you reduce @ home?

Why is this question asked?

The best place to start and make a difference is right in your own home. You can reduce the amount of materials you use and waste you produce, reuse products in new ways, recycle goods, and choose items and alternative methods to use less toxic chemicals.

Eco Action Plan:

Learn how you can reduce, reuse, and recycle materials to decrease household waste, including food, paper, electronics, cleaners, pesticides, motor oil, and lawn and garden waste.

Resource:

Check out EPA's shopping tips to help make smart decisions at the store with resource conservation in mind.

Question:

Do you do anything to reduce personal and professional junk mail?

Eco Action Plan:

Please see "The Earth Savers Guide To Reducing Junk Mail."

Resources:

  * ecologicalmail.org

  * dmachoice.org/MPS/proto1.php

Question:

Do your printers and copiers have the ability to work 2 sided? Do people here use that functionality?

Why is this question asked?

Paper is one of the single biggest waste items in the standard office. This negatively impacts company coffers and the environment.

What is our general recommendation?

If you do not currently print double sided then you should definitely start. If you do not have a printer that prints using automatic duplexing then please upgrade when the time comes.

Why do we make that recommendation?

  * Save money: Duplex printing helps you save money on printing supplies by cutting your paper use by up to 50%.

  * Save time: Automatic duplex printing saves you time by allowing you to print double-sided without having to wait and reinsert the pages yourself. - It also automates the process allowing you to have more control over the 'forgot to' factor.

  * Save space: Less paper takes up less room. It's that simple.

  * Shrink your carbon footprint: Beyond the trees that go into making paper, there is also an environmental impact to transporting paper and producing it; imagine lessening that impact by half.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
<http://h71036.www7.hp.com/hho/cache/548309-0-0-225-121.html>[  
](http://h71036.www7.hp.com/hho/cache/548309-0-0-225-121.html)[http://www.ehow.com/how_2253127_print-double-sided.html?  
](http://www.ehow.com/how_2253127_print-double-sided.html?ref=fuel&utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=ssp&utm_campaign=yssp_art)ref=fuel&utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=ssp&utm_campaign=yssp_art[  
](http://www.ehow.com/how_2253127_print-double-sided.html?ref=fuel&utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=ssp&utm_campaign=yssp_art)

Repurpose

Question:

Do you do anything to repurpose waste?

Why is this question asked?

a lot of materials end up in landfills that could be used for other, useful purposes.

Eco Action Plan:

Be creative! Think of ways to repurpose any products you do not need or use, instead of throwing them away.

Reuse

Question:

Do you do anything to reuse products?

Why is this Question asked?

A lot of items can be re-used instead of thrown away.

Eco Action Plan:

  1. Refill print cartridges.

  2. Take a reusable water bottle with you and refill it instead of buying the filled water bottles.

  3. Reuse takeout containers, bread wrappers, plastic packaging, plastic wrap, aluminum foil, etc. Keep reusable spoons, forks, and chopsticks in your drawer so you don't need the disposable kind.

  4. Recycle oil from vehicle fleet.

  5. Reuse ink cartridges up to 4 times (possibly more).

Question:

Does your business rely on batteries for anything? If so, what kind are they? Disposal methods?

Why is this question asked?

88 percent of the total mercury and half of the total cadmium in the municipal solid waste stream come from discarded batteries.

What is our general recommendation?

To the greatest extent possible – stop using disposable batteries and use rechargeable ones instead. If possible, recharge batteries using solar powered rechargers. When you do need to discard your batteries - please use a certified recycling program.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Rechargeable batteries need to be replaced far less often thereby decreasing heavy metal contamination. Recharging batteries using solar recharging units saves energy and decreases the need for greater mercury emissions from power plants.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SVNT7C?[ie=UTF8&tag=ecogadget-  
](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SVNT7C?ie=UTF8&tag=ecogadget-20&link_code=wql&camp=212361&creative=38060)20&link_code=wql&camp=212361&creative=380601  
<http://www.goldengadgets.com/Solar-Power/c10/index.html>[  
](http://www.goldengadgets.com/Solar-Power/c10/index.html)<http://www.batteryrecycling.com/>

Question:

Do you use rechargeable batteries?

Eco Action Plan:

Use rechargeable batteries.

Resources:

  * www.solardirect.com

  * www.siliconsolar.com

Question:

Do you refill print cartridges?

Why is this question asked?

In the U.S. an estimated 375 million ink cartridges are discarded each year. The total weight of these cartridges is equivalent to 67,612 Ford Explorers or 112,463 Volkswagen Beetles.

What is our general recommendation?

Refill them as many times as possible before recycling them.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Refilling your own inkjet cartridges will save you a lot of money during the life of your printer. Many inkjet printers have cartridges that can be used repeatedly. Environmentally it reduces waste of materials and decreases landfill stress.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
[http://www.ehow.com/how_2305366_refill-ink-cartridges.html?  
](http://www.ehow.com/how_2305366_refill-ink-cartridges.html?ref=fuel&utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=ssp&utm_campaign=yssp_art)ref=fuel&utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=ssp&utm_campaign=yssp_art

Transportation

Question:

Do you encourage carpooling?

Why is this question asked?

Carpooling is a great way for staff to reduce their carbon footprint, while also saving money.

Eco Action Plan:

Encourage your staff to car pool.

Create a database or way for the staff to communicate with one another.

Resources:

  * www.ridespring.com

  * www.zipcar.com

  * www.flexcar.com

Question:

Do you own a hybrid vehicle?

Why is this question asked?

Hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs) combine the benefits of gasoline engines and electric motors and can be configured to obtain different objectives, such as improved fuel economy, increased power, or additional auxiliary power for electronic devices and power tools.

Eco Action Plan:

Please see " _The Earth Savers' Guide to Alternative Transportation_."

Resources:

Driving alternatives

  * energysavingtrust

  *  metacafe

Hybrids, Electric, Natural Gas vehicles

  * physorg

  * afdc

  * whitepapers

  * whitepapers

  * ngv

  *  auto.howstuffworks

Smart driving tips

  * drivesmarterchallenge

  * ecodrivingusa

Vehicle Maintenance Checklist

 http://www.safetylca.org/s/safefact.asp?loc=s&tag=s3&pg=safe...&page=safefact_carmaintenance.htm

  *  safetylca

 http://www.safetylca.org/s/safefact.asp?loc=s&tag=s3&pg=safe...&page=safefact_carmaintenance.htm

Question:

Do you maintain your vehicles properly?

Eco Action Plan:

Keep your tires inflated at the proper pressure.

Do not overload trucks and vans carrying your products.

Think of creative ways your tires can be recycled.

Buy reconstructed and remolded tires.

 Resources:

  * www.GreenDiamond Tire.com

  * www.BetterWorldClub.com

Question:

Does your company offer telecommuting?

Why is this question asked?

Billions of workers commute to their jobs every day. The ecological toll from greenhouse gas emissions alone is staggering.

What is our general recommendation?

Offer telecommuting to autonomously productive workers with appropriate job responsibilities. However, telecommuting is not for every individual or job task. The critical issues in implementing effective telecommuting programs are top management support, careful selection of the telecommuting candidates, employee training, and formal policies and procedures detailing performance standards and measures.

Why do we make that recommendation?

There are strong environmental positives from reducing worker commutes. Moreover: 96% of IT staff would like telecommuting to be offered and 36% of them would be willing to accept reduced wages to get it.

Telecommuting leads to a significant reduction in carbon emissions even when increased home-based carbon emissions are taken into account.

That's according to a survey commissioned by the US Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). The survey, The Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Impact of Telecommuting, found that telecommuting in the U.S. caused increased emissions of carbon from home-based offices. This is due to extra lighting, heating and power for electronic devices. However this was more than compensated for by the savings in petrol consumption. Telecommuting reduces energy consumption associated with transportation to and from the office and, in some cases, a portion of the energy associated with commercial office space. The report states that there are 3.9 million people in the U.S. who work from home at least one day a week. By avoiding an average 22-mile commute to the place of work, and taking into account the increased power use in the home, this practice saves about 840 million (U.S.) gallons of petrol, equivalent to taking two million cars off the road for a year.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
<http://www.csupomona.edu/~jis/1999/preiser-houy.pdf>

Question:

Do you use videoconferencing or face-to-face meetings?

Why is this question asked?

On the main, meetings that require travel of participants are unproductive from a time standpoint and are ecologically damaging.

What is our general recommendation?

To the greatest extent possible- replace face-to-face meetings where even 1 participant must travel with one of the following 3 types of video conferencing systems:

  * Group (sometimes called room) videoconferencing endpoints. These are high-quality systems designed to be used in shared environments such as meeting rooms, boardrooms, and auditoriums.

  * Desktop or personal videoconferencing systems. With cameras and microphones designed for personal or single-person use, this product segment includes videophones, executive systems, and PC-based solutions optimized for the office and cubicle work environment.

  * Video infrastructure: Includes multipoint control units (MCUs), also known as bridges, that enable more than two participants to be in a single videoconference; gateways that connect users on different networks (typically IP and ISDN as well as PSTN), gatekeepers that provide sophisticated user and bandwidth management functions as well as directory services; and NAT-firewall traversal solutions that enable audio and video calls to connect across different networks and user domains.  
Many of these infrastructure products are available to end users on a "pay-as-you-go" basis by conferencing service providers.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Overall these systems will save participants time, money, and spare our environment the unnecessary wear and tear from all that travel.

What is the contact info to help implement?  
<http://www.tandberg.com/>

MISC. SUGGESTIONS:

  1. Energy-efficient Commuting. Subsidize or otherwise encourage employee use of car pooling, energy-efficient vehicles, car-sharing programs (e.g., FlexCar, I-Go, Zipcar), mass transit, or bikes, or take other measures to reduce the energy consumed by employee commuting or other travel.

  2. Flexible Work Arrangements. Provide flexible work arrangements, such as early or late hours, compressed workweek, telecommuting or other practices to eliminate or reduce employee-commuting time.

  3. Teleconferencing. Adopt guidelines on the use of web, telephone and/or video-conferencing and other means to avoid unnecessary travel and associated carbon emissions.

Did you know?

Vehicle exhaust is the leading source of hazardous air pollution. Cycling and walking produce no pollution and improve health and fitness, as well as decrease stress levels.

A commuting cyclist is also less exposed to air pollution than a commuting motorist.

Water Conservation

Question:

Do You Conserve Water In The Bathroom?

Eco Action Plan:

  1. Switch to an ultra low-flow showerhead. This could save you as much as 2.5 gallons every minute you shower.

  2. Take shorter showers—try to keep it under 5 minutes.

  3. Install ultra-low-flush toilets or place a plastic bottle filled with water or sand in your toilet tank to reduce the amount of water used in each flush.

  4. Put dye tablets or food coloring in your toilet tank and wait to see if the color appears in the bowl (without flushing). If it does, you have a leak!

  5. Check to assure that your toilet's flapper valve doesn't stay open after flushing.

  6. When taking a bath, start filling the tub with the drain already plugged instead of waiting first for the water to get warm. Adjust the temperature as the tub begins to fill.

  7. Turn the faucet off while you shave, brush your teeth and lather up your hands.

  8. Don't use the toilet as a garbage can. Place a trashcan next to the toilet and use it instead.

  9. Buy an electric razor or fill the sink with a little water to rinse your razor, instead of rinsing in running water.

  10. Take a short shower instead of a bath. While a five-minute shower uses 12 to 25 gallons, a full tub requires about 70 gallons.

Resources:

  * water.utah.gov

  * ecy.wa.gov

  *  planetgreen

Question:

Do you conserve water in the kitchen?

Eco Action Plan:

  1. If you wash dishes by hand, fill one half of the sink with soapy water and the other with clean water instead of letting the water run.

  2. Place a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of letting the tap run to get a cool drink.

  3. Water your houseplants with water saved from washing your fruits and vegetables, waiting for the water to warm up, or even when you clean your fish tank!

  4. Select one glass to use for drinking each day. If you do this, your dishwasher will take longer to fill up and it will not need to be run as frequently.

  5. Thaw foods in the refrigerator or in a bowl of hot water instead of using running water.

  6. Let your pots and pans soak instead of letting the water run while you clean them.

  7. Purchase an instant water heater for your kitchen sink so you don't waste water while it heats up.

  8. Scrape the food on your dishes into the garbage or compost bin instead of using water to rinse it down the disposal.

Resources:

  * water.utah.gov

  * ecy.wa.gov

  *  planetgreen

Question:

Do you conserve water in the laundry?

Why is this question asked?

 About 90% of the energy used for washing clothes in a conventional top-load washer is for heating the water. There are two ways to reduce the amount of energy used for washing clothes—use less water and use cooler water. Unless you're dealing with oily stains, the warm or cold water setting on your machine will generally do a good job of cleaning your clothes. Switching your temperature setting from hot to warm can cut a load's energy use in half.

Eco Action Plan:

Laundry Tips

  1. Wash your clothes in cold water using cold-water detergents whenever possible.

  2. Wash and dry full loads. If you are washing a small load, use the appropriate water-level setting.

  3. Dry towels and heavier cottons in a separate load from lighter-weight clothes.

  4. Don't over-dry your clothes. If your machine has a moisture sensor, use it.

  5. Clean the lint filter in the dryer after every load to improve air circulation.

  6. Use the cool-down cycle to allow the clothes to finish drying with the residual heat in the dryer.

  7. Periodically inspect your dryer vent to ensure it is not blocked. This will save energy and may prevent a fire. Manufacturers recommend using rigid venting material, not plastic vents that may collapse and cause blockages.

  8. Air-dry clothes on clotheslines or drying racks. Clothing manufacturers recommend air-drying for some fabrics.

Long-Term Savings Tips

Look for the ENERGY STAR and Energy Guide labels. ENERGY STAR clothes washers clean clothes using 50% less energy than standard washers. Most full-sized ENERGY STAR washers use 15 gallons of water per load, compared to the 32.5 gallons used by a new standard machine. ENERGY STAR models also spin the clothes better, resulting in less drying time.

When shopping for a new clothes dryer, look for one with a moisture sensor that automatically shuts off the machine when your clothes are dry. Not only will this save energy, it will save the wear and tear on your clothes caused by over-drying.

ENERGY STAR does not label clothes dryers because most of them use similar amounts of energy, which means there is little difference in energy use between models.

Resources:

  *  eere.energy.gov

  * thedailygreen.com

  * treehugger.com

  * laundrywise.com

  *  ehow.com

  *  brighterplanet.com/conservation-tips

Question:

Do you conserve water in your landscaping?

Eco Action Plan:

Please see "The Earth Savers Guide to Conserving Water in your Landscape."

Question:

Do you conserve water with your plants?

Eco Action Plan:

Please see "The Earth Savers Guide to Conserving water with your Plants."

Resources:

  *  fcs

  * wateruseitwisely

Water Purity

Question:

Do you have a water filtration system installed?

Eco Action Plan:

Install a water filtration system so your staff can fill their water bottles instead of buying bottled water.

Resources:

  * us.kohler.com

  * www.pelicanwatertechnologies.com

  * www.pure-earth.com

  * www.vertexwater.com

Water Usage & Savings

Did you know? Fresh water is becoming an increasingly scarce resource. It has been estimated that water usage at schools can be reduced by 30 percent by implementing modest water saving methods. These reductions can cut operating expenses and help students better understand ways to conserve resources.

Question:

Are there any leaky faucets around your offices?

Why is this question asked?

A leaky faucet drips (on average) 15 gallons of water per day. Today, one of the largest concerns around the world is the lack of freshwater for drinking and cooking. It is estimated that over one billion people, or about one-sixth of the world's population, does not have access to fresh water; of these one billion, the vast majority are living in developing nations. Although water is one of the most common resources on the planet, only 2.5% of it can actually be consumed, and the rest is salt water. Of that 2.5%, two-thirds is confined to glaciers and permanent snow cover. Only a fraction of the world's water is liquid freshwater, and it is increasingly the subject of conflict and strife as it becomes less available.

What is our general recommendation?

Check all faucets biweekly.

Why do we make that recommendation?

Much of the life on Earth is dependent on fresh water. Furthermore: Given that such a large section of humanity can't even get fresh drinking water and that local governments are often strained to provide it to their burgeoning populations – we recommend being conscious of water waste.

Water Consumption

  1. Ask an employee to monitor water use, or have students conduct a water use audit as part of a learning project.

  2. Install sub meters to major building water users to monitor efficiency and identify leaks.

  3. Encourage students and teachers to report water leaks to the maintenance staff.

  4. Fix leaks in toilets, faucets and pipes right away.

  5. Only run the dishwasher when it is full.

  6. Presoak utensils and dishes in ponded water instead of using a running water rinse.

  7. Install low-flow faucet aerators and showerheads.

  8. Keep hot water pipes insulated.

  9. Clean equipment and areas, using dry methods (scraping, sweeping and shoveling) whenever possible.

  10. When washing, use high pressure, low volume washing equipment with minimal or no detergents.

  11. Plant hardy, native vegetation adapted to the local climate and rainfall.

  12. Use mulch around plants and trees to retain moisture.

  13. Keep sprinklers and hoses directed at grassy areas and not the pavement when watering.

  14. Water during cooler parts of the day (before 10:00 A.M and after 5:00 P.M.) to minimize evaporation loss.

  15. Do not water on windy days.

  16. Use drip and other high efficiency irrigation devices in lieu of sprinklers.

  17. Collect rainwater for irrigating or other non-potable uses.

  18. When mowing lawn areas and playing fields, set the mower blades to 2-3 inches high to help shade the soil and improve moisture retention.

  19. Any water leaks?

  20. Sensing water faucets installed

  21. Rain barrel for landscape watering

  22. Flow restrictors and aerators on faucets

  23. Displacement bladder in toilet tank

  24. Dual flush toilets (or 1.5GPF or lass toilets)

  25. Tankless water heaters

  26. Waterless urinals

For more information:

  *  http://www.epa.gov/region01/eco/drinkwater/water_conservation_schools.html

  * Maryland Department of Environment, Water Saving Tips for Schools and Colleges

  *  http://www.mde.state.md.us/Programs/WaterPrograms/Water_Conservation/Business_Tips/

  * schools.asp

  * Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, Water Efficiency & Management in Schools, Colleges and Athletic Facilities

  * <http://www.p2pays.org/ref/05/04650.htm>

  * North Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Division of Pollution Prevention

  * Environmental Assistance, Water Conservation Checklist: Schools/Educational Facilities

  *  http://www.p2pays.org/search/pdfframe.asp?pdfurl=/ref/23/22009.pdf

  * U.S. EPA, Cleaner Water Through Conservation

  * <http://www.epa.gov/OW/you/intro.html>

  * WaterWiser: the Water Efficiency Clearinghouse

  * <http://www.waterwiser.org/>

  * Inspect the plumbing system to see that there are no leaks.

  * Install reduced-flow showerheads (2.5 gallons/minute).

  * Limit the amount of shower water by the way you use the controls for the hot and cold water faucets, or a mixer faucet.

  * Turn off all water if you are going to be away from home on a vacation or trip. This keeps children from turning on outside faucets while you are away.

  * Check to see how often your home water softening equipment regenerates and backwashes. It can use as much as 100 gallons of water each time it does this. You may want to cut down on the use of such equipment. Reserve softened water for kitchen use, bathing, and laundry. Use unsoftened water for all other purposes. (This may require a bypass line but this is advisable under all circumstances).

  * Insulate hot water pipes. Having to clear the "hot" line of cooled water is wasteful.

  * Install a circulating hot water system.

  * Check all faucets, inside and out, for drips. Make repairs promptly. These problems get worse—never better.

  * Teach children to turn water faucets off quickly and tightly after each use.

  * A toilet leak can waste lots of water. Put a small amount of food coloring into the tank. If the color trickles into the bowl, there is a leak and repairs are needed.

  * Replace existing toilets with 1.6 gallons/flush toilets.

  * Water required to flush some older 3.5 to 7 gallon flush toilets can be reduced. Experiment by placing a quart plastic (not glass) bottle filled with water in the flush tank to save 1 quart of water per flush. (Don't use a brick to fill space in your toilet flush tank. Particles from the brick could damage the valve.)

  * Or, adjust the float level of the toilet to reduce the amount of water necessary to flush the toilet. Do this carefully to avoid damaging the system. Try only a slight adjustment.

  * Never use the toilet as a trash basket for facial tissues, etc.

  * Emergency Situations:

When the toilet needs flushing, use gray water saved from cleaning, bathing, etc. Put the water in the toilet bowl—not the flush tank. If the system loses pressure, gray water, if placed in the tank, could back-siphon into the system and contaminate the drinking water.

Any suggestions to add to this list?

Please let us know.

GoGreen@EarthSaversInstitute.com

www.EarthSaversInstitute.com

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