September 2009
Easy Green Tips
 

For Home, School, & Business
 

Greetings!
 
jill buck headshotGoing green is not difficult, but it takes some thought. Here at the Go Green Initiative, we are constantly learning from our network of environmental enthusiasts. Below you will find some of their favorite tips. You can share your green tips on our Facebook site, "Go Green Face Space". See you in cyberspace!
 
Jill Buck
Founder
Go Green Initiative
 
5 Easy Tips to Green Your Home 
 
  1. green homeUnplug appliances and electronic devices when they are not in use. You'd be surprised how much electricity is wasted just to have multiple devices displaying the time of day.
  2. Only run your dishwasher and laundry machine when you have full loads. Using these devices when they are only half full wastes water and electricity.
  3. Support your local farmers by shopping at farmers' markets or by selecting food products that are locally grown. Shopping locally reduces the amount of gasoline used to transport your food from the farm to your grocery store, and reduces the amount of air pollution involved in grocery distribution.
  4. Recycle at home. Your local waste hauler will have information on the type of recycling program available in your area. Whether you have a curbside program or a single stream process, think about contributing as little as possible to your local landfill.
  5. Clump your errands into fewer trips. If you have several errands to run each week, think about how to minimize the amount of miles you drive by mapping out a route that will require the least amount of time and fuel possible.
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In This Issue
5 Easy Tips to Green Your Home
5 Easy Tips to Green Your School
5 Easy Tips to Green Your Business
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5 Easy Tips to Green Your School
 
  1. teacherUse "green" cleaning products and techniques to reduce harmful effects of unhealthy chemical exposure.
  2. Properly maintain your HVAC system to ensure good indoor air quality.
  3. When painting, replacing carpeting or furniture, use products with low VOC emissions.
  4. Use task lighting in work areas to decrease energy use and increase human comfort.
  5. Provide opportunities for students and teachers to have indoor plants that create healthy air quality in their personal breathing space. The peace lily is my top pick - it filters toxins from the air very effectively, and most important, is almost impossible to kill even if you have a brown thumb.

5 Easy Tips to Green Your Business
 
green business
  1. Track your electricity usage each month, and set goals to use less.
  2. Ditto with water usage.
  3. Recycle everything you can, and ensure that you have the proper agreements with both your janitorial service and waste hauler to ensure proper management of your waste and recyclables.
  4. Use less...paper, plastic, electricity, water...everything.
  5. Get your entire supply chain onboard. Make sure that what you purchase comes from companies who share your commitment to 'going green'.