Sustainability

Here are some simple first steps:

• At the weekly staff meeting. Get your company “with the program.” Make sure everyone got the memo before the meeting. Better still, find a midlevel “champion” to drive some changes. Buy-in at all levels of the organization is key to this type of change.
• Recycle your own plastic scrap whenever possible. Examples of internal recycling include off-cut racks, remnant sales, “free” boxes and donations to schools and other non-profits.
• Post labels throughout your facility to turn off lights, electronics, computers and machines when not in use.
• Put up “No Idling” signs at loading docks and in parking lots.
• Encourage reusable coffee mugs and water cups.
• Segregate and recycle everyday paper, plastic, glass and aluminum.
• Avoid heating and air conditioning vacant spaces.
• Use programmable thermostats.
• Periodically solicit comments from your staff describing any progress or setbacks and suggestions on how the company can do more.

• Look for greater efficiency in your operation that creates less waste.
• Install motion detecting light switches.
• Caulk skylights and high windows to save energy.
• Check and seal entry doors for gaps.
• Adjust air dampers and replace dirty air filters in ventilation systems.
• Ask your local utility to come in for an energy audit – many have programs and funding for upgrades.
• Get lots of backup drives and go digital – scan instead of copy to save paper.
• If you have to print, encourage double-sided printing and reuse paper for internal communications.
• Support green vendors.

• Install renewable energy systems at your facility.
• Purchase energy from companies that get their energy from renewable sources.
• Convert DC drives to AC drives.
• Reduce your demand charge on your electric bill by turning lights and motors on and off separately at the beginning and at the end of the day.
• Install screens on dock doors to pull in fresh air.
• Use Exhaust/Intake fans to create a more comfortable working environment without the need for HVAC systems.
• Use “swamp” or evaporative coolers instead of air conditioning where possible.
• Switch your fleet to hybrid vehicles for delivery and warehouse services.

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