Archive for the ‘Green Living’ Category

Restaurant Equipment and the Green Revolution in Commercial Kitchens – Going Green in the Commercial Kitchen with Environmentally Friendly Products, Pro-environment Practices and a Green Mindset: As manufacturing companies, service providers and top decision-makers all over the world look for ways to positively impact the environment, it’s time for the foodservice industry to conduct an honest introspection and commit to making changes going green every step of the way.

Introduction

The foodservice industry is globally positioned to usher in the green revolution simply because of the size of the industry and significant energy consumed. Any changes, no matter how small, that were embraced throughout the industry would produce significant impact. And the change in operational procedures and processes isn’t limited to the acquisition of restaurant equipment. There are a number of strategies you, as the responsible owner of a foodservice operation, can adopt in your commercial kitchen to run a genuinely green operation and not only contribute to a safe environment, but also favorably impact your bottom line by reducing utility expenses and enhancing overall productivity. Here are ten tips to help you reach this goal in a way that calls for minor modifications in operational practices, employee training and a dash of plain common sense.

Tip#1: Reduce Water Consumption

Water consumption in your restaurant, college cafeteria or catering operation is inevitable. However, there are many things you can do to cut back unnecessary water consumption and reduce usage.

The Dishwasher Fallacy
The commercial dishwasher is perhaps the most prominent piece of restaurant equipment you use in your foodservice operation. Unfortunately, most commercial dishwashers are neither energy efficient nor do they support water conservation. You may not be able to replace your existing dishwashers with energy efficient ones due to budgetary constraints. However, if you can, consider investing in dishwashers and other commercial restaurant equipment that display the Energy Star logo. More about this in a moment. While using dishwashers in your foodservice operation, attempt as often as possible to set the units to the right cycle. Some utensils may not be as soiled as others and so they may not need to undergo an extended cycle. The longer the cleaning cycle, the higher the water consumption. If you have a small operation where dishes are cleaned manually, train your dishroom staff not to leave faucets running continuously. Cleaning and rinsing smaller utensils and china in a large plastic trough will save gallons of water and show a reduction in your monthly water bill, says Laurel Kohl, a senior researcher at the Institute for Sustainable Energy at Eastern Connecticut State University. Kohl further believes that using tap water for the dining service is more earth friendly when compared with bottled water and tends to conserve water resources as opposed to bottled water.

Icing up the Ice Machine
By maintaining a record of the usage of ice at your foodservice facility, try to estimate the amount of ice you use on a daily basis and set the production accordingly. If you are located on a college campus and the students are out for spring break, reduce the number of ice machines you operate during slower times. This will not only conserve valuable water resources but also the electricity used to operate the ice machines.

Low Flow Pre-rinse Spray Hoses and Faucets
Installing low flow pre-rinse spray hoses and faucets is an excellent way to control water consumption at your facility. Most importantly, ask your maintenance man to come in once a month and check thoroughly for dripping faucets. Since he is the expert, you can ask him to make recommendations regarding water conservation.

Tip #2: Reduce your Energy Consumption

Michael Abbate, author of Gardening Eden: How Creation Care Will Change Your Faith, Your Life, and Our World believes that the best way to conserve resources is by tracking them and responding proactively before the damage becomes extensive. Reducing your energy consumption in your commercial kitchen isn’t as challenging as you think.

Energy Star
If you are planning to replace older commercial kitchen and restaurant equipment, invest in appliances that display the Energy Star logo. This is a government sponsored initiative jointly supported by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the US Department of Energy. Energy Star appliances are certified to be energy efficient and are validated after stringent testing.

Run Simple Checks in your Commercial Kitchen
Visually inspect all tabletop and heavy-duty restaurant equipment for wear and tear. Take a piece of paper such as a dollar bill and try to slide it through your refrigerator doors. If it goes through, you are wasting energy and probably need a new door gasket. Finally, optimize all your thermostat settings when inspecting your restaurant equipment.

Energy Assessment
Most utility companies in the US and Canada will conduct commercial energy audits of your foodservice facility for little or no charge. Request one if you haven’t done so already. They are the experts and will be able to offer the right type of guidance to help you reduce your energy bills. If you have extended warranties on your commercial kitchen equipment, request the manufacturer for an all points energy check. Most manufacturers today are as concerned about the environment and conservation as you.

Tip #3: Reduce Waste

There’s no limit when it comes to the measures you can adopt to reduce waste in your commercial kitchen. Here are just a handful of suggestions.

Collecting Recyclables
Foodservice operations receive food and supplies everyday and much of the packaging is recyclable. Because you are removing the packaging in order to get to your supplies, it is extremely easy to collect, sort and recycle. Most urban areas offer recycling pickup along with trash collection. If this isn’t available in your area, contact a commercial recycler if the quantities are large. Your recycler can assist you in setting up an easy to manage program.

Use Compacters and Pulpers
Compactors and pulpers are instrumental in reducing the physical size of trash which needs to be removed from your premises daily. If you did not invest in them while acquiring your restaurant equipment, it isn’t too late. Compactors and pulpers go a long way in reducing the energy resources required to process waste. According to an Energy Star study jointly sponsored by the US EPA and the US Department of energy, investment in energy efficient restaurant equipment and other commercial appliances can cut operational costs by up to 10-30%.

Tip #4: Use Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Supplies

It has taken some time for the foodservice industry to come to terms with the fact that traditional cleaning products are not only environmentally unfriendly, they may even be hazardous to public health in more ways than one. Hundreds of studies have demonstrated beyond doubt that these cleaning products contain carcinogens and other harmful ingredients. Here is what you can do:

Switch to Natural Cleaning Products
Josh Dorfman, the author of The Lazy Environmentalist on a Budget, believes that we no longer have an excuse not to use eco friendly cleaning products. They are not only easily available but also priced competitively. Moreover, they won’t hurt your employees or send them to the emergency room.

Green cleaning no Longer Violates the Codes
Commercial and municipal codes in most jurisdictions have been suitably modified to promote green cleaning. This practice also preserves the quality of water and does not damage ground water tables.

Tip #5: Change to Biodegradable Products where possible

Using biodegradable products is no longer a fashion statement but a genuine global initiative. As scientists continue to look for more avenues and sources for eco friendly bio materials, the practice is sure to help minimize further damage to the environment.

Use Biodegradable Packaging
When packaging orders for quick service customers, take out orders or left overs, use packaging constructed from recycled paper board. Other biodegradable options you may want to consider include eco friendly food packaging made of bagasse, or sugar cane fiber.

Bio Plastics
While conservationists argue over how to store toxic waste, a new line of plastic products called bio plastics is gradually gaining hold. Depending on the size and level of your foodservice operation, you can explore the possibility of switching over to bio plastic products. Many articles and reports have recently appeared in trade publications on this subject which you should give a second look. Bio plastic products are usually constituted from corn or potato starch and are known to be 100% biodegradable.

Tip #6: Change your Lighting

We all take lighting for granted and realize its critical importance only when there is either a black out or a brown out. Like other energy resources, lighting is an area that calls for immediate intervention.

Energy Efficient Lighting
According to a study, 13% of your energy expense is generated by the lighting you install in your facility. You can reduce this ratio by installing T8 fluorescent lighting not only in your commercial kitchen but also in the immediate vicinity. Other measures include installing motion detectors in walk-in freezers, setting up timers in common areas and plain old good sense-asking your service personnel to turn off lights when not in use.

Amazing Statistics
According to a study from the Foodservice Technology Center at Pacific Gas and Electric, about 80% of the $10 billion consumed by the foodservice sector in energy costs goes to waste. Unproductive lighting energy costs form a significant portion of this excess.

Tip #7: Education for yourself and Employees

An educated staff is also a competent staff and this adage extends to leveraging the positive energy of the green movement as well. Here are a few tips and tricks you can consider:

Resources from Manufacturers
Make a few phone calls and you will be amazed to learn the extent to which the manufacturers and distributors of energy efficient restaurant equipment and other commercial kitchen appliances can help you and your employees learn about going green and staying green.

Training Programs from Industry Groups
Certification and training programs organized by industry trade groups such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and the Green Restaurant Association are great places to start. Other training and continuing education opportunities are often covered in many trade magazines and ezines.

The Almighty Internet
Simply conduct searches on the Internet and locate relevant resources to help your company go green. Forward these links via group messaging to your employees and announce little incentives for those who read these resources.

Tip #8: Buy Local

“Buying local” refers to the practice of sourcing your products locally. This is an environmentally friendly strategy that is bound to pay rich dividends. Here is why:

Vote with your Feet
If you source your food products, cooking supplies and other essentials from within your local community, you can influence the processes used to grow the food. Large volume buyers always have a say in not just the product but also the process. Buying organic or from sustainable resources is a quick step the right direction.

Energy friendly Conservation
Sourcing locally also reduces environmental damage owing to transportation. The closer your produce or other food products are to your location, the less the transport resources are used.

Tip #9: Conduct the Research

The green movement is not a static entity. It is a dynamic, continually evolving global phenomenon that not only calls for but also requires research and study on your part. Such research does not have to be full time. There are plenty of online resources you can identify that will help you locate possible areas of interest.

Green Blogs
You can also use Technorati or Google Blog Search to locate blogs on green issues. Thousands abound. Better still, why not set up your own blog on going green. It is not only free to blog but it can also provide you with a forum to exchange thoughts, views, ideas and opinions with like minded industry professionals who share a common mandate with you.

RSS Feeds
If you are not all that techno savvy and don’t have the time to become one, ask your computer service provider to send someone over to set up an RSS feed for you which covers the green revolution as it pertains to the foodservice industry. You will be impressed with the number of links you will receive every day on the subject. Through careful keyword selection, you will also be able to control the number of focus areas you have configured the RSS reader to aggregate.

Tip #10: Stay Committed

The green movement is not simply a trend or a fad. It is here to stay and continues to increasingly impact every industry, profession and vertical. Even the consumers are on the cutting edge. According to a study published in 2008 by the National Restaurant Association, 62% of customers surveyed indicated that they would prefer to dine at an environmentally friendly restaurant rather than one that did not consider the environment as a priority. Therefore, it makes good business and environmental sense to stay committed to the green cause and foster a back to nature approach in your operation.

Author: Jeff K Breeden
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Mobile device news

If Abraham Lincoln’s house can go green, anyone’s can. President Lincoln’s Cottage, his family’s summer retreat during the Civil War, has been completely renovated during preparation for the compound just a few miles from the White House to be opened as a national monument. But it wasn’t done as just any restoration of an old house, it was kept as green as possible.

To that end, Time magazine recently reported that renovators kept 98 percent of the existing structures and used recycled material for the rest. The buildings earned a gold rating from the U.S. Green Building Council, thus proving that going green doesn’t mean it has to be a completely new house. In fact, greening an existing home is far more environmentally viable.

The Austin real estate market ranks in the top ten nationwide for building green homes. According to a recent Austin-American Statesman article, more than 20 percent of the homes built in Austin are rated green by Austin Energy’s Green Building Program. And that’s not expensive homes. “One of the interesting things that’s happening in Austin is, early on back in the 1990s, everybody assumed green building would be for high-end custom homes, but now probably about 90 percent of what we rate are built by production builders. In most places, it’s the custom builders doing green, but here, the production builders have really adopted green. And that is something that’s unique to Austin,” said Richard Morgan, manager of Austin Energy’s program.

Of course not everyone is going to go out and buy a newly built green home. While a new home is more energy efficient than an older home, those who own an older home don’t have to give up on being green. As reported in Time, homes built before 2000 generally use 50 percent more energy per square foot, largely do to all the heating and cooling that escapes through the multitude of tiny cracks and crevices in older homes. A good place to start being green, as well as saving some green, is by getting out the caulking gun.

If it’s time to replace any bathroom fixtures, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has a WaterSense certification system, which can help consumers choose toilets and other products with better water efficiency. The Energy Star program helps consumers choose energy-efficient appliances and other products.

Both green building and green renovations have the potential to create thousands of jobs. The Obama administration included $8 billion in the stimulus package for weatherization of low income homes. That will only scratch the surface of covering the costs for greening a homes across the country. The National Trust is working with members of Congress to create legislation that would offer rebates and incentives for things like installing better insulation or energy efficient windows.

However, if you don’t want to wait on Congress, there are small things homeowners can do now to make houses more energy efficient. A good place to start is a home energy audit. The website energysavers.gov offers do-it-yourself tips.

Author: Ki Gray
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Digital Camera News

Not too long ago, my first thought when I thought about the government “going green” was of Uncle Sam and the Jolly Green Giant making some clandestine agreement in a field. Aside from that comical picture, there wasn’t really much that I knew about how environmental friendly the US government can be.

There has been some historical initiative on Uncle Sam’s part, largely originating in the 70’s with President Carter and his eco-friendly policies – does anybody else remember him turning back the thermostat and wearing sweaters in the White House to conserve energy? Today the government is taking a more active role in making their buildings eco-friendly and is looking to America’s small business owners to help their goal of making America go “green.”

These efforts are to go green are as important now as ever before. With unsure pricing on oil, the focus will be on renewable sources, energy consumption, and reusability. Environmental factors are also increasingly a concern. The Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority (PEDA) announced recently that they are using money earmarked for green initiatives to help create 155 jobs geared towards green products and services within the state. Installing solar panels on buildings is just one of the many programs funded by the recent stimulus package; most of the five projects approved by PEDA focus on reusing energy that before was wasted. In addition, Pennsylvania is offering grants of up to $1.5 million for businesses with green initiatives such as solar, wind, waste recovery, and alternative fuels for transportation.

Pennsylvania isn’t the only state that has announced its green efforts. The state of Illinois recently published a document online about their state government offerings of resources to help the community, business, and your home become more efficient and green. They even created a program called the Small Business $mart Energy (SB$E), which is a program which “…provides energy efficiency technical services for small to medium-sized for-profit businesses.”

Uncle Sam is taking active steps toward making America green. There are websites that have many links that offer tools, tips, tricks, and information on how to start a green business. There are also resources to find information on tax credits for green businesses, how to sell your green products or service to the government, gaining grants or loans in order to fund your green business. You name it, and there is a link to its “green” partner. While it may seem that the government is only rewarding efforts directly related toward environmentally friendly research, ANY business going green, even a salon, may be eligible for a grant (more information available at grants.gov). Simply search for related terms and plenty will come up within your state.

According to a study done in August 2008, federal agencies are still in the early phase of implementation. Many small businesses have already made the switch to purchasing and selling green products or by offering green services. Now more than ever, it is a great time to be a green business. Uncle Sam knows it is time to follow suit with the rest of America and to cut back on how much energy is wasted, and he has turned to YOUR small business to help him be earth friendly.

Author: Laura M Guthrie
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: US Dollar credit card

The international passion to protect our planet from the ravages of pollution and to preserve our natural resources for future generations has become an everyday fact of life. With international support by “green” political parties, consumer organizations, celebrities and politicians, the green movement has become a powerful force with an agenda that needs to be addressed by industry, politicians and consumers. Discussions about the environment are taking place in corporate board rooms, legislative hearings, and by consumers in supermarkets and department stores.

Can we fully understand environmental concerns and energy implications without a working knowledge of basic green vocabulary? Do we understand all the issues relevant to tax incentives for oil companies? Can we properly compare the organic and nonorganic products that we decide to eat or wear every day? In essence, to think and live green you need to speak and understand green.

Understanding some key green terms and their implications can help us evaluate alternatives between our planet and sacrificing aspects our personal lifestyle. It can help us decide how we cast our vote or spend our money or how we live our lives. A green vocabulary can help us reduce our “carbon footprint “. The following represents what is best described as a green vocabulary of definitions and commentary to help eco-oriented consumers make informed green decisions.

A Green Vocabulary for Green People

Organic identifies products made under the authority of the Organic Foods Production Act. Organic production guidelines are established to use organic materials and practices that improve ecological balance. Organic production incorporates agricultural system components to enhance natural biological systems.

Organic Agriculture is an ecological farming system that promotes natural chemical and biological cycles that improve soil fertility and maintains a balanced and productive farming system. Any products introduced to this system for fertility or pest protection are of natural composition. It eliminates the use of harmful synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, growth stimulants or antibiotics. These essential restrictions can reduce contamination or pollution to our air, water or food supply.

Natural Fibersare “certified” organic fibers derived from organic agriculture such as cotton, bamboo and hemp.

Certified Organic Cotton is derived from organic agriculture. The cotton is grown without artificial pesticides or fertilizers. Conventional cotton farming ranks about fourth in the use of pesticides in the US. Several of the top pesticides used in nonorganic cotton farming are EPA recognized carcinogens. It takes 1/3 of a pound of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers to make one organic T-shirt disregarding the use of any toxic dyes (Organic Trade Association). A typical organic tee shirt is also about the same weight but without these harmful chemicals. Organic cotton is produced using conservation minded or “sustainable” approaches to crop production. Such practices help to retain and promote soil fertility and the natural recycling of soil resources.

Organic Certification is provided by various organizations. The most widely recognized standards are GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) which is the basis for the statement “100% certified organic cotton” used by many green companies.

Fair Labor Practices are not necessarily restricted to agriculture but generally support fair wages and healthy working conditions.

Fair Trade Certification “…guarantees consumers that strict economic, social and environmental criteria were met in the production and trade of an agricultural product.”(www.transfairusa.org).

Sweatshop-free describes the absence of manufacturing conditions currently existing in many countries, referred to as “sweatshops”. They are production facilities or factories where goods are produced cheaply by minimizing workers’ salaries, and increasing working hours. Proper environmental health standards are diminished, yet demands for high levels of productivity still remain. These sweatshops may thrive from corporations seeking to increase profits by subcontracting inexpensive labor.

Sustainable means conserving and preserving limited natural resources and energy supplies. It is connected with the term “recycling” when natural products are re-used like rubber (for tires, shoes) or paper/trees (for books, business cards, magazines etc.), or wood (for recycled furniture). They are made from or made into recycled, carbon based products. A good example of preserving our resources is Trees for the Future, a charitable organization dedicated to replacing and planting trees. Unfortunately, most of our energy production is derived from organic (carbon based) fossil fuels that cannot be recycled as compared to wind or solar energy. All of this is connected to our lifestyle and our “carbon footprint” discussed next.

Carbon Footprint is a descriptor of environmental impact. It describes the consumption of carbon based natural resources or the production of carbon by-products like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide or “greenhouse emissions”. It’s about lifestyle and the amount of carbon based resources we consume through transportation, climate control, manufacturing etc. Basically it relates to how much each of us consume in terms of natural resources to meet our needs. In general each of us should be committed to reducing the size of our “footprint” to sustain resources for present and future generations.

Eco-fashion is a general term describing organic clothing that has addressed the needs of the environment as well as socially responsible working conditions.

Eco-friendly suggests a product or process than has a reduced impact on the environment.

Low Impact Dyes refers to dyes used the manufacture of goods that should have minimal impact on the environment. Sometimes the term non-toxic is used here as well.

Green is a generally positive term referring to the environment, organics or even a green lifestyle to be discussed shortly.

Conscientious Clothingdescribes organic clothing has addressed environmental, ethical and socially responsible standards.

The Green Lifestyle

Green Lifestyle or Green Living describes a lifestyle reflecting a strong commitment to the environment. In addition, it addresses compassionate and positive thinking. It means choosing a life with charitable deeds and practices, reflecting compassion for the environment and others. Green living is being proactive and incorporates spiritual growth leading to ethical thinking.

Social Responsibility can be defined as accepting responsibility for others and taking action against social injustice. It includes meeting the needs of others through charitable giving.

Charitable Giving describes a sense of genuine compassion and reacting to it with charitable practices towards others.

In summary, a green lifestyle represents caring for the environment combined with positive thinking leading to ethical behavior and compassionate living. Ultimately, your deeds represent positive thoughts in action. The result can be a clean, safe environment and a better quality of life for yourself and others.

If you learned some green vocabulary, be sure to use it to make decisions and set priorities in your life. Think about adopting a greener lifestyle!

Author: Bob Folkart
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Canada duty

Even with the economy cooling, “Green” products remain — well — if not hot, still very warm.

In a report released in February ‘09, market research firm Mintel predicts 19% growth for eco-friendly products through 2013, even though the current economic downturn is expected to negatively impact sales through this year.

But “Green” can mean a lot of different things to different people. And that produces some understandable confusion for consumers as to what is truly “Green” and what is instead “Greenwashed”.

[Greenwashing is when companies over-hype the positive environmental impact of their products or policies. Tsk-tsk.]

Each and every day we review green deals and giveaways before posting them online to ensure the products being promoted are indeed eco-friendly. Some are easy to assess, like a sweepstakes for a Prius. But many times, the green aspect of a product is not as clear-cut as it is for a hybrid car.

To help us determine what’s green and what’s not, we looked to criteria established by trusted non-profits, such as Green America, the Natural Resources Defense Council and Consumer Reports, and compiled the following rules-of-thumb:

1) Above all, use common sense. Ask yourself …

• Is the product friendly to the planet?
• Does it help save energy on the road and at home; conserve water; support organic and sustainable farming?
• Is it nontoxic, recycled, cruelty-free and/or fair-trade?

2) Look for Certifications/Associations

Is the product certified or does the manufacturer have a membership association? Here is just a small sample of the many, many green certifications and associations out there. Consumer Reports “Greener Choices” website has a terrific Eco-label section which can help you sift through the meaning and relative significance of various labels.

• Household Products — Green Seal; Certified Biodegradable
• Cosmetics — Leaping Bunny; Campaign for Safe Cosmetics Signatory
• Food — Organic Certification; Marine Stewardship Council; Certified Humane Raised and Handled
• Wood — Forest Stewardship Council
• Green Business Practices — Green America Approved

3) Read the Ingredient List

If a company or product doesn’t have certification/membership affiliations, is there some way for consumers to evaluate their green claim? For example, products that claim to be natural should include a complete ingredient list.

4) Is the Product Fair Trade Certified?

Fair trade certification ensures not only that the producer of a good is paid a fair price but also that social and environmental standards are met during production of that good. Many companies may claim their products are fair trade, but you should double check to see whether the product has actual certification from a fair trade labeling organization. In the U.S., that organization is TransFair USA (though at this time, they only certify agricultural products, like coffee and tea.)

5) Is the Product Vegan or Vegetarian?

According to a report by U.N. climate experts, animal production is responsible for 18 per cent of all greenhouse emissions, most of it emitted in the form of methane from belching cattle. Yes, that’s right — gassy cows. So shifting your purchases to vegetarian or vegan products — not only food, but items such as shoes and beauty products — can mean fewer burping Bessies and less harm to the environment.

Shoppers looking to go green are welcome to use these rules of thumb as a starting point when trying to evaluate the “greenness” of product. But in order to become true green consumers, there is no substitute for first-hand knowledge. We highly encourage shoppers to become as educated as possible on what is and isn’t considered green these days, and how they can evaluate green claims. Be forewarned — trying to decipher what’s green is not a perfect science, but the non-profits mentioned above are excellent places to start your coursework. Good luck!

Report Links:

Mintel Finds Fewer Americans Interested in Going “Green” During Recession (Feb 09)
Livestock a major threat to environment (Nov 06)

Author: Karen Schiff
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: How Electric Pressure Cookers Work

Going green is a new buzz word for many people. In the past if someone said you were green that meant you were jealous of someone of something. Today going green or being green has a completely different meaning. Green is now a buzz word for the many initiatives that are associated with being environmentally conscious. for many years there have been organizations, charities, foundations and other institutions that have made it their life goal to work toward saving the planet from a global melt down.

These groups have many members who firmly believe that they can make a difference and work with others to reverse the effects that have been cause by global warming. Such organizations invest lots of money in green initiatives that advertise ways that each person can help to save the planet by going green. Whether you run a green initiative project of just want to make contribution to reversing global warming you can advertise your green initiative project with imprinted tote bags. These sturdy tote bags can be imprinted with a green message about conservation, preservation and restoration of the planet. Choosing a recycle material for your tote bags demonstrates to your customers that you know how to practice what you preach.

Another way to communicate your go green message to your customers and the public in general is to advertise with imprinted ceramic mugs. Ceramic mugs are sturdy, can be washed out very easily, are usually dishwasher safe and can be used in the microwave. Your go green message and business name along with other contact information can be neatly embossed upon these ceramic mugs which can be presented to clients or used in employee incentive programs. You can also present a ceramic mug to clients, friends, family members or anyone else that you want to share your green initiative message with.

Although there are many people who are unaware of some of the great green initiative programs that are in place, this is all the more reason to push forward with any go green project you may currently have on the drawing table. Using imprinted totes and ceramic mugs both represent products that are friendly to the environment as well as the recycling process. You don’t have to explain to your customers or the public about the potential hazards of the products you use to advertise because there are none. Your customers, clients and others will appreciate your efforts to preserve the planet, and for those who already know what going green is about, they will be glad to patronize you.

Many grocery stores have tote bags imprinted with a message about going green. These bags sell for a very economical price and are an excellent choice when compared to plastic or paper. The grocery store totes are sturdy, colorful, spacious and available in quantity.

When you want to make your green initiative message to those around you advertising with imprinted totes or ceramic mugs is a great way to make that statement again and again.

Author: Andy I Martin
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: PCB Prototype & Manufacturing

Looking Back at the Pre-”Green” Era

In the early 1960’s, being “green” was a cool idea only among the hippies. Environmentalists then were considered as radicals and merely needed an excuse to become recluses. The acceptable norm was that the Earth had limitless capacity to absorb all the wastes of modern technology. People saw only the vastness of the lands, the immensity of the oceans and the endlessness of the skies. Today, after more than forty years, the vast land is almost depleted, marine life is disrupted, and the skies are detrimentally polluted. Now the concept to “go green” seems to be the only way to rectify all that was neglected. How our resources and environment came to be are the obvious reasons why there is now a global effort to “go green”. We, as individuals should consider several underlying reasons why we should be in agreement with this “green” movement. Take awhile and ponder on some of these reasons:

Think About the Living Conditions of Future Generations

Has it ever crossed your mind that the ones who will suffer are the children we cherished and kept protected all through their growing up years? Soon, these young ones will bring forth future generations. Consider the kind of legacy we have in store for them. A world full of contamination and less of the life sustaining resources that their forefathers enjoyed during their lifetimes. Wouldn’t it be better if our children and the next in their line learn and enjoy the values of an Earth-friendly way of life?

Think About the Safety of the Weak and the Geographically Disadvantaged

Have you noticed the harshness of the weather? Where heat and cold could be at extreme levels, some members of our global society don’t have the means or capacity to protect themselves from its ill effects. Global warming has transformed hurricanes, cyclones and “tsunamis” to something more dreadful than before, because they can come unexpected and leave a place totally devastated. Consider the health of the young ones and the elderly as they breathe in air full of pollution particles and potent gasses. Do we wait until we become the next victims or be proactive and get into green living?

Think About the Advantages of “Green”

To “go green” in our lifestyle means not only the promotion of health through eco-friendly sustenance, but the creation of a demand for naturally grown and organically based products. Manufacturers often take their cue from what the public demands. Soon these manufacturers will supply a demand for eco-friendly products without need for smokestacks, chemicals, and harmful synthetics. In fact, the small businesses have been the fore runners in adapting the green living concept in their products. There are now green cleaning materials, organic fertilizers, solar powered batteries and chargers, organic fast foods and countless other green substitutes just to save the Earth that we live in. The “green” way of life will eliminate wastes that pollute the rivers, streams, and estuaries. These are where polluted rainwater run-offs carry the wastes and debris used by man in his day-to-day life.

Greening the environment will mean more plants and trees to give shade and provide fresh sources of oxygen. We can walk with leisure, ride our bikes, and have less demand for carbon dioxide emitting vehicles that contribute the most harm to our ozone layers. The best part of all? Less green bucks will be taken out of our wallets because “green” products cost less.

Author: Ciel Cantoria
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Wordpress plugin Guest Blogger

Our ecosystem is an interrelated organization of life, where each individual aspect contributes to the grandeur of the whole. It is an elegant system of life and a source of inspiration. As Businesses and Professionals, you are in the perfect position to be creative leaders and Harvest Green. You can embrace the very same model as our ecosystem and by doing so; you can increase your prosperity, success and customer loyalty.

This is a perfect time to find and convey new ways to reconnect with our dear planet, to celebrate her beauty, diversity and power and to Harvest Green. Imagine the first light of dawn glistening over the oceans. Imagine a sweeping panorama from the heights of mountains. Imagine the sweet scent of flowers or the deep fragrance of forests. Our environment lifts our hearts, while it provides the particles of our bodies, the food on our tables and the means to nurture our lives.

As I share suggestions to help you expand your green horizons, think abundance … think health … think growth.

Green for Abundance
Green is the metaphysical color for abundance. Greening your business can attract and maintain a greater flow of energy and prosperity. If you are in retail, choose fantastic recycled gift boxes, shopping bags, wrapping papers and biodegradable peanuts for packaging. Your customers can have beautiful wrapping paper and signature bags, while knowing that you are contributing to the well-being of our planet. Your store, spa and business can be a great place to increase your eco-efficiency. Make sure that you take advantage of recycling in your area. Replace the bulbs in closets and storerooms with low voltage, low energy bulbs. Using less and thus receiving more in value creates abundance.

Small, in-house events are an excellent opportunity to increase your green presence and abundance. Have a “green give-away.” Give-away a low voltage florescent light bulb every time someone purchases a book about the environment or purchases a natural product. Abundance flows in all directions and these are all excellent incentives to bring a full circle of abundance and support.

Green for Healing
Green is a healing color. Every business has an opportunity to be a source for eco-friendly products and education. There are so many things you can do to create a healing environment for your business, staff and customers. Your Spa and Healing Center can switch to and promote organic and environmentally friendly products. A beautiful display featuring your organic and healing products will support those manufacturers and pamper your customers, while you receive the compliments and sales. Introduce a newsletter for your staff and your clients with eco-tips and thoughtful ways to reduce waste and increase energy efficiency. If you replace all of your cleaning supplies with safe, organic cleansers; use quality air and replace bottled water with filtered tap water, you will increase the environmental quality of your offices. Your clients and staff will appreciate your attention, services and products by giving you more support and sales. That is all part of the healing and greening process.

Green for Growth
The color green signifies growth. You can expand and grow your business by adding green products and services. You don’t have to wait until Earth Day to celebrate the environment. Your retail store can feature books about the environment. Have a rotating “Green Display” that showcases books, products and services that increase the environmental awareness of your clients and your staff. Your Spa and Healing Center can have “Green Weekends.” Pamper your clients with an exclusive weekend celebration of all organic, natural and healing products and treatments. Even traditional businesses can Harvest Green. If you see clients at your office, then make sure you serve them organic teas and coffee. Replace the high sugar, high fat snacks in your vending machines or snack room with organic snacks, sodas and juices.

If your clients and customers have a choice between products that are good and products that are good and eco-friendly, they will naturally purchase the green products. Buying a green product brings additional benefits. If your clients and customers know that you are paying attention to their needs and paying attention to the health of your world, you give them another great reason to do business with you.

Being a little more green helps your customers, helps your staff, helps the world and it helps your customers and your staff to help the world. Make today the day to Harvest Green.

Copyright 2008 Lumari. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

Author: Lumari B
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Well, it started with visiting a website that offered to place their prestigious logo on any business website for a starter cost of $475. So, I read through the site to discover that a company could be listed on this website, get the use of their seal, and receive an artfully done two page Green tips article for a fee. No requirements, no audits, no problems as long as you pay them the money (a la Jerry Maguire). This is wrong on so many levels that I won’t even bother to mention their site. Using empty credentials should work against the value of a company rather than for it. There is a better way, and that is to literally earn your Green credentials.

First of all, Going Green starts with your cleaning products since these are common hazards everywhere. Hire a Green clean certified janitorial service that uses Green products. Cleaning products are well-known for containing chemicals that throw volatile organic compounds in the air, and that is a long-term health hazard being re-introduced nightly by the cleaning service of most companies. If you hire a janitorial service, don’t take their word for it. Make sure that they are trained and certified as Green cleaners as well as boasting that they use Green products.

Second: Pesticides for rodents and insects have to go! These are poisons that are silently lurking throughout the building. Some companies hire a service to spray down the office in the off hours. When the workers return the next day, they are breathing in some pretty awful fumes whether they smell good or not. The good news is that there are new a Green pest control products available, if you know where to look.

Thirdly, Carbon Dioxide (CO2) accumulates in poorly ventilated areas. An Indoor Air Quality test will locate not only carbon dioxide, but carbon monoxide, VOC buildup, dangerous mold spores, and other problem ingredients. Like fish in a fishbowl, people in bad air facilities will get sick and develop diseases more rapidly than those in healthy buildings. No one seems to disagree. Indoor Air Quality is a major factor in the health and wellbeing of the everyone in the building. The air quality is the barometer of a healthy workplace.

Fourth, go paperless for your filing systems and adopt e-billing with your customers. The technology is here, safe, and saves time for any office. The paper use of American businesses is enormous. It fills cabinets and rooms and generally clutters our lives. Computers are more efficient and powerful than ever. They provide for constant backups in secure storage sites, and even follow HIPPA compliance rules. Users can be given limited access, and many systems even provide offsite access. This concept could save million upon million of trees.

Fifth is the need to reduce energy consumption. The good news is that energy savings will save the company a lot of money. Barack Obama has already warned Americans that they can expect “skyrocketing” energy costs that will force greater conservation. This may seem an arcane fix, but start today by reducing your energy use. Some simple-to-install systems guarantee a 20% reduction in electric without changing your business operation. Add in other ideas, and companies can see 30-40% reduction in energy use. This process will save the company money today, and a lot of money in the future.

Sixth is to cut back on water use. Fresh water is an shrinking commodity, and there is a lot of pressure to reduce wasteful uses of water. Flow Restrictors and aerators are the first and easiest areas to change. Rain barrels are returning in high-tech versions to augment landscape watering, which is another water waster.

Seventh is garbage recycling. Most cities recycle only 10-20% of the trash. Experts tell us that we can redirect as much as 40% of the trash from landfills. Other cities, like San Francisco recycle about 60% of their trash. This starts with setting up recycle bins within the business and at the dumpsters.

Eighth is paint and carpet in the office. Look for Low-VOC paint that will not produce the harmful fumes throughout the building. Carpet is often a glue down with aromatics that come out as the glue dries. There are alternatives, but at least be sure to ventilate these areas for several days before putting people back in the remodeled areas.

Ninth is furniture and remodeling. New furniture and remodeling bring in fumes from paint, varnish, and glue. Pressed board used in furniture often contains formaldehyde. Place furniture in ventilates areas for a week before bringing it into the office. Use better products for remodeling projects that avoid caustic and toxic ingredients. Ventilate these areas as well until clear of aromatics.

Tenth change care of hard surface flooring. Stripping and finishing hard floors often require some of the most dangerous chemicals in the cleaning product line. Stripper will literally eat flesh if left on, and the fumes will make even a veteran dizzy. New floor products have greatly removed the VOC, lowered the Ph, and still produce a quality and enduring shine. Your service should definitely change to these Greener floor products.

These are the top ten issues for a Green office that affect the people most immediate to your operation. These are the workers as well as the leaders, and the long-term affects of negligence is an associated increase in health problems and diseases. There are hundreds of similarly important and cost effective steps to make a business Green. None of them are accomplished through buying a membership in a well-designed Green website. Neither are they accomplished by attending a Green seminar or giving money to a Green charity.

I did not mention carbon credits on this list of the ten top Green concerns because this has NOTHING to to with Greening an office. Carbon credits are simply a fund raising program to gather money from corporations and wealthy people to fund alternative energy projects. So, a cow farm harvesting animal flatulent or methane from cow poo will use this gas to produce electricity. Windmill and solar power facilities are also part of the program. Your sin is called a “carbon footprint” because your are using fossil fuels that produce Co2 which in turn produces global warming. To atone for your ungainly carbon footprint, you must buy carbon credits that provide money to these otherwise unknown alternative energy projects.

While I support alternative energy projects, buying carbon credits (like website memberships) do not make your company Greener! It means that you are philanthropic and concerned for the sustainable issues of energy. Therefore, this is NOT in my list of the top ten ways to Green an office.

Author: Michael Richmond
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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With more and more people becoming concerned about the environment, it’s not surprising to see more businesses recycling products and purchasing new things that have been made from recycled materials. Being green for your business helps the entire world and it shows that you and your company are conscientious citizens. Here you will find some tips on how to turn your business green and even start a green products business of your own.

Tip #1: Make your green business fit your skills.Green cosmetics and cleaning supplies are very common in the eco-friendly world. But what if your particular niche is computers? You can create a green business in computers if you want to. Research how your skills and talents can be combined together to make a green computer business or any other business that could use a bit of eco-friendliness.

Tip #2: Support your green business with a green lifestyle.Look into ways in which you can promote your green business while being green in both your professional and private life. Buy products and office supplies that are recycled. Use suppliers that only sell green items. Use organic cleaning products and energy saving methods. Recycle both at the office and at home and see if there are other power sources – such as wind or solar power – for your home and office.

Tip #3: Educate your customers.If they are shopping in your store, then they are interested in the benefits of the green products you sell. Educate them why your products are better, how they help the earth or conserve resources. Show them differences between your eco-friendly item and the competitor. Make sure you know products and are professional. This adds value to the items you sell and your customers appreciate the information.

Tip #4: Word of mouth is good.When you make it a point to present your customers with as much information as possible about your green products, they in turn will tell their friends. Make your customer your best friend and best sales marketer. The happier they are with what you sell, the more they will talk about it. You, your staff, and your customers are the best promotional team any business could ever have.

Tip #5: Hire staff that shares your feelings about improving the environment.

People who feel the same as you do about going green and living a greener life will be more apt to invest into your business [http://www.startagreenerlife.com/green-for-business] than those who aren’t. Employees will be more passionate on the sales floor when making a sale. While you want your business to succeed financially, you also want to sit back and witness how it is helping out the world around you environmentally.

Author: Malcolm Paul
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Cellphone news