It should not take a large outlay of money in order to take your business from consuming more energy to one that is eco-friendly. As a matter of fact, once you have worked out all the details, you can actually raise your businesses profit margins. Just by adopting small, simple measures, any size organization can help their business to go “Green.”

• Reduce paper use: Let everyone in your organization know that they should not be photocopying or printing documents when it is unnecessary to do so. When you are going to be printing, eliminate waste by ensuring that paper is properly aligned, toner is sufficient for the job, and the quality is properly set.
• Reuse paper: Print on both sides of paper, and use scraps for notes and messages.
• Send used paper to recyclers: After paper has been used as scratch pads and on both sides, send it to be recycled. This will help to save the environment as well as reduce costs.
• Use paper that is recycled.
• Buy refurbished furniture: By purchasing used office furniture you will be reusing resources rather than contributing the depletion of our woodland.
• When finished using equipment, switch it off: For instance, each time you turn your PC off, also turn off any peripheral equipment that is attached to it.
• Set up recycle bins: Since you are going to be going “green” it is time to set up waste receptacles for separating the different type of waste that is generated. This can be done for glass, plastic, metal, as well as paper. Assign someone to take them to the local recycling unit when they are full.
• Switch to energy efficient products when possible: Replace incandescent and fluorescent lights with the newer high efficiency lights to save on lighting costs. Since laptops consume less energy when compared to ordinary desktop models, consider switching to laptops when it is time to upgrade your computer. Replacing CRTs with flat panel displays in another measure that you can use to reduce the amount of energy you use as well as take up less space on your desk.
• Use green technology based products: Manufacturers that use less energy in the production of their products should be sought out as you attempt to go “green.” There are any number of different companies that are doing everything they can to reduce the impact they are having on the environment.
• Remember to conserve and recycle water as you can: This can be done by setting up drinking stations that allow the use of a reusable cup rather than a paper one, and do not rely on running water as a fountain would. Place a filled container in toilet tanks to prevent overuse of water, or switch to low flow tanks.
• Use eco-friendly and bio-degradable packaging: When packaging your products for sale, make sure that you are using materials that will degrade when tossed into landfills, and use less packaging that is sure to reduce the amount of waste that is produced from your business.

Guest post written by Mirsad Hasic of Alternative Energy Geek.

Post from: Eco-Office Gals

10 Simple Steps To Make Your Business More Green

Eco-ski destinations and resorts provide a greener alternative for skiing and other recreational and sports enthusiasts. Private hotels and lodges are now incorporating green and environmentally friendly initiatives in their building and design practices and day-to-day operations as a way of contributing to the preservation of their local environment. Listed below are just some of the best eco-friendly global destinations for skiing and other recreational activities. You can get great late ski deals online so grab a bargain and see you on the slopes.

Nipika Mountain Resort, British Columbia, Canadacaaa

Nestled high in the Canadian Rockies is the Nipika Mountain Resort, a self-sufficient and sustainable accommodation property. Its proximity to the Canadian Rockies makes it an ideal lodging option for skiing enthusiasts. Nipika Mountain Resort is completely off-grid, all cabins and rooms are powered by natural solar and wind sources. Cabin building materials and furniture in Nipika are made from dead wood procured from the surrounding forests.

Hotel Terra, Jackson Hole, U.S.A.

Located near the Jackson Hole Mountain Ski Resort and the Grand Teton National Park, Hotel Terra Jackson is a LEED certified hotel that integrates eco-friendly components in its architecture, design, operations, and energy utilization practices. Energy for the hotel is produced from green sources like solar, wind, and hydropower. Even the toiletries, beds and bedding ensembles are made from organic and natural materials. Recycling is highly encouraged and practiced in the hotel main rooms and guest rooms.

Aravis Lodge, La Clusaz, France

Aravis Lodge is one of the best eco-ski accommodation properties in St. Jean De Sixt near the La Clusaz ski commune in the French Alps. The Aravis Lodge is situated in a century-old chalet with 17 bedrooms and comfortable guest amenities like sauna and massage facilities.
The hotel incorporates an impressive array of eco-friendly practices including utilization of solar energy to produce heat and hot water. Even the in-house restaurant incorporates sustainable practices and uses free range local produce and free trade products in their menu.

Going green isn’t restricted to the house and office, by far. Choosing eco-minded destinations such as these Ski Resort options or Eco-Spa Resorts can make your green efforts even more enjoyable! Have fun!

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3 Fantastic Eco Ski Destinations

Many people are beginning to practice eco-friendliness within their home and working lives which is a positive step in the bid to reduce carbon emissions, however one of the largest contributors of carbon emissions haven’t quite been tackled – transport. The commute to and from work is significantly affecting climate change. Traffic congestion means journey times are longer than usual
in rush hour, resulting in more fuel consumption and consequently more carbon emissions which are proven to contribute to global warming and have effects on human health. Using alternative methods to travel to work can greatly reduce carbon emissions, travel expenses and even commute time.

Traditional Tactics

If you live within a reasonable distance you are blessed with the ability to leave your car at home and save abundances on fuel. Walking or cycling to work can be enjoyable in the summertime and great exercise, particularly for office workers who are generally seated for the duration of the day. Although you may not want to leave your car at home every day, if the weather looks sunny and you have a burst of energy why not choose to walk? With fuel prices constantly rocketing, choosing to walk or cycle can be incredibly attractive due to the money saving aspects.

Car Sharing

If you live a greater distance, walking or cycling may not be a practical option of getting to work. Rather than jumping straight behind the wheel, ask colleagues in the office to see if anyone lives nearby and ask if they want to start car sharing. If you and a colleague share a car to work you could half your fuel costs, mileage and carbon emissions. Alternating days of who drives can also reduce the stresses of driving each morning.

Public Transport

If no one from the office lives within your area you could consider public transport as an option. Initially this may sound unattractive, but often urban areas have convenient transport links. Considering monthly passes can also save you some money on public transport, in some cases it may actually be cheaper than the costs of running a car and far less stressful. Using public transport minimizesthe number of cars on the roads, reducing congestion and carbon emissions.

Green Cars

Hybrid cars are becoming increasingly popular due to their financial and environmental benefits. They combine clean electrical energy with a gas powered engine, making them a cleaner and more fuel efficient method of transport. Their fuel consumption is lower than that of an average car, saving you money on fuel.

Work from Home

Although working from home isn’t always possible, if you live quite a distance from your work you could ask your manager if working from home a few days a week would be acceptable. This could save you significant amounts of money and drastically reduce your carbon emissions. It could also benefit your company money and productivity too if you offered to work the hours which you would usually spend commuting.

Eco-friendliness isn’t only saving the environment, it’s also saving many office workers money. It’s proven that greener alternatives to transport are cost effective. So why not leave the car on the drive for a well deserved rest?

Written by Stephanie Staszko on behalf of Just Motor Law.

Post from: Eco-Office Gals

5 Green Ways to Travel to Work

As concerns over climate change and our impact on the environment increases, there has never been a better time to start going green. Many businesses still believe that going green is too expensive or time-consuming, with the current economic climate adding to the notion that reduction of waste is not a priority. However, there are many simple ways a business can reduce their impact on the environment and it doesn’t necessarily have to involve drastic or expensive changes. By investing in changes now not only can it improve the profile and reputation of your business it could potentially save money through proposed tax cuts and reduced wastage.

Some of the easiest ways of being energy efficient are making sure lights, air conditioning and computer monitors are turned off when not in use, using motion censored lighting wherever possible. Surprisingly, the need for air conditioning and central heating can be reduced significantly by choosing the right blinds for your office windows. By opting for insulating honeycomb or cellular blinds rather than the standard vertical or roller blinds you can drastically reduce heat loss, keeping the office both warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Ask your waste disposal suppliers about recycling options as you may be able to recycle anything from paper and exhibition display materials such as banner stands to broken computer equipment and hazardous waste. Consider changing to suppliers that are dedicated to reducing their carbon foot-print, as there are many companies offering environmentally friendly products and services ensuring that your supplies do not contribute to damage caused by other businesses. Although recycling is an excellent way to improving your company’s green credentials, the best way (and most cost effective) is to avoid unnecessary waste in the first place. One of the easiest ways of doing this is reducing paperwork and print-outs. If possible print on both sides of the paper, send memos via email and store documents digitally. Keep any unwanted non-confidential print-outs for use as scrap paper and use recycled paper when possible, not only will you produce less waste, but help minimize those costly stationary orders.

There are many ways you can take charge of waste management, but as with any change it is most effective when everyone involved is equally committed. Many businesses offer incentives for employees to car share and use public transport, why not make it a team effort by getting your staff on board? Provide all necessary facilities for staff to heat, prepare and enjoy their lunch on-site to avoid the need to drive to local restaurants and cafes. Either provide mugs and cups or encourage staff to bring their own, reducing the need for wasteful paper and plastic coffee cups. By getting everyone involved you’ll not only boost team moral, but make the smaller changes more effective in reducing your business’s impact on the environment.

Liberty-Belle Howard is a UK blogger with a keen interest in green issues. She is currently writing on behalf of Marler Haley.

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Go Green And Minimize Business Waste

Lately, all around us more and more cities, universities, companies, and the like are banning bottled water. Time even named ‘the war on bottled water’ #4 on its Top 10 Food Trends. “Once hip, bottled water is now unforgivably ‘90s,” John Cloud writes in the article.

But why you might ask? Well, cost. Bottled water is at least 300 times more expensive than tap water.  Not to mention, about 90% of the bottle is for things like bottling, packaging, shipping, and transportation. There’s also the health risks. Bisphenol-A, or BPA as it’s more commonly known, is a chemical found in most plastic water bottles.  Since it was discovered in 1998, the list of its harmful side effects seems to be continuously growing. Recently it has been strongly linked to diabetes, heart disease, cancer, miscarriage, and childhood asthma, to name a few. Of course, the environment is also a factor.  Just less than 1.3 million tons of plastic PET water bottles were produced in 2006. 76.5% of those water bottles ended up in landfills. This does not even include the energy that is wasted in the production and transportation of bottled water.

These are just some of the reasons why you should turn away from bottled water.  But you might be asking, how can I do this? Saying no to bottled water is more practical than you might think.

• First, understand that bottled water is not any “cleaner” or “more pure” than bottled water. In fact, the Aspen Tap challenge 90% chose the municipal brand over the bottled water brand.  This chart even details the testing required for tap water in contrast to bottled water.
• Get a reusable water bottle.  Stainless steel water bottles are reliable and safe. But, if you are afraid of a ‘tin-y’ taste, look for a BPA-free, plastic bottle.  Many options are available from your favorite color, shape, college or even sports team.  There are even portable water filters available.
• Where can you use your new bottle? Look for hydration stations. If you have a Smartphone may apps are available to now help you hydrate at your convenience, like The Drinking Water and WeTap apps on the Android phone. Even Virgin Atlantic airlines are getting on board as they offering water bottle refill stations at airports.
• Look for restaurants that support the cause.  Many restaurants now will only offer bottled water by request.  Others, like, Mario Batali restaurants in New York and Las Vegas, have banned bottled water in its entirety.
• In your office, replace bottled water coolers with a bottleless water cooler. Bottleless water coolers use point of use, or POU, to eliminate the need for heavy, expensive 5-gallon bottles. Using sophisticated filtration systems, bottleless water coolers purify the tap water already available in your office.

Take a minute to think about if you think you can make these simple changes for your wallet, your health, your coworkers, and your environment.

Post from: Eco-Office Gals

How to rid the world of bottled water

Times are tough and money is tight for a lot of us. Here are a few tips you can easily implement to reduce your household bills whilst you save energy.

Go Paperless

Companies such as phone/energy providers, credit cards and catalogs have all been known to charge a little per month for printing and sending paper bills. It might take a while to check everything and switch, but all those little bits add up, so with a bit of a time investment you could save a significant amount – and a lot of paper that would have otherwise been wasted.

Cheap Insulation

If you don’t have double glazing, investing in weather stripping or even drought excluders to fill any cracks around windows and doors is a cheap and effective solution, as is installing heavy curtains or Roman Blinds to keep the heat in after dark. Likewise, conservatory blinds can keep heat in a conservatory in the winter months, and have the added bonus of keeping it shady and cool in the summer.  Those of you without loft insulation should consider placing a thick blanket over the loft hatch before closing it, making sure it overlaps the edges. This will create a thick seal which should prevent heat from escaping into the loft and out through the roof, and less lost heat means lower energy bills!

Wasting Water?

The simplest way to save water is to put an unused brick in your toilet cistern. You’ll use half a gallon less per flush, which is great if you’re on a water meter. If you don’t have a spare brick lying around, lots of water providers will give you a “water saver” for free which serves the same purpose, and if they don’t, fill an unused plastic bottle with sand or gravel, and it’ll do the job.

Turn Down The Boiler

We all know that keeping the heating in our homes low can go a long way to saving both energy and money, but did you know that doing the same with the hot-water thermostat on your boiler can do the same? Having the hot water temperature anywhere above 140F is a waste of energy as your boiler has to work harder to keep it hot, and turning it down means your baths and showers will be a far more pleasant temperature.

This post was written by Liberty-Belle Howard, a UK blogger with a keen interest in green issues. She is currently blogging on behalf of Hillary’s Blinds.

Post from: Eco-Office Gals

Reduce Your Household Bills By Going Green

Making your home more energy efficient has many benefits, including reducing the cost of high energy bills, improving personal comfort, and helping to protect the environment. As the cost of energy rises and people’s awareness of the harmful effects of energy production increases, the demand for environmentally renewable energy sources becomes greater than ever before. However, there are lots of small changes that you can make to everyday living that will can lead to a big difference on your carbon footprint. We’ve put together a shortlist of seven changes you can make around the house to lower your carbon emissions.

1. Improving the energy efficiency of your home requires a new mindset. Start small by intentionally replacing wasteful habits with small changes that can save big in the long run. The savings will be both financial as well as environmental.

2. Remember your mum or dad following you from room to room, constantly switching off the lights? That small habit can save a lot of energy. If you are not in the room, switch off the lights. Additionally, replace traditional fluorescent light bulbs with more energy efficient bulbs. Plug all major electronics into a power strip that can easily be turned off when not in use.

3. Heat-generating appliances are the biggest culprits of energy waste. Strive to eliminate any unnecessary usage of these appliances. Try multi-tasking when using the oven by baking several items together. Preheating is generally not necessary if you adjust the cooking time. Only boil as much water as you need at one time rather than filling up the entire kettle. Wrap an insulation blanket around your hot water heater to keep the temperature more stable.

4. Most energy is leaked through walls, windows, and doors. Make use of curtains and blinds to keep the cool or warm air in, depending on the season. Make sure that all window and door cracks are properly sealed. Try turning your thermostat down one or two degrees in the winter and up one or two degrees in the summer. Dress accordingly rather than constantly changing the temperature.

5. Consider investing in energy-efficient appliances, such as a new boiler. Though the cost is larger up front, the end result is bigger savings for you and your family.

6. Replace old windows with news ones that have double-glazing. Again, this will be an investment that will save a lot of energy and money over time.

7. Determine whether or not greener sources of energy, such as wind and solar power, would be feasible for you. If you plan to live in your home for many years, these “free” energy sources tend to pay for themselves.

Rising energy costs have truly made people dig deeper into their wallets. This fact, coupled with the detrimental effects to the environment is plenty of motivation to improve home energy efficiency. The changes do not need to be dramatic to have a big effect. Start with simple, everyday changes.

Today in the UK it is a legal requirement to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) if you are selling or letting your property so these there benefits of being green really are bigger than ever. An EPC measures the energy efficiency of your property and the better rating you get the easier it will be to sell your home. So follow these tips and not only reduce your carbon footprint but you may even make your home more attractive to buyers and tenants in the process!

Post from: Eco-Office Gals

How to Improve your Homes Energy Efficiency Rating

Eco-tourism continues to grow in popularity as awareness about finite resources continues to increase. Usually, when people think about eco-tourism, they think about small, no-frills hotels. However, more and more eco-hotels are offering attractive, all inclusive holidays. These eco-hotels provide luxury accommodations and amenities while maintaining harmony with the environment around them.

Xpu Ha Palace Ecologically Friendly Resort

The Xpu Ha Palace, located in Mexico’s Mayan Riviera, all white-sand beaches and gentle waves, offers visitors access to rivers, jungles, and beautiful beaches. The hotel features 144 rooms in cabana-style villas with thatched roofs. The rooms have private balconies or terraces with a hammock, as well as a double-Jacuzzi in the bathroom and are stocked with those necessities that make a stay more comfortable, such as air conditioners, ceiling fans, mini-bars, and satellite televisions. The Xpu Ha Palace boasts a Mexican-Italian restaurant, a grill snack bar, and three bars. Amenities include tennis, golf, fishing, diving, as well as ecological tours, botanical workshops, and a jungle tour, encompassing a walking tour of the Botanical Gardens, the nature trail and snorkeling. There are Mayan ruins nearby that can be explored. The resort also offers children’s activities, appealing to the whole family.

Caribbean Islands

If the Caribbean islands are more appealing, the Strawberry Hill resort might be the ideal choice. Located in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica, the Strawberry Hill resort’s charm lies in the highland beauty of the mountains, rather than the traditional beach. Offering only 12 rooms for guests, this resort is quite intimate. Previously a strawberry farm, the hotel still draws on the local agriculture to prepare its meals. The rooms are set in remodeled British-colonial style cottages decorated with locally crafted furniture and accents. Though there are no air conditioners in the rooms, the mountain breezes keep the air cool and fresh, and the rooms do boast modern conveniences, such as televisions and CD players. The resort has its own botanical gardens, but Holywell National Park and Alex Twyman’s Old Tavern Coffee Estate are also close by. Guests can also always hike up to the Blue Mountain summit or go on a mountain hike.

Central America

In Central America, travelers can visit La Cocotera Resort and Eco-Lodge. This resort is located in La Barra de Santiago, in El Salvador and is bordered by the Pacific Ocean on one side and a quiet estuary on the other.

Post from: Eco-Office Gals

3 Eco-Tourism All Inclusive Holidays for 2012

Today, March 22, 2011 is World Water Day:

The objective of World Water Day 2011 is to focus international attention on the impact of rapid urban population growth, industrialization and uncertainties caused by climate change, conflicts and natural disasters on urban water systems. – from un-water

Not too many moons ago, my family was in a position of knowing what is like to go without water. No need to hash out family feuds, but the end result left us with no water source while we scrambled to come up with funds to drill a well on our land. I’ve lived through hauling 5 gallon buckets of water borrowed from neighbors, showering at friends houses, waterless cooking and cleaning. Extreme conservation to say the least. I am so thankful those days are over, and I hope my family will never have to deal with it again!

Unfortunately, my short lived perils are common place for many around the world.

Worldwide water quality is declining mainly due to human activities. Increasing population growth, rapid urbanization, discharge of new pathogens and new chemicals from industries and invasive species are key factors that contribute to the deterioration of water quality. In addition, climate change will further affect water quality. Major risks are the lack of water quality data and monitoring worldwide as well as lack of knowledge about the potential impact of natural and anthropogenic pollutants on the environment and on water quality. The lack of prioritization of water quality in many countries has resulted in decreased allocation of resources, weak institutions and lack of coordination in addressing water quality challenges. – Unwater FAQ

Is there something you can do to preserve fresh water resources? Do you have the means to make a difference – on either local or global scale? Even conserving water in your own home, educating yourself and raising awareness of the world wide water crisis is a great first step. Follow and share events from around the world by following World Water Day on Facebook and Twitter. Use and search hashtags #worldwaterday and #Water2011 to learn and share your water facts and events.

Take it from one that knows first hand, you don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone! It’s so true!

Post from: Eco-Office Gals

World Water Day 2011

If you’re thinking about how to create a healthier workplace environment, consider going low-VOC.

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals widely used as ingredients in products such as paint, building materials and furnishings, office equipment and cleaning supplies. Elevated levels of VOCs have been linked to eye and respiratory irritation, headaches, fatigue and other symptoms associated with sick building syndrome.

When our company , ISC International, began to plan an office redesign, we made the reduction of VOCs a priority. At the time, some low- and no-VOC materials were just coming onto the market. But today, with a growing emphasis on indoor air quality and environmentally-friendly business practices, the low- VOC market is going mainstream. Manufacturers are responding to consumer demand, making low-VOC materials more accessible than ever.

Low-VOC paint: EPA standards for low-VOC paints took effect in 1999 and today, more than a decade later, durable low-VOC and zero-VOC paints and finishes are widely available to both professional designers and do-it-yourselfers. When talking with a designer or shopping for paint, ask for it. In our redesign, we used Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore low- and no-VOC products.

Flooring: Environmentally-friendly flooring materials and adhesives help to minimize indoor air pollution. Today, formaldehyde-free bamboo, cork and hardwood can all be laid without the use of solvent-based adhesives. In our office redesign, we used porcelain tile and natural fiber, wool-based Karastan carpet which emits little to no VOCs yet is still durable and strong. To see a full listing of eco- friendly options, the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Green Label and Green Label Plus certification program rates low-VOC carpets.

Furnishings: Many furniture manufacturers today are minimizing the VOCs used in paints, adhesives, finishes and pressed wood products. As part of our redesign, we purchased Knoll office chairs that are GREENGUARD certified. GREENGUARD is one of several independent organizations that now certifies office furnishings that meet environmental criteria. We also incorporated faux leather couches and chairs into our design; they contain no tanning compounds yet look and feel as luxurious as the real
thing.

By incorporating all of these elements into our company’s office redesign, we achieved two key objectives. First, when the project was complete, our employees were able to move into their new surroundings without experiencing any of the irritation, headaches or nausea that might have accompanied a traditional remodel. And secondly, we were able to build a healthy workplace without sacrificing aesthetics. High quality, low- and no-VOC products are becoming increasingly available, making it easier than ever for designers and building owners to reduce indoor air pollution and satisfy “green” corporate responsibility objectives in style.

David R. Meister is president of ISC International Ltd, a privately-held company that provides global messaging services such as OCR fax services, and text message broadcasting services to businesses around the world including five of the top 10 businesses in the Fortune 500.

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Low-VOC Commercial Design Goes Mainstream