It’s no secret that Michigan’s economy is hurting. we have the big 3, and when they suffer, so do all Michiganders. While our national government is passing out money to boost the green industry, local Michigan government is hosting alternative energy round tables and energy conservation meetings. Creating new GREEN jobs in Michigan and making our existing companies lean and green may be the only way to get the Great Lake State out of this slump.
Michigan GREEN, group for a renewable, energy-efficient nation, has posted Top 40 Ways for business to go green:
- Recycling Program - All applicable waste is recycled to minimize landfill impact.
- Business is a Michigan Green member. (or join a green business organization in your state)
- Smoking is prohibited inside the business.
- The business uses recycled printer cartridges.
- The business observes Earth Day.
- The business participates in the Michigan Green “Purge the Plastic” campaign.
- The business raises one hundred dollars for The Michigan Green Scholarship Awards at the Go Green Olympics.
- Energy and water use is reviewed at least once a year.
- Business participates in community program(s) that promote global stewardship.
- Green practices are discussed at employee/staff meetings and documented.
- Carbon Monoxide and/or Carbon Dioxide are monitored.
- Business refrains from using deodorizers to mask smells.
- Exit signs are LED or Energy Star qualified.
- Energy efficient lighting is installed (Energy Star minimum).
- Air conditioners are Energy Star qualified.
- HVAC controls like boiler reset, CO2 sensors, time clocks, etc. are utilized.
- Lighting controls, such as occupancy sensors, time clocks or photocells are used.
- Business has a white or green roof to save energy and reduce urban heat island effect.
- Office equipment is Energy Star qualified (computers, copiers, printers, etc.).
- Business has an on-site renewable energy power source.
- Pipes are insulated to improve energy efficiency.
- Recycled paper products are used for administration and marketing materials.
- Business is asbestos free.
- Air conditioners do not use any CFC refrigerants.
- Fluorescent lights are recycled.
- Low flow faucets (1.5 gallons/minute maximum) are used in kitchens and restrooms.
- Waterless urinals are used in restrooms.
- Business specifies that sidewalks be swept, not hosed.
- Property is landscaped with native plants and trees.
- The business has adopted an endangered species animal from one of several organizations that offer adoption.
- The business has a composting project with daily scraps from the cafeteria.
- The business has a birdhouse habitat project.
- The business has a native Michigan plant garden project with native plants.
- Businesses conduct energy audits of their facilities and make improvements such as placing film on windows, caulking windows,using kits to make windows more energy efficient, putting up turn it off signs under light switches, de-lamping, etc.
- The business recycles batteries and has designated a representative to take them to an appropriate county recycling program.
- The business holds an employee poster contest to support ecology concerns and a business display in conjunction with Earth Day Activities (April 22, 2009).
- The business implements a tree planting program with at least ten seedlings which can be acquired free from a number of organizations including Michigan United Conservation Club. The trees are placed at north and west building exposures to help conserve energy.
- The business has established a recycling program for CDs and DVD’s. It is estimated 10 billion of these will go into landfills over the next five years.
- A discussion on invasive species in the Midwest is presented. Solutions that ordinary citizens can participate in are implemented.
- The business keeps an active bulletin board or display case on the environmental news and what environmental activities the business is working on with pictures.
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