Be an environmental leader!
By Kasia Chojecki
Here are a few simple ways that small businesses can help our environment – and in many instances, reduce expenses.
• Reduce, reuse and where possible, recycle. When you make photocopies, can you reduce paper use by using the double-sided feature? Are you printing off copies of email unnecessarily? If your place of business offers recycling services, encourage employee involvement.
• Reduce the use of electricity. Turning off unnecessary lights overnight will not only reduce the business’s expenses, but also help to preserve energy. The same idea applies to any office equipment, such as computers, printers and faxes. Using energy-saving light bulbs also reduces greenhouse gases and saves businesses money on electricity bills.
• Encourage employees to carpool, take transit or bike. Allowing employees to stagger working hours where it won’t impact your operations can reduce the amount of time employees are caught in traffic – and reduce pollutants that result from idling.
• Reduce vehicle idling. Idling for 10 minutes a day produces approximately a quarter tonne of carbon dioxide. That amounts to approximately $70 of wasted fuel annually.
• Moderate heat/air temperature. Every company can make smart decisions about their heating and cooling methods to decrease their energy use and increase savings on their electricity bills. Turning down the heat or the air conditioning by a few degrees reduces greenhouse gases and ensures optimal savings. Consider programmable energy efficient thermostats.
• Choose alternate cleaners. Some insect sprays and household sanitizers contain chemicals that can be hazardous to your health and our environment. Choose environmentally friendly cleaning products – there are a number on the market today.
Small businesses make an enormous contribution to Markham’s economic health and can have an equally significant impact on our environmental health. Take a few moments to consider the ways that you can “green” your business operations. Remember, the best way to succeed is to lead by example. It all starts with you.
For more information about environmental initiatives in our community, please visit the Town of Markham website at www.markham.ca
2600 John Street, Unit 207, Markham, ON L3R 3W3 T: 905.475.5222 F: 905.475.6369
