On-Site Recycling/Reusing Material
This practice involves reusing materials on-site that are the source of pollution. An example is filtering and recirculating cleaning solvents.
Material Substitution
This technique involves substituting highly toxic polluting materials with more environmentally friendly less-toxic materials. An example is replacing a solvent-based paint with a water-based paint.
Equipment Modifications and Process Re-Design
This involves purchasing new equipment and redesigning production lines, and the product itself to enable a business to more efficiently use materials.
Improved Housekeeping
Improved material handling, storage, and management practices may result in substantial reductions in spills, fugitive emissions, and leaks. Simple steps such as improving record-keeping and maintenance checks can really make a difference
Saving Energy is Preventing Pollution
By reducing the amount of energy your office consumes, you can help decrease the amount of fossil fuels burned to generate electricity while, at the same time, lower your monthly energy bill. The following energy saving P2 tips can help make your office more efficient:
Turn off lights in rooms that are not in use like conference rooms and storage areas.
Replace incandescent lights with energy efficient fluorescent lighting. Fluorescent bulbs are more expensive, but last up to 10 times longer and use about 1/4 the energy.
Purchase office equipment, such as copiers, printers and computers, with power saving devices.
If half of all office copiers, for example, had power-saving devices, an estimated 35 billion kilowatt hours of electricity could be saved, the equivalent of 20 million barrels of oil a year.
Carpooling—A Team Effort
Carpooling is not only an effective way to reduce the number of vehicles on the road, it can help minimize the cost of your commute through sharing fuel and parking costs with fellow carpoolers. Carpooling can also be a very social activity and, if you are a passenger, can help make your commute more relaxing. Having a successful carpool, however, requires a little planning and a lot of teamwork. In establishing your carpool, keep in mind the following tips:
Be committed to making the carpool work, even if that means not carpooling every day. A carpool that meets only once or twice a week is better than no carpool at all.
Make a roster. Write down the carpooler’s names and numbers, and a “game plan” with established routes, schedules, meeting places, and times.
Share the responsibility for driving equally. Drivers need to be timely and avoid running errands while carpooling.
If a member of the carpool cannot contribute to the driving, work out a system so that the other drivers are compensated.
Consider having the non-drivers help pay for gas and parking or encourage them to bring snacks to share with the carpool, such as pastries or brownies.