Sustainable Disposal of Mirrors
Do you have mirrors in your restaurant, hotel, or retail establishment? Most likely you do!
Did you know that when a mirror breaks or it meets the end of its useful life (say via new construction or a remodel) you cannot just recycle it?
Unlike glass used for food and beverage containers, other glass like mirrors, drinking glasses, and windshields use additives like plastic, lead, or other materials to add strength and reflective properties. As a result, you can’t just pitch these items into the recycle bin. While these items aren’t hazardous, it’s still not a great idea to send them to a landfill. So, what should you do with these items?
There are still sustainable options for disposing of these materials. This is an opportunity to follow the Reuse principle within the Reduce – Reuse – Recycle mantra of sustainability. Here are some options to consider:
- Donate to charity or a reuse organization if the mirror is in fine condition. Options include places like the Salvation Army, Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity Restore, or The Resource Exchange.
- Contact a consignment shop or antique dealer if your mirrors are unique or a period piece.
- Give broken mirror pieces to an organization that incorporates such pieces into mosaics for public and private spaces. A Philadelphia based option includes Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens.
Disposing of such items sustainability is not only good for the environment but it helps you build goodwill in your community and perhaps even make it a more beautiful place!
How To Take A Sustainable Vacation
Sustainability seems to recently be taking precedence within our society and overall daily routine of life. American travelers are starting to make more of a conscious effort to become more sustainable and make environmentally friendly decisions within their travel. With summer and the hot weather rapidly approaching, now is an ideal time to start planning the next family vacation. In conjunction with the theme of living sustainable and making “greener” decisions, why not take a sustainable vacation?
Ecotourism is a principle that compliments the idea of a sustainable vacation very well. “Traveling to natural areas in a way that preserves the local environment and culture while generating income and sustaining employment for the local population.” (http://blog.realgoods.com/sustainable-vacations-across-the-usa/) Keeping this visualization in mind makes it easier to green your vacation and make better sustainable solutions along the journey.
Whether you stay local or travel to an exotic paradise, the concept remains the same. Here’s how to make the most out of your sustainable vacation:
- Research. Do your research well in advance and study up on environmental issues within the destination you wish to visit.
- Book with sustainable travel companies. Search for travel agencies that specialize in green tours.
- Reserve a green hotel. Choose a hotel that supports energy and water conservation as well as eco-friendly amenities.
- Respect the environment. Be sure to dispose of trash sensibly and admire the animals and plant life from a safe distance to not disturb their natural features.
- Purchase sustainable souvenirs. Buy locally made items that support the native civilization.
- Visit local organizations. Choose local restaurants, events, shopping areas and car rentals.
Taking a sustainable vacation will not only improve the environment we live in by reducing the consumption of water, energy and natural resources, it will also help us to make smarter environmental decisions and think green on a continual basis. Do your part this summer by taking a sustainable vacation and make a substantial impact on the environment we live in.
Happy traveling!
Resources: http://www.greenyour.com/transportation/travel/vacation/tips/take-a-sustainable-vacation
http://blog.realgoods.com/sustainable-vacations-across-the-usa/
How One Company Can Make a Difference…
Solar panels (Photovoltaic device) work by converting sunlight into electricity (photovoltaic effect). Simply, Sunlight is composed of Photons (think of solar energy). These packets of solar energy, Photons, contain different amounts of energy. When Photons hit the solar panel they can be absorbed, reflected or pass right through. The absorbed Photons generate the electricity.
Solar energy matters!! We, as a society, are now realizing the power that shines on us each day. The energy from the sun is immense! Harnessing that energy can help protect the delicate balance of this great planet we live on and are Stewarts of.
Darden has done an amazing thing. They have taken social responsibility to a new level. Darden unveiled a 1.1 megawatt solar panel supercenter on the rooftop of their Orlando Restaurant Support Center.
Darden now becomes the largest private solar array in Florida. This system will generate enough power to subsidize 15 to 20% of the Restaurant Support Centers annual usage. That is like shutting down for two months!
A wonderful example of the leader in full Service Restaurants is taking social responsibility to new levels.
Things Moms Can Do To Reduce Environmental Impact AND Have Healthier Kids
1. Stop using Lysol or air fresheners of any kind – Whether it’s diaper duty or stinky gym shoes, moms use a lot of air freshening sprays to make their homes livable. Think about the harsh chemicals and the aerosol cans used for conventional air fresheners. Think of how much of this indoor (and potentially outdoor) air pollution could be eliminated if every mom in America used natural air fresheners! There are some that you can mix yourself at home, and there are others that you can buy that are much more effective (if you run a day care or have multiple stinkers). Either way, you’ll breathe easier and reduce allergens and toxins in the air!
2. Eat more raw foods – Simply put, if you cook less, you’ll use less energy. You will also retain more vitamins and nutrients in the food you and your children eat. Buying local produce may also save on emissions because the food has a shorter distance to travel to get to your table. It’s healthier for family and the environment!
3. Use biodegradable, concentrated, plant-based cleaners – Yes, you can get all three in one! You may have seen some recipes for homemade cleaners, but your house will probably hold a lingering vinegar smell if you use those – NOT kid friendly. You have probably seen some concentrated cleaning products and detergents, in grocery stores, but very few of them are made from plant derived products or are biodegradable. So, concentrated versions of harmful or harsh solvents are still not truly green, although they are a bit better because you use less of them. (Resource: Make your own non-toxic cleaning kit.) (more…)
3 Ways to Use Baking Soda as a Green Cleaner
Baking soda is a mild additive that is one of the very best cleaners you can use. It is also good to the environment. Here are my best 3 tips for using baking soda as the ultimate green cleaner.
1. Add just enough water to baking soda to make a paste. Spread the paste on your shower and on your shower curtain. Use an old toothbrush to clean the grout. It really works.
2. Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down your kitchen or bathroom drain and then follow it by 1/2 cup vinegar then pour some boiling water into the drain. This will break down the fatty acids that can build up in drains and it will leave it smelling fresh too.
3. Clean the inside of your oven by wiping the walls with a wet cloth. Sprinkle baking soda on them and let it sit for an hour before wiping it off.
Smart Recycling
Save Energy and Save Money!
- Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs.
- Install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) when your older incandescent bulbs burn out.
- Unplug appliances when you’re not using them. Or, use a “smart” power strip that senses when appliances are off and cuts “phantom” or “vampire” energy use.
- Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. As much as 85 percent of the energy used to machine wash clothes goes to heating the water.
- Use a drying rack or clothesline to save the energy otherwise used up drying your clothes.
Save water to save money!
- Take shorter showers to reduce water use. This will lower your water and heating bills too.
- Install a low-flow showerhead. They are inexpensive, and the water and energy savings can quickly pay back your investment.
- Make sure you have a faucet aerator on each faucet. This little devise will conserve heat and water, while keeping water pressure high.
- Plant drought-tolerant native plants in your garden.
Less gas = more money (and better health!).
- Walk or bike to work, if possible or car pool. This saves on gas while improving your cardiovascular health and reducing your risk of obesity.
Skip the bottled water.
- Use a water filter to purify tap water instead of buying bottled water. Not only is bottled water expensive, but it generates waste. Think about it!
- Bring a reusable water bottle, preferably aluminum rather than plastic, with you when traveling or at work.
Borrow instead of buying.
- Borrow from libraries instead of buying personal books and movies. This saves money, not to mention the ink and paper that goes into printing new books. (Buy a Kindle!)
- Share power tools and other appliances. Get to know your neighbors while cutting down on the number of things cluttering your closet or garage.
Buy smart.
- Buy in bulk. Purchasing food from bulk bins can save money and packaging.
Keep electronics out of the trash.
Why Recycle Your Cooking Oil?
Used cooking oil can be effectively recycled into a number of secondary products including bio-diesel. Bio-diesel is a clean burning fuel alternative to petroleum diesel and helps reduce reliance on petroleum products and reduce emissions from the transport sector.
SLM vendors will provide a tank and collect used cooking oil on a regular schedule.
What Happens When It’s Recycled?
Used oil is collected from your on-site tank and delivered to a processing facility. The oil is filtered into large storage tanks which are heated and treated for subsequent conversion in to a range of other products including biofuel, animal feed products, detergents and soap, paints and industrial lubricants.
Did you know that you may be eligible for rebates? Contact me to find out about your oil.
Reduce Your Trash
Another way to contribute to saving our planet is to reduce your trash. You can also reduce the amount of waste that you create by purchasing products with less packaging and making better choices in your daily life. Do not get in the mindset that this is all or nothing! Do what you can and feel comfortable with. Here are a few ways to reduce your trash:
Buy in bulk – one large box of cereal produces less waste than several small boxes (and it’s usually less expensive too).
Purchase products with the least amount of packaging – A bottle of vitamins packaged using a cellophane wrapper produces less waste than a bottle of vitamins packaged in a box. One large bag of potato chips produces less waste than the variety pack packaged as individual servings.
Bring your cloth shopping bag with you. I keep several in my trunk. If you do not bring a bag in with you and you are able to carry the items out, do so. My favorite line to the cashier is save the planet and don’t use plastic! I get strange looks, but oh well they will hear me sooner or later!
Use lunch boxes instead of brown bags when packing lunch. My co-workers will tell you about my big green lunch box. Make a statement and get a lunch box!
Opt to receive e-bills instead of paper bills, e-statements instead of paper statements, and pay your bills online instead of using checks and envelopes. (You save on postage).
Purchase products packaged with recyclable material – Purchase eggs in a paperboard carton instead of a Styrofoam one. This is huge! I then bring my egg cartons to the local egg farm and they reuse them! I go through four sixteen count cartons of eggs per week. (more…)
Going Green for Retailers
Retailers who think ‘going green’ is just another fad or marketing ploy should think again. Consumers are becoming more aware of their overall impact on our communities. Shoppers are developing more of a green attitude as a way of life and retailers need to be there to meet those needs.
By implementing sustainable practices, retail businesses can become more efficient and save money in the process. The business owner may think the cost and trouble of going green isn’t worth the return, but the fact is each eco-friendly idea retailers adopt can make a huge difference to our planet.
A Plan
Call SLM!
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
Here are a few ways retailers can reduce, reuse and recycle for improved social-responsibility.
- Recycle paper, plastic, aluminum, ink cartridges.
- Reuse packing materials and cardboard boxes.
- Use double-sided printing when possible.
- Reduce paper transactions by going digital for bill payment, vendor ordering, invoices, online banking, e-mail and faxing directly from your computer.
- Eliminate disposable cups, plates and utensils in the break room. Replace with permanent dishware.
- Switch to rechargeable batteries. Large office supply stores even have collection centers for recycling dead rechargeable batteries.
- Use eco-friendly cleaning products that are biodegradable and non-toxic.
- Purchase energy-efficient PCs, printers, and other equipment with the Energy Star label.
- Donate or recycle old computers and equipment.
- Keep up with regular maintenance of all mechanical equipment.
Call a store meeting and share the new business practices with staff. Solicit input and offer employees incentives for submitting green ideas. Reward those staff members that walk, bike or use other alternative methods to get to work.
Enlist the help of store employees with conservation by instituting a policy to turn off equipment when not in use. Other ways to conserve are:
- Use ceiling fans to reduce the use of air conditioners.
- Insulate hot water heaters and lower the temperature.
- Switch to low-energy lighting and compact fluorescent bulbs.
- Recycle light bulbs, ask SLM how
- Put outdoor lighting on timers.
- Install air hand dryers in the restrooms.
- Use low-flow toilets and urinals.
- Set PCs to power-down when not in use.
Banned Bags
One of the biggest environmental issues encompassing the retailer is the use of plastic bags. Paper may be better for the environment but the plastic vs. paper debate continues to leave retailers without an ideal ecological choice when it comes to disposable shopping bags.
To provide shoppers with a low-cost, green solution consider selling reusable bags at cost. Other shopping bag options include products made of industrial post-consumer materials. Certain retailers, depending on the type of product sold, may want to skip the bagging. Many booksellers have opted to forego shopping bags.
Green Marketing
Once you’ve begun to practice sustainability, don’t be keep it a secret. Be sure to announce your new green initiative to customers, staff and even vendors. Let them know the store is committed to saving the environment making responsible choices.
Go Green!
Recycling and the Commercial Kitchen
Restaurants create large portions of food to serve many people. With this large amount of production comes a lot of waste, and waste costs money, both in uneaten or spoiled food and trash fees. Along with the environmental benefits, there are several other reasons for a restaurant to engage in a recycling program.
The Advantages of Recycling
- Recycling is good for business. Customers take notice of and appreciate a restaurant’s efforts to reduce waste, leading to a better public image. This can increase customer loyalty.
- Cheaper trash fees. The fewer times the dumpster needs to be emptied, the less you will have to pay for trash pickup. Just ask me how!
- Reduced purchasing cost. Restaurants with an effective recycling program will have several in-house reusable items, like cloth cleaning rags and reusable flatware. This will reduce the amount of new products that need to be purchased.
Recyclable materials
Aluminum
- Nearly everything aluminum can be made from recycled aluminum.
- Recycling just one ton of aluminum cans saves the energy equivalent of 1,665 gallons of gasoline.
Food Waste
- As much as 40% of all restaurant waste is food waste.
- Food waste can be composted to create a nutrient rich soil additive.
- Farms, greenhouses, even home gardens can benefit from composted food waste.
Cardboard
- Old cardboard boxes can be donated to charities for reuse or sent to a recycling facility to make new cardboard and other paper products.
- Recycling one ton of cardboard saves 460 gallons of oil.
Glass
- Glass can be reused an infinite number of times.
- Anything made of glass can be recycled into new glass products.
- Recycling a single glass bottle saves enough energy to power a 100W light bulb for four hours.
Paper
- All non-glossy paper can be recycled into several products including newspaper, bathroom tissue and kitty litter.
- Every ton of paper recycled saves energy equivalent to 185 gallons of gasoline.
Plastic
- Recycled plastic can be used to create several products ranging from mop heads to t-shirts.
- Five two-liter recycled bottles can produce enough insulation for a men’s ski jacket.
Steel
- Recycled steel can be made into steel cans, building supplies and tools.
- Steel recycling saves enough energy in one year to power 18 million homes for that entire year.
Used fryer oil
- Fryer oil can be turned into bio-diesel, a popular alternative fuel.
- Rather than paying to have your oil taken away, bio-diesel companies are actually paying restaurants for this resource. Ask me how!
Go Green!
