Everyone should sit up and listen to the clamor for more environment-friendly lifestyle and ways of doing business. Already we have seen the catastrophic effects of climate change, demonstrated with great impact by the unprecedently hot summer days and phenomenally strong typhoons and other climate change occurrences.
Granting that climate change is a mammoth issue, there are still small things we can in the level of households and small factories and stores that can lessen the carbon footprints we contribute to greenhouse gases which is a major component of climate change.
Businesses must remember that going green will promote good will among buyers, customers and other business associates, aside from making the planet less endangered for future generations.
Here are suggestions from landscape artist Dickie Altavas, architect Amado de Jesus, and engineer/UP professor Alexis Acacio.
Turn off unnecessary lights and use energy-saving lighting. – When morning comes, be sure your turned off the lights you turned on during the night for security reasons. If there’s enough sunlight during the day, is it all that necessary to turn on a lamp bulb?
Energy-saving LED (lighting) is recommended for both household and business use. Though the initial costs of these bulbs may be higher, you ultimately realize savings because it consumes less electricity and last way longer.
Between fluorescent and incandescent light bulbs, prefer the former for its energy efficiency.
Paint your roof white – White color on the house, store of factory roof will prevent heat transition and consequently result in reduced energy consumption.
Plant trees and other greens around and attract birds to your building – Trees provide shade and a buffer between where you live and the harsh sunlight. Make your surroundings bird-friendly by using hollow logs and building bird houses. Birds consume weed seeds, pests and insects while pollinating flowers and disseminating valuable plant seeds.
Easy on the water – Optimize use of water, whether for home or business use.
Avoid turning the water faucet at full volume, whether you are washing your hands, washing the dishes, or cleaning some tools or equipment. A steady, moderate downpour is always efficient.
Have you heard of the “gray water” system? This refers to the recycyling of water from sinks and from the shower to use for watering plants and other “irrigation” purposes.
When taking a bath, try to cut down shower time. Ten minutes in the shower may be wasteful.
Moderate ACU use – Avoid setting your aircon thermostat too low. Ordinarily, a setting from 24 to 26 degrees centigrade is enough to make a room comfortable for several people.
Needless to say, a room with airconditioning must be sealed as much as possible to maximize the cool air circulating.
Practice waste segregation – Not yet segregating your trash? It’s high time you do this. This simply means dividing your trash to wet and dry and, if possible, providing recycling bins for recyclable materials like paper, cans, bottles, and other non-synthetic packaging materials. It is also prescribed to collect leftover food separately to prevent spread of bacteria.
Reducing consumption in business.
Entrepreneurs can reduce energy expenditures further by encouraging employees and staff to practice mindful consumption. Ask them to turn out lights and shut down equipment when not in use. When the weather is cool, air-conditioning may be turned off or set at higher temperature. Teach them about recycling. Ask them to use, whenever possible, “scratch” or recycled paper when copying documents, scribbling notes, or writing down drafts.
Sources: Tessa Salazar, 5 things you can do to reduce global carbon footprint, PDI; 365 ways to live green, Notepage.net