There is a strong rising importance for different organizations to go green. The focal point of going green has mainly attributed to a better understanding of ecological cost aside from economic cost.
But there are some more important points to be brought out when "going green" is discussed. Green is not just choosing products with a "green" label, it is a lifestyle, and a thought process, that makes us reflect on the very basic point. ECOLOGICAL COST.
Ecological cost's currency is carbon footprint. But just like in economics, Dollars is not the only denomination. In ecological sense, there is an addition of the different types of toxic chemicals, the efficient use of nature in keeping environmental balance, and the overall positive lifestyle impact. If we take all these things into consideration, it may sound overwhelming, but it actually is very simple.
Some important pointers to understand are the following...
- Going green means using products that can be disposed without causing harm to the environment. If the product being disposed on land can kill a human, then it is toxic and not environmental.
- Less is more with going green. Lesser packaging, lesser maintenance, and longer life (meaning, lesser replacements) makes something more environmental.
- In many situations, if it makes ecological sense, it actually makes economical sense. By using less resources, we put less burden on the environment, and since less resources is used, then our cost of consumption goes down as well. Going green is using less energy, using less water, using less fuel.
I have talked to a few very notable individuals whose aim is to sincerely go green in their different facilities. It is encouraging to discover that people really do want to go green. This is not just for the marketing opportunity, but most importantly, due to the understanding that the environment does matter. Many have opted to better understand their energy consumption by understanding how to manage their energy. They now look into reducing water consumption through sincere waterless urinal system or low water consumption showerheads. They also now understand how much their lighting can contribute to their energy bill. This impact can now be managed and looked into.
What is found to be impressive is that the simplest things do make a startling difference. One of the facilities currently uses a drinking water fountain with a water filtration system to reduce or eliminate the need for bottles for water. They have also taken the initiative to put plants within the facility to improve air quality.
In many cases, some of the simplest renovations do make a big impact as well. Looking for heat leaks within the facility and eliminating them reduces the load for cooling machineries. Increasing the temperature of the cooling system by 2 degrees, up to 27 or 28 degrees, does make a large impact on energy savings. Fixing leaks in toilets also save a lot of money aside from valuable water. These important facets in design create and contribute to a more environmental workplace.
Aside from choosing the right products and fixing areas of concern, lifestyle also has to adapt an environmental attitude. Wireless energy monitoring systems help determine the current energy consumption and be better managed from its source. It was noted that people who are aware of their energy consumption can save up to 20% on energy consumption. But it even goes further, taking 2 minutes less in the showerhead can save a lot of money and energy as well, up to 300 watt hours on heating and 4 gallons of water on efficient showerhead systems. They might sound like minor adjustments, but they do create a large impact on our lifestyle.
Going green, therefore, is an awareness, it is a new insight that has to be understood that another dimension does exist when it comes to our lifestyle. It is a decision, an option, but a very rewarding one. After all, our own decisions become our own impact. Going green is not just a lifestyle to save the Earth, it is a lifestyle to save ourselves.
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