Ten Things You Can Do to Get Green NOW

Conserve Energy and Water

  1. Use low flow pre-rinse spray nozzles at the dish machine. (Your dish detergent supplier may provide low flow pre-rinse nozzles.)
  2. Use Energy Star compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) instead of incandescent bulbs in store-rooms, break rooms, offices, wall sconces, kitchen exhaust hoods and walk-in refrigerators.  Buy them at a discount through Com Ed.
  3. Use ultra low-flow toilets and flow restrictors on restroom faucets.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

  1. Buy products in returnable, reusable or recyclable containers.
  2. Recycle food*, cardboard, paper, glass, metal and plastics. (The GCRC will present comprehensive recycling options shortly.)
  3. Buy recycled-content paper products whenever possible, including hand towels, napkins, office and food service uses.
  4. Stop using Styrofoam and all other products labeled #6. Use take-out containers that can be composted (paper) or recycled (#1 and #2 plastics, aluminum).

Pollution Prevention

  1. Properly maintain grease traps and kitchen hoods to prevent overflows and emissions to the sewer and storm drain systems.
  2. Go 100% smoke free now, instead of waiting until Jan. 1, 2008.
  3. Use organically or sustainably produced foods in the kitchen. For more information vist Green City Market.

Adapted from the Bay Area Green Business Program website, with thanks to ABAG Director, Ceil Scandone.