B2B Resources
Greening Your Industry
How 'green' is your business?
"Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." - Brundtland Commission, 1987
For a small business to be actively involved in a stronger, more sustainable economy in their community, they need to adopt and implement environmentally sound business principles in their workplace. Greening your business is a worthy goal not only for your community, but also for your bottom line. We know that society, the environment, and the economy are interconnected. Many eco-friendly business practices also reduce cost and increase profit while doing good in general.
The following sections offer information to help you put sustainable business concepts into action. The sectors covered are: Restaurant/Food Service, Child Care Facilities, Auto Repair, Construction, General Manufacturing, Retail and General Office.
Restaurants
Many restaurants today are becoming more profitable by adopting environmental practices. Become a Green restaurant by taking steps to conserve natural resources, prevent pollution, and reduce waste. There are some simple steps to help accomplish this along with some innovative ideas that can easily also be adopted.
Buying local is just one way to start the 'green' process. In New Jersey a good example of this marriage of farmer & restaurant is Zone 7, which brings high quality organic and sustainable produce to stores & restaurants. Energy star ratings, ventilation, composting, automatic temperature controls, non toxic cleaning products and enlisting your staff in energy conservation all help to move your restaurant in the 'green' direction. Check out the links below to further your restaruants sustainability inititives. You, your customers and your community will benifit!
DineGreen.com The GRA is a national non-profit organization. It provides a convenient and cost effective way for restaurants to become environmentally responsible. Your restaurant can get certification through this site!
http://www.foodservicewarehouse.com Restaruant equipment and supplies. Also, check out their Commercial Kitchen Certification program. Make sure when buying from them you choose "green" products as they also carry non-green options.
http://www.greenhome.com One stop shop for eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning, paper, lighting and institutional products for your restaurant.
http://greenrestaurantequipment.org/ Interesting blogs about what's new and "green" in the industry. First checked it out as an equipment resource but that just seems to be the name. Worth a read.
Construction
For residential or commercial new construction and/or renovation, becoming aware of the burgeoning array of eco-friendly materials and practices available for you and your client's benefit is critical. The demand for LEEDS and 'green' construction practices is growing. The following links should help get you started or expand your knowledge about green building practices:
USGBC.com The U.S. Green Building Council is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community of leaders working to make green buildings available to everyone within a generation.
GreenAdvantage.org The country’s longest-standing green certification for builders and building-related practitioners, offers three certification exams.
HealthHouse.org. Resource that gives builders information and certification on building new homes that are healthy, safe, durable and energy efficient environments.
Eco-Child Care
Facilities that qualify as Eco-Healthy Child Care create environments for kids that are safe and eco-healthy. Now available in more than 1,300 locations across the US, Canada and Australia!
Child care providers who want to choose environments that are safe, healthy, and free of chemicals of concern. The Eco-Healthy Child Care (EHCC) program ensures that child care settings are as environmentally healthy as possible.
Child care facilities qualify as “Eco-Healthy” by completing a checklist that highlights 30 simple steps that ensure a safe place for children. Eco-Healthy providers commit to reducing children's exposure to toxics and other environmental health hazards. The facility received an endorsement certificate and a poster that let people know of their efforts, and demonstrates their commitment to being eco-friendly to children.
Visit oeconline.org!
Green Automotive Repair
"Green" practices employed by car repair facilities include recycling of tires, batteries, filter, oils, and shop supplies. The Green Automotive Repair Program's goal is to promote environmentally friendly practices by automotive repair facilities in an effort to minimize their impact on the environment.
Learn more - njgreenautorepair.org
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