Eco-Hero businesses are committed to incorporating green-focused practices into their operations. There are five important areas where businesses can have a significant impact:
- Use energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting.
- Participate in community solar or other renewable energy sources.
- New building or remodeling should follow energy efficient guidelines.
- Observe recommended thermostat temperatures, avoiding extreme hot or cold.
- Use programmable thermostats.
- Install solar panels.
- Compost food scraps.
- Monitor portions to reduce food waste.
- Source produce from farms that don’t use chemical fertilizers and toxic spraying.
- Use local suppliers and local, seasonal produce as much as possible.
- Eliminate the use of single-serve plastic water bottles.
- Ask customers if they want water before serving or Set tables with water in a glass bottles or carafes.
- Train restaurant employees to turn off water in dishwashing areas when it is not directly being used….don’t leave it running.
- Use earth-friendly, non-toxic cleaning products.
- Source locally to reduce transportation pollution.
- Encourage delivery trucks turn off motors while delivering your products.
- Consider for purchasing an electric or hybrid vehicle for business or personal use.
- Pay attention to the packaging of the products you buy.
- Ship products in eco-friendly packaging.
- Use compostable bags, utensils, napkins, wrappers, and straws.
- Use paper products made from post-consumer material.
- Minimize the use of plastic and Styrofoam.
- Use glass or re-usable plastic glasses at water coolers.
- Encourage customers to bring their own bags and only offer bags that are reusable.
- Reduce gift packaging.