Make it a Green Christmas

Posted on December 14, 2010 by Simple Changes

Each year there are millions of Christmas greeting cards sent. These cards use many tons of cardboard and paper and only some of them will be recycled. Let’s choose an alternative way to send out Christmas greetings.

Here are a few ideas to consider:

  • choose recycled paper Christmas cards
  • use recovered-fibre envelopes and labels for the cards
  • try environmentally friendly packaging
  • pick a printing company which uses soy ink printing and emission free mills powered by wind power
  • plant a tree as a way to help rebuild the forests
  • send an electronic Christmas card instead

While the electronic Christmas card may not be as exciting as getting an envelope in the mail, it really is helping our planet. It has been our preferred choice and will be again this year.

Enjoy your Green Christmas!

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6 Business Tips to help the Environment

Posted on November 9, 2010 by Simple Changes

Small businesses and large corporations alike are all being encouraged to help the environment and save energy in any way possible. Whether you are an employee or a business owner, we can all make a difference with even small acts.  Here are some common sense ideas to do your part.

  1. Set your computer to go to sleep automatically during breaks or meetings or if un-used for a set period of time.
  2. Turn OFF your computer a night.
  3. Turn off the lights if you will be away for 15 minutes or more.
  4. Leave your blinds open for natural light versus artificial light where applicable, especially in winter.  On hot or warm days, leave the blinds closed as lights drain less energy that the average cooling system.
  5. Use a programmable thermostat and keep your heat set lower (wear layers).  Every single degree saves 3% on energy use.
  6. Use compact florescent lights. A 25 watt compact florescent light bulb throws the same amount of light as a 100 Watt light bulb, but costs ¼ to run the lighting.  Though the bulbs are pricier, many pay for themselves in savings in only one month.

When we all do our small part, it makes a big difference while saving money in the long run.

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