How to Run a Green Small Business Part 8

Now it’s time to move to you restrooms, not because your business is in the toilet, but because in your efforts to green your business you can make a big impact here.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 

   Install Low Flush Toilets
   
   For recent television interview at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, I learned that the organization’s most successful conservation initiative was the low flush toilet. By offering a hundred dollar rebate upon proof of purchase, LADWP spurred the installations across LA. The program had such an impact that water use in the LA basin lagged way behind population growth until the conversion was largely completed. Restroom toilets come in multiple models. Look into whether yours are low flush. If they are not, see if your utility offers a rebate to convert them.

2. Install a new Water heater
   After heating or cooling, your water heater can be the largest energy burner in your workplace. In some industrial applications, like restaurants, steady hot water is a must, but even if you need minimal hot water you should consider replacing your heater if there is any sign of corrosion. If your heater is more than ten years old a newer model could cut your water heating bill in half.
   
   Storage water heaters heat and store water in an insulated tank. They consume fuel even when not in use, since heat is lost to the air from the tank walls. Newer models have better insulation, reducing radiant heat loss. Touch it. If the tank is warm, the simple expedient of adding an insulated blanket will save energy.
   
   Demand water heaters eliminate the tank and don’t heat water until needed. Water is circulated past a series of burners or electric coils that warm water as it passes. Because there is no heat loss from the storage tank, they are more energy efficient and cheaper to operate

3. 

   Better yet, put in a Solar Water Heater
   
   Solar Water Heaters warm your water with free fuel, sunlight. Usually pipes snake through solar collectors which heat the water. They work best in a mild climate where the pipes won’t freeze. Since the heating element is only on part time, you’ll need a well insulated tank and a back up system. Once you’ve installed it, solar hot water heat is surprisingly affordable. Check into whether or not you qualify for government rebates or tax incentives.

4. Use Green cleaners
   
   To keep those restrooms and other areas clean, use green cleaners. You don’t have to scour with poison. Instead, you can clean with material that doesn’t endanger your workers. Most green cleaners will save you money because they can be easily made from surprisingly cheap raw materials that are all readily available in large supermarkets. Here’s a list of non toxic chemicals you can use for cleaning.
   
   • Salt
   • Baking Soda
   • Lemon Juice
   • White vinegar
   • Cream of Tartar, a baking ingredient
   • Carbonate of Soda, also known as washing soda
   • Borax, a natural mineral
   • Hydrogen Peroxide 3% solution
   • Castile liquid soap, made from lye and vegetable oil.
   
   If you use a cleaning service, hire one that uses green cleaners, and employs people with green cards ;)