Things You'll Need:
- Solar panel and water reclaim systems (optional)
- Energy efficient washing machines and dryers
- Compact fluorescent lighting
- Vending machine to dispense toxin free detergents
- Receptacle for recyclable materials
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Step 1
Have solar panel and water reclaim systems installed in your laundromat. These will greatly reduce the amount of electricity and water that you use. If this is not feasible for you, continue to Step 2.
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Step 2
Purchase washing machines, dryers and hot water heaters that have the best Energy Star rating that you can find. This will greatly reduce the amount of electricity and gas customers will use to run them.
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Step 3
Use only perennial plants that don't use very much water in your landscaping. Desert plants are ideal. If you can, also plant trees, as this will add extra oxygen to the atmosphere and reduce the carbon footprint of your business.
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Step 4
Provide light in your laundromat with compact fluorescent lighting. Not only do these conserve energy, but you won't need to replace them nearly as often.
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Step 5
Place a vending machine in your laundromat that dispenses earth friendly and toxin free detergent samples only. In addition, you may wish to consider selling full size packages of these products to your customers so that they will be more likely to choose them over other brands.
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Step 6
Post signs in your laundromat encouraging customers to wash lightly soiled items in cold water and remove items from the dryers as soon as they are dry. Explain that your goal is to reduce the laundromat's negative impact on the environment.
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Step 7
Put a receptacle in which customers can place their recyclable trash in your laundromat. Have a sign posted that lists the items they may dispose of. Some examples are empty detergent bottles, in addition to discarded newspapers, soda cans or drink bottles used while they were waiting for their laundry to wash and dry.
