Every little bit helps

The Sustainable Sheboygan Task Force has proposed a “Green Resolution” to Sheboygan’s Common Council in an effort to save 10 percent on the city’s annual energy, fuel, water and product expenses. Based on last year’s expenses in these categories, the city could save at least $230,652 annually.

The following guidelines are examples of what the “Green Resolution” asks city employees to follow. (Any business or organization could also save significantly by following these directives.)

• Turn off computer monitors and copiers each night.

• Eliminate individual printers and do all printing on shared office printers.

• Turn off lights in rooms not in use (including rooms vacated for 15 minutes or more) and use natural light whenever possible.

• Install motion detectors for lights in restrooms, hallways, waiting areas, etc, or put small “Please turn off lights” signs at light switch.

• Promote an “energy conservation” culture among all staff – e.g. turning off power to any unused appliances, equipment, etc.

• Reduce energy use in over-lit areas by turning off half (50%) the switches and/or replacing with energy efficient fixtures and bulbs.

• Standardize temperatures through-out all buildings – 68 degrees maximum in winter and 74 degrees minimum in summer. Dress appropriately.

• Eliminate personal space heaters, coffee makers, refrigerators, etc. Use shared department appliances and turn them off when not in use.

• Require that all fixture changeovers (water, electric and natural gas) satisfy minimum Energy Star and WaterSense rated standards.

• Print double-sided all multi-page documents. Reset margins narrower on all four sides as policy to reduce number of sheets used.

• E-mail everything possible instead of hard copies. Encourage creation of e-mail folders so emails are not printed unnecessarily.

• Ask for or provide large documents and reports on CD’s instead of multiple hard copies. • Promote use of video or telephone conferencing as much as possible.

• Limit engine idling to two minutes (except police and emergency vehicles).

• Coach employees to carry all necessary tools and materials to job sites in one trip and use the most direct routes for pick-ups, deliveries, plowing, etc.

• Match the vehicle with the job – using a smaller vehicle whenever possible.

• Recycle office paper, newspaper, magazines, plastic bottles, cardboard, phone books and other recyclables according to City Recycling Guidelines.

• Encourage employees to bring washable, reusable containers for food and beverages.

These guidelines are not difficult if everyone has the will to change wasteful habits and conditions for the immediate gain of saving money and for the long-term benefit of conserving resources.

Ain’t so?