24 Apr Going Green Saves Us Green

Earth Day 2012 was a pallet of every shade of green you could imagine, including a 10 foot walking tree!  But how "green" really is our environment? Are Austin companies really "going green?"

The City of Austin Office of Sustainability would like to help us figure that out, and have offered Green Business classes, speakers and tips to area retailers free of charge.

Here's a few suggestions to get you started:

• sealing and insulating a building can save on an electric bill by 10%
• LED lighting can cut energy costs by 75%
• reflective roofs cut a building's costs by 50%
• drip irrigation reduces water bills and usage by 20-50%
• carpooling can save an employee $3,000/year on gas, and car maintenance
• set minimum standards for office copy paper at 30% post consumer waste recycled material, preferably chlorine free
• look for local vendors and small businesses first to keep money and jobs in Austin and reduce transportation costs
• avoid the use of disposal service ware such as paper plates and cups.  Bring your own mug to work!
• consider purchasing a 3 bin waste system and properly label it: Landfill trash, Recycling (paper) and Organic Compost.
• Start composting at work too!

For more information contact www.austintexas.gov/sustainability

Interested in becoming an Austin Green Business Leader?  Contact:

greenbusiness@austintexas.gov