Eco-Catalyst: reduce, reduce, reduce

Sometimes the best use is no use at all.
Let’s face it – we’re a nation of consumers. We have taken the abundance of our resources for granted far too long. And still, it heartens me to know that the cry to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle has never been stronger. This was evident to me as I participated in the first annual Green Festival here in Denver, CO May 2nd and 3rd of this year. The event drew over 23,000 participants and 94% of all show waste was diverted from the landfill.
(More at http://www.greenfestivals.org/denver/event-updates/denver)

But we have a long way to go. Few people realize that while the words Reduce, Reuse, Recycle are depicted as circular and continuous steps, the most effective in lowering the impact of our actions on the environment is reduce.

So, how can businesses contribute?

Reduce consumption
One obvious target is lighting. By retrofitting the lighting in five of its distribution centers to use energy-efficient, brighter, and motion-activated bulbs and fixtures, Limited Brands, Inc expects to save $775,000 annually and has improved working conditions for their associates. (More at http://www.genewscenter.com/content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=7037&NewsAreaID=2)

Managing how IT systems are deployed and maintained (from data center to desktop) can also be a major opportunity for reduced consumption. One example is the recent implementation of a patented cold-aisle containment system in Yahoo datacenters, lowering their Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) numbers to competitive levels.
(More at http://www.datacenterknowledge.com/archives/2009/06/24/yahoos-unstealths-its-data-center-efficiency/)

Not all reduction efforts need to be this extensive. Businesses can start at any level to make small changes such as turning off lights when not in use and installing energy efficient office equipment.

Reduce waste
We have all seen the ‘consider the environment’ tagline on emails to discourage the irresponsible use of paper at the office. I can’t tell you how many times I have witnessed the disposal of hand-outs the moment a meeting is adjourned. What a waste! If you must print, consider printing only essential pages and printing on both sides of the paper. Paper products can contribute as much as 1/3 of all office waste. This, of course also includes the products used in the kitchen, which might easily be replaced by reusable products such as mugs for drinking your morning coffee.
(Some good tips/info available at http://www.reduce.org/)

Discarded ink and toner cartridges generate 40 million pounds of unnecessary waste annually. According to true green @work – 100 ways to make the environment your business, if properly procured, “there’s no good reason a cartridge can’t be reused up to four times.”

Reduce impact
The net effect of reducing consumption and waste is a reduced impact on our environment. Many consider reductions and efficiencies in the way we use our resources – energy, water, etc – to be the single, most effective course for addressing current environmental sustainability issues.

While we have seen changes over the last year, driven largely by the economic downturn, let’s not let the amount of green in our wallets be the only catalyst to greening our world.