Sustainability

According to the Department of Environmental Conservation, the days of abundant, cheap energy and seemingly endless supplies of clean water are over. At the same time, demand for energy and water continues to grow.

A solution to these crises requires that everyone make minor and not so minor lifestyle changes. Together, we can collaborate to guarantee that the precious resources of clean water and energy are conserved. Below are some ways you can help save energy and water when you are at work and at home.

Help Save Energy

• Turn off lights when you leave the room or in an unoccupied room
• Notify your manager if lighting fixtures have broken bulbs
• Keep exterior doors and windows closed
• Notify managers if doors and windows are broken
• Shut lights and turn off power to appliances when not in use
  • “Vampire electronics”-TVs, DVD players, computers, monitors, cell phone chargers use energy even when turned off and in “sleep” or “standby mode”
• Going on vacation? Turn your water down to “Vacation” setting
  • No sense keeping 40+ gallons at 120 degrees or more when no one’s around
• Turn your thermostat down 10 degrees when you’re asleep or at work
• Don’t let your car idle
  • Remember that idling equals zero miles per gallon
• Drive correctly
  • Jack-rabbit starts, speeding and tailgating can reduce your gas mileage by 40%

Help Save Water

• Check sinks, faucets, and commodes for leaks. Report leaks to your manager
• Don’t leave water running while cleaning
• Water lawns wisely
• According to EPA, Americans use 7 billion gallons of water per day on lawns
• Use a low-flow showerhead
• Almost a quarter of household water use is for showers
• Get a dual flush toilet
• There are two buttons on the top tank for a half or a full flush
• Look for the WaterSense® label
• Faucets, shower heads and toilets with this label save hundreds of gallons of water a year