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Updated on February 25, 2023
This Saturday, April 22, 2017, is Earth Day, a global celebration that is honored in 141 countries by millions of people. It was first celebrated on this day in 1970 as a way to bring attention to our greatest asset – the environment!
How Can Your Business Get Involved?
Each year, businesses and individuals are motivated by Earth Day to reduce their carbon footprint and lead greener lives. Everyone is encouraged to “make their own acts of green” this year by incorporating a new environmentally friendly practice into their lives or omitting a wasteful one. Incorporating greener practices saves money, resources, and attracts more customers. A recent survey found that 84% of consumers worldwide seek out businesses and products that are eco-friendly.
Save the Trees and Energy
Trees are the environment’s natural air filters; one large tree can provide a day’s worth of oxygen to four people and absorb 13 pounds of carbon each year. Unfortunately, it takes 17 trees, 7,000 gallons of water, 464 gallons of oil, and 42 gallons of gasoline to create one ton of virgin paper towels. Making the switch to either 100% recycled paper towels or automatic air hand dryers reduces the amount of natural resources needed, creates less air pollution, and saves trees. However, because some air hand dryers consume a high amount of energy, it is important to choose a low-energy, high-efficiency unit.
Reduce Water Usage
Water is a precious resource that needs to be conserved, as only 2.5% of the Earth’s water is fresh and of that, only 1% of it is accessible to people. Fortunately, there are fixtures available that make using conserving easy for everyone. Automatic low-flow faucets can use up to 70% less water than manually operated ones, while waterless urinals can save 40,000 gallons of water per year. All in all using less water means reducing sewage and water costs for your business.
Prevent Flushed Products from Contaminating the Environment
A hands-free sanitary disposal unit will prevent feminine hygiene products (pads and tampons) from blocking pipes and spreading harmful bacteria into your local water supply when they are flushed down the toilet. Providing users with proper receptacles will keep these items out of the water, prevent them from causing plumbing problems for your business, and lessen your impact on water treatment plants.
Fresh Air Inside and Out
Poor air quality can make asthma symptoms and other respiratory problems worse, irritate eyes, and cause headaches. Keeping our air clean is necessary for human health; however, people spend 87% of their time indoors, so maintaining excellent indoor air quality is important too. As approximately 71% of consumers perceive unpleasant smells as a sign of improper cleaning, air fresheners often become necessities. Refreshing your business with an air freshener that is free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is a safe and eco-friendly way to combat unpleasant smells without affecting customers and employees. You may even want to go one step further and invest in both air fresheners and air purifiers for your business.
Pursuing a green act is a simple way to let everyone know that your business cares about the environment and is committed to having less of an impact. We are using up our natural resources faster than the Earth can replenish them, which makes now the time to take action!
