Table of Contents
Last Updated on February 14, 2023
People use natural resources to live, work, and operate their homes and businesses. However, the growing world population has made decreasing our impact necessary. Currently, these natural reserves are being used at a high rate of 160%. The good news is that by reducing the use of one, others can also be conserved, and it is more cost-efficient to be green! Check out four assets that businesses need to start saving today.
Water
In the last 50 years, the world population has doubled and water usage has tripled; however, the amount that is safe and accessible has not changed. Only 2.5% of Earth’s water is fresh, and of that, just 1% is available for drinking. In facilities, such as hospitals, offices, hotels, schools, and restaurants, 30-45% of usage occurs in the restroom. This impact can be significantly reduced with automatic faucets, which use 70% less water than manual ones, and waterless urinals, each of which saves 40,000 gallons per year.
Trees
Trees are natural air and water filters, and shield their surrounding areas from excess heat. Unfortunately, about 15 billion trees are cut down every year and an estimated 4 billion are used in paper production. Other resources, such as water, oil, and gasoline are used up in this process too, not to mention that deforestation hurts causes 12-17% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Products that help to minimize paper use, such as automatic hand dryers, automatic paper towel dispensers, and toilet seat covers can save more than just forests.
The Air and Ozone Layer
By polluting the air we are damaging a vital resource for plant, animal, and human life. Replacing products that cause indoor and outdoor air pollution with safer alternatives will preserve our atmosphere and ozone layer as well, which acts as a natural shield against powerful UV rays.
High levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air can cause short-term health effects including headaches, dizziness, and respiratory irritation. Choosing low-VOC air fresheners and neutralizers will safeguard users and help establishments reduce their impact.
Electricity
Studies show that most of the energy wasted in North America is a result of technological inefficiency. According to Forbes, a shocking amount used in North America simply goes to waste, “57% of the energy flowing into our economy, whether from oil, coal, natural gas, or renewables, is simply wasted as heat, noise and leaks…” As electricity is created with the use of fossil fuels (oil, coal, and natural gas), it leads to air pollution. Energy-saving devices, like automatic hand dryers that use 80% less power than standard models can help.
Make a Change Today
The right products can make saving resources so easy that customers and employees do not even notice. Regularly scheduled services will not just maintain these fixtures to keep them in top-working order, but will also keep cleaning staff from having to perform extra work. Help you business save on utility costs and help the planet today!
