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Complete at least six of the following twelve standards to earn a Green Star Award:
7. Practice conservation of office paper in at least three different ways.
Paper is the largest waste stream generated in almost every work place; it also is one of the easiest waste streams to reduce. Here are some suggestions:
- Copy and print your documents double-sided.
- Communicate electronically and resist the urge to print your emails.
- Circulate and post memos instead of disseminating copies to everyone.
- Use blank sides of once-used paper for faxes, copiers, and printers.
- Use facsimile post-it notes instead of full-page facsimile cover pages.
- Program your computer to accept incoming faxes electronically.
- Proofread documents on the computer screen before printing.
- Use scrap paper for notes and drafts.
8. Incorporate at least three energy-conserving changes in your organization.
Energy conservation is one of the most effective areas to save your business money. Below are some suggestions for energy conservation, see Chapter 6 of Becoming a Green Star for more details:
- Use energy-efficient lamps and light fixtures (compact fluorescent lamps or CFLs use 75-80% the energy of incandescent bulbs and last 10-15 times longer).
- Use natural light whenever possible to reduce lighting costs.
- Reduce lighting in areas that are used infrequently. You can do this by educating staff about turning off unnecessary lighting, by installing switches in numerous convenient areas, and by installing motion sensors or timers to control lights.
- Remove extra lamps and install reflectors to cut electrical usage in overhead fluorescent fixtures.
- Install energy efficient HVAC systems for greatest energy savings. See Chapter 11 of Becoming a Green Star for a list of energy consultants and audit services available.
- Install Energy Management Systems to monitor and control energy use in your facility.
- Provide incentives for employees to use alternative forms of transportation for commuting (provide bus passes, promote carpooling, walking, and riding bicycles to work, etc).
- Coordinate errands to eliminate unnecessary driving.
- When purchasing new company vehicles, make fuel efficiency a prime consideration.
- Maintain vehicles to conserve fuel and prevent pollution—See Chapter 4 of Becoming a Green Star.
- Employ good fuel conservation driving habits (for example, no "jack rabbit" starts).
- Install outlets in your employee parking area so vehicle with block heaters can plug in on cold weather days.
9. Monitor, record, and post utility usage and waste disposal.
By monitoring and recording utility information, such as water and energy use, and waste, you can measure the impact your waste reduction efforts are having. Posting the results will remind employees to keep up their efforts to reduce waste and will underscore company commitment to waste reduction. All it takes is good record keeping. Your Green Star Coordinator could be responsible for this.
- Compile monthly utility bills and waste disposal costs.
- Discuss tracking with your waste hauler to ensure that he/she is providing the most detailed information possible.
- Create a graph or chart illustrating past and current usage patterns.
- Post information in a prominent location, such as an employee break room.
- Provide monthly/quarterly reports to managers or landlords reflecting energy use, water use, and waste disposal to highlight success and continue waste reduction. These reports should include associated costs.
- Install Energy Management Systems to monitor and control energy use in your facility.
- Conduct energy audits or hire consultants to conduct audits and post results.
10. Purchase products and services that are environmentally preferable.
Purchasing decisions affect all other aspects of your operation. Implementing environmentally preferable purchasing will help your business to save money and reduce waste through all stages of the product use and disposal. Environmentally preferable products include those that are durable, reusable, less toxic than traditional products, or use less packaging. Environmentally preferable services may take back, exchange and recycle used products as well. Here are some purchasing suggestions.
- Purchase non-perishables and commonly used products in bulk and select products with the least packaging to reduce packaging waste.
- Buy recyclable products so you can send waste to the recycler instead of to the landfill.
- Work with your suppliers to identify waste preventing products. Suppliers can provide information about recycled-content products, help reduce excess packaging, and recommend durable products.
- Request Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) prior to deciding which chemicals to buy, and select the safest, most non-toxic products.
- Compare energy efficiency ratings on different equipment models in making purchasing decisions.
- Purchase office equipment that is USEPA ENERGY STAR rated. Find out more at www.epa.gov/energystar.
- Purchase durable products that will last longer. These may cost more initially, but over time will save money and reduce waste.
- Purchase reusable items. For example, use ceramic mugs instead of disposable foam or paper cups. In business meetings, lunches, and conferences, use real plates and forks instead of plastic, polystrogrene, or paper.
- When purchasing new equipment or office furniture, donate old items to services that can reuse or re-sell them.
- Consult the Alaska Materials Exchange catalog for high-quality reusable items. The catalog includes metals, plastics, chemicals, office supplies, furniture, construction materials, and many other categories. You can also list your own items in the Exchange for free. An electronic version of the catalog is available at www.state.ak.us/dec/dec_pub.htm, or call (907) 269-7586 for more information.
11. Purchase at least three different types or sources of recycled-content products and materials.
New products made from recycled materials are developed almost daily. Remember, the success of recycling depends not only on individuals filling their recycling bins with aluminum and paper, but also on the development and support of recycled-product markets.
A wide variety of recycled papers are readily available in Anchorage now, and paper companies are making high quality paper stock that’s much more attractive and performs better than the first generation of recycled papers. Here are some ideas of useful recycled paper products:
- Unbleached coffee filters
- Letterhead and stationery
- Copy and computer paper
- Toilet tissue
- Paper towels
- Envelopes
- Business cards
- Posters
Look for the highest percentage of post-consumer waste. For information on how to obtain recycled-content products, consult Chapter 5 and Chapter 11 in Becoming a Green Star.
12. Enhance your maintenance program to improve efficiency and reduce waste in at least three ways.
Every business needs different types of equipment to operate successfully. While one business may rely on office equipment like computers, fax machines, and copiers only, others use company vehicles or heavy machinery. Regardless, it is important to remember that while equipment may be "running fine," it may not be running efficiently—these are two very different concepts. Building maintenance is also important. Use the following suggestions for improved maintenance:
- Check for and repair leaky faucets, faulty seals, drafts and vents (gradual leaks over the long term are often the cause of major water, heat, and energy loss).
- Keep vehicles and other equipment well tuned to maximize fuel efficiency and reduce waste.
- Keep tires inflated properly.
- Caulk and weatherstrip windows seasonally.
- Install thermal window panes to reduce energy loss.
- Reevaluate vehicle preventive maintenance schedules to increase efficiency (see Chapter 4 in Becoming a Green Star).
- Upgrade computers, copiers, and other office equipment as they wear down to more energy efficient models.
13. Separate waste materials for recycling.
Recycling isn’t just the right thing to do these days—it saves energy and uses materials more efficiently. Currently, paper alone takes up as much as 50% of all landfill space, including the Anchorage landfill. By recycling in the work place and at home, waste disposal decreases and our landfill lasts longer. Below are some examples of why recycling makes sense for your business. See Chapter 3 in Becoming a Green Star for a more comprehensive recycling guide.
- Approximately 70% of office paper is recyclable.
- Recycling aluminum cans saves 95% of the energy used in producing aluminum from raw materials.
- The long fibers in corrugated cardboard enable it to be readily processed into new products.
- Recycling avoids the cost of transport and disposal at the landfill (disposal fees alone are $45/ton in Anchorage).
In Anchorage, the following types of office paper are recyclable as office paper:
- Letterhead
- Computer paper
- Copy paper
- Colored ledger paper
- Envelopes
- Adding machine tape
These are recycled as mixed paper:
- Glossy paper
- Paperboard e.g., paper towel rolls
- Ream paper
- File folders
Other recyclable materials include:
- Aluminum cans
- Glass bottles and jars
- Aluminum scrap (pots, pans, scrap)
- Steel cans
- Aluminum foil
- Corrugated cardboard
- Copper and brass scrap (wire, tubing, pipe)
- Tires
- Phone books
- Magazines
- Newspaper
- Toner cartridges
- Plastic bottles and jugs
- Grocery bags
In order to be collected and processed efficiently, these materials must be separated at their sources from non-recyclable waste. You can download labels for your recycling bins and order deskside bins by going to The Tool Box.
After determining the types of recyclable materials your business generates, make it easy for employees to recycle:
- Provide individual recycling containers at each work station to keep recyclable items separate from trash.
- Place large containers in centrally located collection areas.
- Locate storage areas for the recyclable material.
- Contact the Anchorage Recycling Center (562-2267) for information about collection points near your business or contact Anchorage Refuse (563-3717) for collection service. Also, several small recycling collection services in Anchorage can provide service for almost all your recyclables. Consult Becoming a Green Star for further information.
- Designate a monthly or weekly recycling coordinator to monitor recycling in your business.
14. Practice proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials.
Small businesses and households can take their hazardous wastes to the Municipality’s Hazardous Waste Drop-off Station, located at the central Transfer Station at 54th and Juneau in Anchorage. The Transfer Station is open for hazardous materials collection Tues., Thurs., and Sat., 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Loads must be no greater than a pick-up truck can carry and are free of charge.
The Hazardous Waste Collection Center located at the Anchorage Regional Landfill on Hiland Road (Eagle River Loop Exit off Glenn Highway) is open Tues through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Anything more than a pick-up truck load must be taken here and will be prorated $45/ton with a minimum $10.00 fee. Besides proper disposal of hazardous wastes, it is important to store hazardous materials properly. Here are some ideas for things you can do:
- Label your containers clearly so wastes are not mixed (segregation of wastes is important: e.g., if you mix used oil and antifreeze, neither of them can be recycled).
- Bolt shelving to walls, put lips on shelves, and ensure that hazardous wastes are safely and securely stored for earthquake or accident protection.
- Train employees in proper handling of hazardous materials and ensure that appropriate safety equipment is available.
- Train employees in proper handling of hazardous materials and ensure that appropriate safety equipment is available.
- Make MSDSs available.
- Secure all tanks with chains or brackets.
- Ensure that flammable materials are stored in locked flammables cabinets.
The landfill location also has a hazardous materials "swap shop" for half-used paint, pesticides, etc. Call 343-6298 for details.
15. Reduce your use of toxic materials in at least three ways.
The typical business uses many hazardous materials. Once you have identified the materials used in your office, look for non-toxic substitutes. A detailed list is located in Chapter 9 of Becoming a Green Star.
Here are some examples of product substitution and toxics reduction:
- Request soy or water-based products (inks, markers, paints, etc.) instead of petroleum-based products.
- Use water-based correction fluid or cover-up tape.
- Use non-toxic office cleaning products.
- Replace disposable batteries with rechargeable and solar batteries.
- Replace solvents in solvent sinks with less toxic alternatives or use alternative methods of parts washing.
- Ask for non-toxic carpet adhesives when installing new carpet.
16. Establish a litter-free zone in the immediate vicinity of your facility.
A year-round litter-free zone at your business will show Anchorage residents that you promote a city that is "clean and green!" A litter-free zone in your vicinity will heighten community awareness and cooperative efforts between businesses and community members. Here are some examples of maintaining a litter-free zone.
- Establish an employee clean-up day.
- Participate in an annual city-wide clean-up event.
- Provide and maintain trash/recycling bins around your facility.
- Post litter-free zone signs. You can download signs from The Tool Box.
17. Provide waste reduction, recycling, and energy efficiency information to employees.
New information about techniques and equipment available to businesses to help reduce waste and conserve energy is being developed all of the time. Stay up to speed with the new technology by subscribing to publications designed to help businesses and individuals incorporate waste reduction and energy conservation into their everyday operations. Many of these publications are available online with links to other useful sites. Keep a few publications on hand or develop an electronic library to reduce waste and space. Here are some suggested resources:
18. Develop your own waste reduction method different from those listed above.
You know more about your business or organization than anyone else. You know the specific materials, inputs, and processes used and the types of wastes generated. The Green Star Program is sure there are many ideas we have not included in our list of Green Star Standards. You are encouraged to share your innovative pollution prevention, waste reduction, energy conservation, and environmental purchasing ideas with the Green Star Program and other businesses. For examples of creative waste reduction methods, subscribe to our newsletter, E-news.
Your suggestions for implementing the Green Star Standards are always welcome. Let us know your best practices.
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