Image courtesy of USFS Region 5 on Flickr
Large companies and businesses are recognizing that they not only have a responsibility toward helping the environment, but that the active effort to uphold this responsibility can yield substantial benefits for the business itself. Going green helps reduce costs as less energy and resources are consumed.
Take the company Dole for example. Dole is looking to minimize its carbon footprint through several environmental projects. To prevent overuse of water, they are currently using soil moisture sensors to detect when water is actually needed and they recycle their water for irrigation. Dole has also made sure the vehicles and equipment they use have energy-efficient motors. Mapping and analyzing their carbon emissions has become a part of their effort to greener, more sustainable solutions. Dole also follows the “Reuse or Recycle” policy in an effort to produce minimal waste.
Companies are not the only one’s flourishing off this idea, but active leaders like Margarita Lopez, NYCHA Environmental Coordinator, in public housing are pushing for greener living for residents. In a recent talk at the Planters Grove Opening, Margarita Lopez claims going green in public housing is about sustainability. She is currently working towards showing NYC residents ways that they can go green. At the same event, NYCHA chairman John Rhea mentioned that they have a duty to give back to the community and to expand open, green space for residents. Not only will greener, more sustainable living create a healthier community for all, but it will also help save money that can be used towards improving public housing.