We asked Suzie Ross, chair and co-founder of Green Ossining, for five tips on improving an organization’s environmental impact.
Choose the Right Light
“Whether you are a service-based business or more of a manufacturing-heavy business, using energy-efficient lighting is an easy way to increase sustainability that doesn’t have a tremendous cost associated with it.”
Pay Attention to Paper
“When you are printing or faxing, try to use paper products with a large percentage of post-consumer recycled content. Also, reduce paper mailings since not only are you using a natural resource, but now you are also using transportation to get those paper mailings into the mail.”
Products Matter
“Try to eliminate any unnecessary waste to limit your environmental impact — for instance, the reduction of single-use products. Use Green Seal Certified or naturally derived cleaning products.”
Conserve Energy
“Make an effort to reduce energy waste and usage. There are so many programs out there, like GridRewards, that allow people to reduce their energy usage at peak times, such as during the summer.”
Rethink Your Commute
“If you can take public transportation, like Metro-North, instead of driving or if you can encourage carpooling when possible — anything you can do to reduce single-occupancy vehicle usage is another thing we encourage.”
Related: A Westchester Designer Infuses Holistic Design Into This Colonial Home
