By Thomas Sheffield
We have made it. 2015 is here as is the euphoria for another new year. Let the New Year’s resolutions begin. Let’s resolve to lose weight, to exercise, to eat healthy, to pray more, to read more…..etc. We resolved to do all of this in 2014. Did we keep those resolutions and make a lifestyle change? We have a chance to do it again and to make a change this year. There are some simple tweaks we can make in a sustainable way. Planet, profit and people are the areas of concern regarding sustainability. Here are some high yield low effort sustainability initiatives.
Cut back on use of power by using a power strip. Many people fail to realize when the computer, tv and other appliances are plugged in, they are using electricity even when they are turned off. According to U.S. Department of Energy, the average US household spends about $1,900 per year on energy costs. The DOE goes on to say anywhere from 5%-10% is used by devices that are plugged in 24 hours per day. Using a power strip to turn off those appliances when they are not in use could save as much as $190 per year. Sounds like a profitable resolution!
Resolve to use less water. Fix leaks in any sinks, faucets and toilets though out your facility. According to the U.S. Geological Survey website, a slow leaky faucet dripping 30 drops per minute wastes 3 gallons per day or the equivalent of 27 baths per year. The USGS also estimates that the cost per year for one toilet and one leaky faucet is about $20. Another tip is to take showers instead of baths. The average tub takes 70 gallons of water while a 5 minutes shower consumes 10-15 gallons. If we take longer showers, we will still use less water.
Let’s resolve to be a better citizen. Let’s resolve to use the savings from energy and water use to invest in our communities. Those savings can be invested in a way to obtain a residual benefit. There are many opportunities to help our neighbors. Volunteering with a local nonprofit is a great way to ensure a sustainable future. Reinvesting where we live, work or play it increases the value of the community. Resolve to educate ourselves to learn about our neighbors and about how our government works. These are things that we cannot depend on anyone else to do. We will have to do it ourselves. We can all stand to resolve to do better. The good news is no one person will be the only one reaping the rewards!!! After all, the reason we make resolutions is to improve our presence on earth and we can do it one step at a time. If these things inspire you, and you need help keeping or making sustainable resolutions, please feel free to contact me thomsustainableconsulting@gmail.com. Or you can follow me on Twitter @tcsheff.
