Light pollution is the result of artificial light illuminating the night sky. Reducing light pollution is the least expensive, most identifiable, and easiest green strategy your company can implement.

For many years, astronomers and star-gazing enthusiasts have complained about city lights impacting their ability to see stars at night.

Surprisingly, the loss of a star-filled sky has a domino effect on our ecosystem. Did you know light pollution affects human sleep patterns, migration paths of birds, and the mating and hunting cycles of other wildlife?

The continuous use of artificial lighting is not just an environmental issue. It also impacts your bottom line.  Just think of the money you could save on your electricity bill by following a few best practices.

Traditional incandescent and halogen lighting emits approximately 95% of the power it consumes as heat rather than as visible light. Using additional power to emit less light is a perfect example of energy waste.

The secret is to shroud horizontal and vertical light to focus light in the direction you need it...which is down towards the ground. This reduces the power required to emit light from the bulb—saving you money and still providing the light where you need it.

In addition, investing in fluorescent or LEDs (light emitting diodes) will further reduce power consumption while still providing adequate lighting. Designed to emit very little heat, these types of bulbs use energy to emit more visible light than heat.
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Recycling is the process of transforming used materials into new products. It is also the most familiar green strategy.

Even with all of the information and programs out there, it is amazing how many businesses do not have an official recycling program for paper, electronics, beverage containers, hazardous materials, and other recyclable items.

Even more commonly, businesses with successful recycling programs fail to promote their achievements to external stakeholders.

More and more consumers are shopping for green products and supporting green companies. To address public concern and keep up with market demands, it’s in your best interest to develop a green strategy for your company.

Waste management agencies can help you create and promote a corporate recycling program, and get you started on a green strategy that works for you and the environment.
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Restoration initiatives involve repairing and renewing land that has been lost or degraded.

More people on the planet equals more land use. It’s just that simple. People need places to live, places to work, and food to eat. All of this growth impacts soil erosion, water tables, vegetation, and more.

The most common restoration projects are spearheaded by government and resource management organizations. For example, construction companies can offset their land development by working with natural resource professionals to design with “green in mind”. Something as simple as sponsoring groups who plant trees is a great first step to developing a green strategy.

A few other ideas include growing trees around lighting fixtures to reduce light pollution, and composting employee lunches to use in landscaping projects. A greened lot scrubs carbon from the atmosphere, shades steel and concrete, and is a billboard for you that highlights your organization's concern for the environment.

To get started, you can work on community sponsorship possibilities or you can join local downtown business associations to create a regional green plan.
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