Leap year does not come around very often – only every four years. Therefore, this auspicious occasion might be a great time to leap into some sustainability projects for your home or business! Here are a few sources to get you started:
Water Conservation
There are many options for water conservation such as landscaping with native plants and those that are drought resistant or check your house or business for water leaks.
- EPA’s WaterSense
- 16 Ways to Be a Better Water Steward – The Frog Blog
- ISTC’s One Billion Gallon Water Challenge
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency/conservation has been around for decades that there can be too much information to know where to start. Try just turning off lights when you leave rooms or getting automatic light sensors.
- EPA’s Energy Star
- U.S. Government’s Energy Efficiency
- ISTC’s Technical Assistance – Energy Efficiency
- ISTC’s Technical Assistance – E3: Economy-Energy-Environment
Zero Waste
Zero waste is more than just donating stuff you do not need any more. It is reducing waste and turning the waste you cannot avoid into a useful product. Examples include composting food scraps from a garden back into the garden or, for industries, recycling a waste from your process back into the production system or improving the process to produce less waste.
- Eco-cycle’s Zero Waste: The Choice for a Sustainable Community
- Zero Waste Alliance
- ISTC’s Technical Assistance – Zero Waste Illinois
Green Business
Looking to take your business to the next level? Sustainability practices can give you the edge over your competitors by helping your bottom line and business your image.