Below are some suggestions on making your business more sustainable.
Important Changes
Post a sign above sink area for employees that reads, "Don't dump hazardous chemicals, fats, oils, or grease down the sink or sewer" and educate employees on proper disposal methods.
Participate in a community creek clean-up, Adopt-a-Highway, and/or open space clean-up program.
Prevent potential company pollution by cleaning litter around your facility, providing adequate ash trays, routinely checking and maintaining company vehicles, and limiting access to hazardous products.
Distribute educational materials on storm water pollution prevention to employees and customers.
Use cleaning and landscaping supplies that are either green seal certified or non-toxic, if available. Ensure that management is trained on the differences between safe and unsafe cleaning products.
Equipment Changes
Keep storm drain protection devices on hand for quick spill response.
Replace equipment containing mercury with non-mercury alternatives. Properly dispose of mercury-containing equipment as hazardous waste.
Replace standard fluorescent lights with low or mercury free fluorescent lights.
Ensure that dumpsters are maintained and leak free. Repair when needed.
Use rechargeable batteries in appliances instead of disposable batteries.
Change HVAC air filters every three months.
Facilities Changes
Label on-site storm drains with, "No dumping, flows to creek", message.
Install secondary containment or berm around outdoor liquid storage and transfer areas to capture spills or leaks.
Install a storm water capture system.
Install a grease trap or interceptor at your facility.
Use low emitting materials when making facility changes including: adhesives, carpets, coatings, paints, and sealants.
Install and utilize a carpet tile system.
Install shut-off valves at storm drains on property or keep temporary storm drain plugs on hand for quick spill response.
For facility maintenance buy recycled paint and low VOC products when available.
Practice Changes
Post signs at dumpster to remind employees to keep the lids closed.
Post signs at all trash cans and dumpsters discouraging the disposal of liquids.
Have a storm water pollution prevention plan and storm water monitoring program.
Keep a log of daily best management pollution prevention practices.
Store deliveries, supplies and equipment kept outdoors under a roof or cover.
Use a certified green gardener and/or pesticide agent for landscaping and building maintenance.
Use landscaping to prevent erosion.
Routinely clean dumpster area and dispose of spent wash water appropriately.
Participate in a local storm drain marking program.
Eliminate the use of chemical pesticides by correcting and eliminating attractants or harborage for pests.
Regularly check and maintain storm drain openings and basins that are located on the property. Keep litter, debris, and soil away from storm drains. Ensure a thorough inspection prior to the first rain.
Buy paper products that are unbleached (no chlorine).
Purchase necessary hazardous products in the smallest quantities possible.
Require in janitorial contracts that safer and less toxic cleaning products are used to clean your facility.
Provide a household battery collection box for employees in your office and dispose of them properly.
Use a chalkboard or whiteboard with VOC free water based markers to list specials.
Use recycled or remanufactured laser and copier toner cartridges.
Reuse or recycle all "Universal Waste" at a proper disposal site.
Utilize a resource such as www.GoodGuide.com when purchasing products to ensure sustainable sourcing.
Utilize the City of Chico Clean Water Businesses.
