Margaritaville In
The Green
Mr Ellie Pooh
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There is a growing concern for nature and the
environment, and "Being Green" is part of that concern. Green
is second nature to Margaritaville. From the
bright green lime wedge perched atop a long neck beer to the frozen pale
green margarita in the classic stemmed bowl. From
the arching green palm fronds shading our hammock to the legendary green
flash of a Caribbean sunset. We've left our carbon
footprint on many a sandy shore.
Perhaps too many flip flops…..Truth be known, it’s
not easy being green. It takes a concerted effort
to break old habits. It takes time to educate
ourselves and others It takes an appreciation of
legitimate concern and a sincere approach to correct our current
problems. After all…it’s our own damn fault.
Margaritaville recently conducted a Green Audit
and while our results were favorable, there was still work to be done.
Glass, paper and plastics were obviously being recycled, and many
employees ride bikes to work. But by following our sustainability action
plan, we were able to reduce our electrical bill, extend the life of our
computers and monitors, help our employees with their home appliances,
and feel a little better about ourselves and our effect on the
environment in the process. The following simple, albeit important steps
worked for us and may work for you too:
- Turn off lights when leaving rooms
- Set computers to "sleep"
mode
- Install Compact Fluorescent Light
Bulbs
- Utilize rechargeable batteries
- Automate thermostat
- Maximize email use and minimize
printing
- Use eco-friendly solvents and cleaners
- Switch to eco-friendly office supplies
- Encourage employees to use direct
deposit for paychecks
- Add sustainability information to
website
By increasing the recycled content of our hard copy newsletter,
The
Coconut Telegraph, to 30% we have decreased our wood use by 60 tons, lowered solid waste by nearly
25,000 pounds, and produced 150,000 gallons less of waste water –
resulting in a total annual energy reduction of 286 million BTU’s. By
reducing the amount of energy we reduce greenhouse gas emissions and
help to curtail global climate change
Our printing company is committed to participating in certification programs
such as the Sustainable Forestry Initiative and Forest Stewardship
Council. They have upgraded to state of the art Orion Light Fixtures
throughout their facility, conduct energy and operational audits,
partner with local waste management company and have practically
eliminated all hazardous chemicals and volatile organic compounds from
their operations. |
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