Monthly Green Initiatives
Inspired by Earth Day, Earth Hour and Energy Conservation Week, we plan to introduce a new green initiative each month, or to highlight something that we are doing which is already green. The intended result will be that we continue to think of how we can do things more efficiently and responsibly in a way that we can incorporate into our day-to-day routines. Join us by thinking of what your own monthly green initiative might be!
- April 2009: Double-siding copies wherever possible.
- May 2009: Turn lights off when leaving a room.
- June 2009: Turn computers and accessories off at the end of the day.
- July 2009: Thinking about the placement of our recycling and garbage bins to make recycling convenient and habitual.
- August 2009: Windows and curtains down to keep the heat of the sun out at the end of the day.
- September 2009: Keep exterior doors and doors between zones closed as much as possible so that the building can run more efficiently as well as maintain required temperature and humidity levels.
- October 2009: Members and volunteers are now being given the option of viewing Grey Matter electronically rather than receiving a paper copy.
- November 2009: Recycled items are being used for children’s craft activities.
- December 2009: Expaning our recycling efforts: styrofoam, electronic items, scrap metal with trips to the transfer station.
- January 2010: Washing and reusing cotton gloves.
- February 2010: Staff purchase of Reverse Osmosis system for lunchroom to eliminate need for bottled water.
- March 2010: Reduced price with own mug for staff coffee in lunchroom.
- April 2010: Option to use china tea cup for refreshments at our lecture series.
- May 2010: Trees! 175 trees have been planted in Moreston Heritage Village this spring: cedar, white birch, white pine and white spruce; 150 white pine seedlings were given to visitors in recognition of Earth Day; 65 white pine seedlings were distributed to students who participated in the Third Annual Grey Roots Heritage Fair.
- June 2010: Experimenting with more energy-efficient LED and compact florescent lighting in some exhibit cases and in other places throughout the building.
- July 2010: A switch to more eco-sensitive lawn treatment for 2010.
- August 2010: Purchase of a battery charger to allow for the use of rechargeable batteries where possible.
- September 2010: Scrap paper bin in the copy room for lists, notes etc.
