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Green Business Application for Restaurants and Grocers

Complete Application & Checklist and click "SUBMIT".

Submission Date (mm/dd/yy):

Business Name:

Contact Name:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Phone:

E-mail:

Fax:

Green Business Checklist for Restaurants and Grocers

In order to be certified as a Green Business, you are required to meet the first 3 conditions. These conditions must be checked to proceed.

Comply with all environmental regulations applicable to your business;

Allow site visits to verify that your business meets the minimum criteria in submitted checklist;

Pledge to continue and expand these efforts to prevent urban runoff/stormwater pollution, minimize waste, and conserve resources.

Water Efficiency & Urban Runoff

Understand your water bill and review it for indications of leaks, spikes, or other problems.

Regularly check for and repair water leaks.

Clean all outdoor areas, with a broom and damp mop instead of a hose.

Use dry cleanup methods for spills around the building or the area with grease barrels and the dumpster. Keep absorbent materials on hand for this. Dispose of the used material by placing in a sealed bag into the dumpster.

Pour all mop water and other wastewater into utility or mop sinks. Never dump washwater onto paved areas, storm drains, or near waterbodies.

Do not hose off or wash cars, equipment, floor mats or other items where runoff water flows into the storm drain; if possible, direct water to landscaped areas.

Ensure that dumpsters and grease barrels are located away from storm drains. Ensure that the dumpsters and grease barrels have tight fitting lids and that the dumpster plugs are in place. Keep the receiving areas and dumpsters clear of litter.

Have grease traps regularly serviced to prevent clogs. Inspect grease traps after pump-out.

Recycle grease and oil into sealed containers. Never pour into sinks, floor drains, paved areas, storm drains, or waterbodies.

Use refillable amenity dispensers rather than individual containers for soap, where possible.

Use biodegradable soap.

As replacement is necessary, install pre-1992 toilets with more efficient alternatives.

As replacement is necessary, install high efficiency faucet aerators.Operate dishwashers only when fully loaded.

Use cleaners and detergents that are biodegradable and do not contain phosphates.

As replacement is necessary, install water efficient clothes washers.

In restaurants and bars, serve water only upon request.

Post signs in restrooms encouraging water conservation.

Educate staff regarding the hazards of urban runoff and how to prevent runoff.

Maintain environmental information (display, brochure) for guests and staff with

current information on what your business is doing to reduce environmental

impacts. Can include tips, and solicit suggestions from customers.

Pollution Prevention & Waste Reduction

Locate all potential pollutants away from food service and food storage areas, sewer drains and storm drains.

Use landscaping to prevent erosion problems especially during construction or remodeling.

Plant native plants and use organic lawn care products.

Fertilize the lawn only in the Fall.

Redirect downspouts towards landscaped areas where possible.

Install a cistern or rain barrel to catch rainwater.

Recycle fryer oil used in food preparation.

Choose recycled content products regularly stocked in your business:

Office paper – minimum 30% post-consumer recycled content

Letterhead & business cards

Envelopes

Post-It notes

Paper towels

Napkins

Menus

Toilet Paper

Refurbished furniture & equipment

Construction materials when building or remodeling: paint, insulation, concrete, lumber/wood, flooring, tile, carpet, etc.

Install air hand dryers in restrooms.

Purchase produce at the local Farmers Market.

Purchase supplies and condiments in bulk.

Switch from Styrofoam to biodegradable “to go” food containers such as paper or bio-based plastics.

Recycle food and beverage containers: glass, plastic, and aluminum containers.

Order supplies by phone or e-mail.

List specials on chalkboard or use less toxic, water-based white board markers.

Use rechargeable batteries whenever possible, instead of disposable alkalines. Recycle all batteries.

Keep a stack of previously used paper near phones and printers for drafts, scratch paper, etc.

Reuse envelopes and file folders.

Select products shipped with less packaging and/or easily recyclable packaging.

Recycle or reuse the following: cardboard, mixed paper, newspapers, office paper.

Make two-sided printing and copying standard practice in your business.

Design marketing materials that require no envelope – simply fold and mail.

Use old newspapers or other environmentally friendly packaging materials or reuse packaging peanuts, boxes, and other materials from your own incoming orders.

Lease, rather than purchase computers and printers.

Send used toner and ink jet cartridges back to the manufacturer or recycling center.

Energy Efficiency

Use energy efficient light bulbs, such as compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), which are suitable for offices, restrooms, stock rooms, kitchens, etc.

Use electrical equipment with energy saving features (e.g., Energy Star) and ensure that energy reduction settings are enabled.

Install programmable thermostat. Set thermostat to 76 degrees F for cooling, 68 degrees for heating, and use the thermostat’s night setback.

Always turn off lights when leaving a room and post reminders.

Use ceiling fans to promote air circulation and reduce the need for air conditioning, when practical.

Insulate water heaters, storage tanks, and hot water pipes.

Utilize plug load controllers to turn off idling equipment after working hours.

Plant native shrubs or trees near windows for shade.

Shop at local businesses within close proximity.

Use a solar water heater (with back-up system).

Install solar panels.

Replace exit signs with LED or high-efficiency alternatives.

Use space below to include supporting information about measures checked, or to include additional measures not listed in the checklist.

If you have any questions, please contact: Regina Rochez at 410-267-0337, corsicariver@hotmail.com or Eva Kerchner at 410-758-4463.

Green Business Application for Office and Retail

Complete Application & Checklist and click "SUBMIT".

Submission Date (mm/dd/yy):

Business Name:

Contact Name:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Phone:

E-mail:

Fax:

Green Business Checklist for Office and Retail

In order to be certified as a Green Business, you are required to meet the first 3 conditions. These conditions must be checked to proceed.

Comply with all environmental regulations applicable to your business;

Allow site visits to verify that your business meets the minimum criteria in submitted checklist;

Pledge to continue and expand these efforts to prevent urban runoff/stormwater pollution, minimize waste, and conserve resources.

Water Efficiency & Urban Runoff

Understand your water bill and review it for indications of leaks, spikes, or other problems.

Regularly check for and repair water leaks.

Clean all outdoor areas, with a broom and damp mop instead of a hose.

Use dry cleanup methods for spills around the building or the area with grease barrels and the dumpster. Keep absorbent materials on hand for this.

Dispose of the used material by placingin a sealed bag into the dumpster.

Pour all mop water and other wastewater into utility or mop sinks. Never dump washwater onto paved areas, storm drains, or near waterbodies.

Do not hose off or wash cars, equipment, floor mats or other items where runoff water flows into the storm drain; if possible, direct water to landscaped areas.

Ensure that dumpsters are located away from storm drains.

Ensure that the dumpsters have tight fitting lids and that the dumpster plugs are in place.

Keep the receiving areas and dumpsters clear of litter.

Never throw oil and grease and other liquids into dumpster –provide alternative disposal locations for these substances and dispose of in accordance with local laws.

Use refillable amenity dispensers rather than individual containers for soap, where possible.

Use biodegradable soap.

As replacement is necessary, install pre-1992 toilets (>3.5gpf) with more efficient alternatives (1.28gpf.)

As replacement is necessary, install high efficiency faucet aerators (not to exceed .5gpm.

Reduce water pressure to no higher than 50 psi by installing pressure reducing valves.

Use cleaners and detergents that are biodegradable and do not contain phosphates.

Post signs in restrooms encouraging water conservation.

Educate staff regarding the hazards of urban runoff and how to prevent runoff.

Maintain environmental information (display, brochure) for customers and staff with current information on what your business is doing to reduce environmental impacts. Can include tips, and solicit suggestions from customers.

Pollution Prevention & Waste Reduction

Know the property boundaries, and where storm water from the property goes.

Locate all potential pollutants away from sewer drains and storm drains.

Use good material storage practices - avoid toxic materials to the extent possible. Cover stockpiled materials.

Use landscaping to prevent erosion problems especially during construction or remodeling.

Plant native plants and use organic lawn care products.

Fertilize the lawn only in the Fall. (Does not fertilize)

Redirect downspouts towards landscaped areas where possible.

Install a cistern or rain barrel to catch rainwater.

Choose recycled content products regularly stocked in your business:

Office paper – minimum 30% post-consumer recycled content

Letterhead & business cards

Envelopes

Post-It notes

Paper towels

Napkins

Menus

Toilet Paper

Refurbished furniture & equipment

Construction materials when building or remodeling: paint, insulation, concrete, lumber/wood, flooring, tile, carpet, etc.

Install air hand dryers in restrooms.

Purchase produce at the local Farmers Market.

Purchase supplies and condiments in bulk.

Order supplies by phone or e-mail.

Use rechargeable batteries where possible, instead of disposable alkalines. Recycle batteries.

Keep a stack of previously used paper near phones and printers for drafts, scratch paper,

Reuse envelopes and file folders.

Select products shipped with less packaging and/or easily recyclable packaging.

Recycle or reuse the following: cardboard, mixed paper, newspapers, office paper.

Make two-sided printing and copying standard practice in your business.

Design marketing materials that require no envelope – simply fold and mail.

Use old newspapers or other environmentally friendly packaging materials or reuse packaging peanuts, boxes, and other materials from your own incoming orders.

Lease, rather than purchase computers and printers.

Send used toner and ink jet cartridges back to the manufacturer or recycling center.

Energy Efficiency

Use energy efficient light bulbs, such as compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), which are suitable for offices, restrooms, stock rooms, kitchens, etc.

Use electrical equipment with energy saving features (e.g., Energy Star) and ensure that energy reduction settings are enabled.

Install programmable thermostat. Set thermostat to 76 degrees F for cooling, 68 degrees for heating, and use the thermostat’s night setback.

Always turn off lights when leaving a room and post reminders.

Use ceiling fans to promote air circulation and reduce the need for air conditioning, when practical.

Insulate water heaters, storage tanks, and hot water pipes.

Utilize plug load controllers to turn off idling equipment after working hours. (turn-off)

Plant native shrubs or trees near windows for shade.

Shop at local businesses within close proximity.

Use a solar water heater (with back-up system).

Install solar panels.

Replace exit signs with LED or high-efficiency alternatives.

Use space below to include supporting information about measures checked, or to include additional measures not listed in the checklist.

If you have any questions, please contact: Regina Rochez at 410-267-0337, corsicariver@hotmail.com or Eva Kerchner at 410-758-4463.

Green House Gas Emissions

Energy use, waste, and climate change are linked together. Whenever you turn on a light, plug in a video game, or use your computer, a power plant has to create more electricity. Most power plants burn fossil fuels (such as coal, natural gas, or oil) to make electricity, and burning those fuels produces greenhouse gases. Making, distributing, and using products—as well as managing the resulting waste—all result in greenhouse gas emissions. Recycling and preventing waste reduce greenhouse gases. By using less energy and creating less waste in your day-to-day life (at home, at school, or at out with friends), you can reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that cause climate change.

A note on measurements: The savings in the calculator are given in pounds of carbon dioxide equivalent. Burning fossil fuels and generating waste lead to the emissions of several kinds of greenhouse gases, each of which has different heat-trapping qualities. For example, a molecule of methane traps 21 times more heat than a molecule of carbon dioxide. Since carbon dioxide is the most common greenhouse gas, the emissions of other greenhouse gases are often reported in equivalent amount of carbon dioxide: for example a pound of methane is expressed as 21 pounds of carbon dioxide equivalent.

Details on the Individual Actions

Please note that the calculator is intended to be an educational tool that gives you a rough idea of the amount of greenhouse gas emissions you could avoid by taking the actions listed. Your actual results may vary from those shown here because we use general assumptions about your home’s energy use.

Turn off the Tap

Don’t Let the Water Run When You Brush Your Teeth

It takes a considerable amount of energy to deliver and treat the water you use every day. American public water supply and treatment facilities consume about 56 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually—enough electricity to power more than 5 million homes for an entire year. Letting your faucet run for five minutes every day while brushing your teeth uses 307 kWh over the course of a year, about as much energy as letting a 60-watt light bulb run for 14 hours every day for a year.

If just one out of every 100 American homes switched out their old water fixtures for water-efficient fixtures, we could save about 100 million kWh of electricity per year—avoiding 80,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions. That is equivalent to removing nearly 15,000 automobiles from the road for one year! Similarly, if just 1 percent of American homes replaced their older, inefficient toilets with WaterSense-labeled models, the country would save more than 38 million kWh of electricity—enough to supply more than 43,000 households with electricity for one month.

Additional tips:

•

Turn off the faucet while doing dishes.

Lighten Your Impact

Turn off the Lights

Don’t forget to turn off the lights when you leave the room, even when you are at friend’s house or babysitting. The annual energy consumption of a standard incandescent light bulb is 117 kWh. This assumes you are using a 75 W bulb, and that the light is on for 8 hours a day.

Replace Light Bulbs

Ask your family to replace your light bulbs with ones that have earned the government’s ENERGY STAR label for energy efficiency. By using efficient light bulbs and fixtures that have earned the ENERGY STAR, you reduce the pollution coming from power plants and help fight climate change. By changing just your bedroom light, you can reduce energy by 80 kWh and annual greenhouse gas emissions by 450 pounds.

Stretch Those Legs

Bike or Walk to School

Bike or walk to and from school, your soccer game, or the mall to reduce your carbon footprint. Cars are a leading source of greenhouse gas emissions. Using alternative transportation will save 1 pound of carbon dioxide emissions for every mile you travel. This calculator assumes that you travel 1 mile to get to your location.

Travel Together

Use Public Transportation

Instead of taking a car to school, use the bus or other public transporation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The calculator assumes that you travel 3 miles to get to school. You’ll avoid 1 pound of carbon dioxide emissions for every mile you travel, just as with biking or walking.

Carpool

Carpool to reduce your carbon footprint. The more people you travel with, the more emissions you can save! This calculator assumes that you travel 3 miles to get to your location. The calculator divides the car’s emissions by the number of people you’re carpooling with.

Don’t Trash it

Recycle

Recycle not only at home, but at school too! Schools all over the United States have recycling programs. Recycling your paper, bottles, and cans at school will reduce your greenhouse gas emissions by the following annual average amounts:

•

magazines = 52 pounds

•

newspaper = 172 pounds

•

glass = 30 pounds

•

plastic = 47 pounds

•

metal = 146 pounds

If you recycle all of those materials, you could avoid a total of 447 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions every year, which is about 1% of your household emissions!

Give it a Rest

Before you leave home, turn off your electronics. The TV, DVD player, and video game console use a lot of energy when they are left on. To reduce the energy these devices use even more, unplug them when they are not in use. Believe it or not: 50% of all electricity used to power home electronics is consumed when the products are turned off. This is because built-in features such as clocks, alarms, and other settings need to be maintained even when you aren’t using the equipment.

Turn off the television, DVD players, and video game consoles

These devices can use a lot of energy, especially if they are on every day. When you are not using them, make sure to turn them off. The annual energy consumption of a television is 184 kWh, assuming it is on for 6 hours a day. The average annual energy consumption of a DVD player is 13 kWh, and a video game console uses 16 kWh, assuming they are on for 3 hours a day. Reducing the amount of time you use these devices can save a lot of energy. Even if you turn off the TV for one hour, you will be helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions!

Additional tip:

•

If you are buying a new TV, consider one that is ENERGY STAR certified. TVs that carry that ENERGY STAR label are as much as 30% more efficient than conventional models.

•

The average home has two TVs, three phones and one DVD player. If every home in the United States replaced these items with ENERGY STAR qualified models, it would prevent the emissions of 25 billion pounds of CO2 equivalent to the emissions from more than 2 million cars.

•

Next time you play Guitar Hero on your Wii with your best friend, don’t forget to unplug it when you’re done!

Unplug charging devices

•

Even when you are not using them, charging devices still use energy when plugged in. If you plug your frequently used chargers into a single power strip, you can turn off the power to all of them when you’re not using them and thus avoid greenhouse gas emissions. The chargers (or external power supplies) that plug into the wall and provide energy to your cell phone, MP3 player, digital camera, computer, and other devices waste on average 30-50% of the energy they use. The annual energy consumption of cell phone charger is 0.3 W, an MP3 charger uses 0.2 W, and a digital camera charger uses 0.6 W, assuming they are plugged in 5.5 hours a day. That’s not a lot of energy, but it adds up when you consider the nation as a whole.

Enable the Sleep Feature on Your Computer

Ask your parents to help you make sure the sleep feature is turned on for your computer. This will let the computer take a nap while you are not using it! The annual energy savings from enabling the sleep feature on a computer and monitor is 98 kWh. This assumes that you also turn off your computer at night, which saves a lot of energy over the course of a year.

Other Actions You Can Take

•

Bring recyclable or reusable shopping bags when you and your friends go to the mall.

•

Don’t leave the refrigerator door open! This lets cold air escape, making the refrigerator work harder and use more energy. Decide what you want before you open the door.

•

Encourage your school to benchmark its energy use to see how it compares with other schools—go to http://energystar.gov/benchmark to learn more. Encourage your school to estimate its carbon footprint using EPA’s free Climate CHECK tool. (WinZip file with Excel spreadsheet, 3.4 MB)

•

Educate yourself on climate change. Do a report for your school, Scouts, or your family on why they should get involved and how they can do their part.

•

A household dryer uses an average of 750 kWh per year, which means a lot of energy is used to dry your clothes! If you use a drying rack or clothesline to dry 50% of your clothes, you can save a lot of energy and help reduce emissions from power plants.

•

Only wash clothes when you have a full load of laundry, using cold water when possible. If you need your favorite pair of jeans washed, offer to do some of your parents’ or siblings’ laundry for them at the same time.

•

Pack a waste-free lunch. Did you know that every school lunch creates an average of 67 pounds of trash per school year? Waste requires energy for disposal, so packing your lunch with reusable or recyclable items can help save energy and greenhouse gas emissions.