# Making Manufacturing Better for the Planet

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/03/making-manufacturing-better-for-the-planet/
- Published: 2019-03-21T01:18:32-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

Environmentally friendly materials need to be included in manufacturing. However,
some realize it does not have to create a negative impact on the environment. Better
manufacturing techniques reduce the harmful effect facilities have on the planet.
By going greener with environmentally friendly materials, you’ll also save money.
With lowered costs, your profits increase, effortlessly. Just a few simple business
decisions can make the difference in making your facility a cleaner, greener, planet
with environmentally friendly materials.

![Employees in manufacturing](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/
2019/03/remy-gieling-KP6XQIEjjPA-unsplash.jpg?resize=280%2C420&quality=52&ssl=1 "
remy-gieling-KP6XQIEjjPA-unsplash - The Green Living Guy")

**Obtain an Energy Audit**

In addition, have a professional set of eyes look over your facility to recommend
ways to cut back on your energy use. As well, it depends on your facility’s layout.
Therefore, you might benefit from more natural lighting or a more efficient HVAC
system. Replacing worn-out weather stripping around windows and doors can help reduce
cooling and heating costs. Evaluate the light fixtures you use. Manufacturing facilities
require high-power lighting. So instead of bulbs that generate heat and costing 
you money SAVE!  Implement lower-energy alternatives, such as LEDs lights.

**Watch Your Water**

Many companies have taken the lead in cutting back on their water use to help protect
the precious, dwindling freshwater supplies around the world. PepsiCo’s Sustainable
Farming Program worked with British potato farmers to [cut the company’s water footprint by 50 percent](https://web.archive.org/web/20181230182915/https://www.pepsico.com/sustainability/Water).
If you work with agricultural suppliers, start a conversation with them about how
they can reduce their water use through more sustainable farming.

For facility production, also keep in mind the amount of waste you generate. Hence,
even something as dry as cell phone production creates a [gray water](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/09/gray-water-for-your-home/)
footprint, which reflects how much freshwater local governments require to properly
dilute production waste. Making one smartphone creates [3,190 gallons of gray water](https://www.watercalculator.org/water-use/the-hidden-water-in-everyday-products/).
Cutting back on your waste can lower your facility’s gray water footprint.

![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/waterconservation.
jpg?w=780&quality=52&ssl=1)

**Choose Environmentally Friendly Materials**

The materials you use for production are just as important to the planet as your
facility. [Apple pledged to use recycled materials](https://www.autodesk.com/redshift/connected-manufacturing/)
in its products. It’s crafted a robot that can take apart old iPhones to reuse the
parts inside. While you don’t have to build AIs in your facility, using recycled
materials can help less your carbon footprint.

Another way you can choose environmentally friendly materials is to do research.
In many instances, you always have an option for a greener product. In finishing
products, powder coatings can be environmentally friendly. Unlike traditional coatings,
these greener choices [lack heavy metals, carcinogens and VOCs](https://www.lanecoatings.com/powder-coatings/environmentally-friendly/).
They’re also cheaper and longer-lasting than traditional coatings that aren’t as
eco-friendly.

![Environmentally friendly materials](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/
uploads/2015/08/depositphotos_27612325_s-2015-e1533828092298.jpg?resize=180%2C144&
quality=52&ssl=1)

**Cut Transportation Emissions**

How you transport goods to and from your facility also can affect the Earth. If 
possible, choose shippers who use natural gas or fuel-efficient trucks for shipping.
Lacking this option, make the most of every shipment. Never allow a partially filled
truck to arrive or leave your facility. Plan shipments to completely fill trucks
for fewer trips, which cuts down the time the trucks are on the road and emitting
noxious fumes.

To cut down even more, select local parts suppliers. The shorter the distance your
parts travel, the less fuel is necessary to get them to you. This way, you can still
get the materials you need for production in a way that’s better for the planet.
Additionally, thanks to shorter shipping times by buying local materials, you’ll
benefit from lower delivery costs for your raw materials.

**Greener Manufacturing for a Healthier Planet**

Helping the environment through cleaner manufacturing practices helps you, too. 
With greener, leaner operations, you’ll cut back on the amount you spend on energy
and waste disposal. These cost cuts can boost your bottom line. Manufacturing that’s
better for the planet is also better for your business. Start today for a brighter
future for the Earth and for your company.

Bio:

Emily Folk is a freelance writer and blogger from Lancaster, PA. She covers topics
in conservation, sustainability and renewable energy. To see her latest posts, check
out her blog, Conservation Folks, or follow her on Twitterl.

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s=300&d=monsterid&r=g)

 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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