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.
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. 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 footprint, which reflects how much freshwater local governments require to properly dilute production waste. Making one smartphone creates 3,190 gallons of gray water. Cutting back on your waste can lower your facility’s gray water footprint.
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 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. They’re also cheaper and longer-lasting than traditional coatings that aren’t as eco-friendly.
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.
