Nevada Green Business Network Member
As of 7Dec2020, Professional Dog Mom is certified as GREEN by GBENN – Green Business Engagement National Network
Professional Dog Mom strives to incorporate sustainability into our core operations through internal and external efforts. Specifically, we have adopted the following policies and practices:
- Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
- Conserve energy, water and natural resources.
- Commit to purchasing environmentally preferable products.
- Promote environmental education, outreach and awareness to our staff and the greater community.
We are –
Reducing our waste stream by increasing our recycling and composting capabilities to 85% diversion from the landfill.
Striving to increase waste diversion by recycling all paper, cardboard, wood, metals, bottles, plastics, packaging and cans, including our own FREE Recycling Pet Food/Treat Plastic Packaging Program we launched in 2018 with Terracycle.
Composting all food and/or green waste with Down to Earth Composting.
Discouraging the use of disposable products by using washable/reusable items, including dishware.
Reducing waste generated by donating reusable office items (appliances, electronic equipment, and furniture) to charitable organizations, and/or finding another home by posting on social media platforms such as Freecycle, Upcycle, Facebook FREE, etc.
Reusing envelopes and packaging.
Promoting the use of natural lighting and solar energy, where feasible.
Instituting a policy to turn off lighting and appliances in unoccupied rooms.
Conserving water with the installation of ultra-low flow and/or dual flush toilets, planting native drought tolerant plants and use water-conserving irrigation systems.
We are reducing the use of toxic materials to protect employee health and the environment.
Specifically we are –
Purchasing low to non-toxic janitorial cleaning products (only those approved for use by the Nevada Green Business Program). Certified by Green Seal, UL Ecologo, EPA Safer Choice or a com score of 8+, and which are pet friendly.
Switching to recycled content products, materials and supplies when available.
Purchasing Low VOC paints, markers and non-toxic air fresheners.
Recycling universal wastes (electronics, batteries, fluorescent light tubes, used motor oil) and prohibiting purchasing materials that may lead to hazardous waste generation.
Purchasing rechargeable batteries and appliances
Promoting storm water pollution prevention and source control.
We are purchasing/using the following:
- Re-manufactured and refillable toner cartridges.
- Office & toilet paper with 100% recycled content (50% minimum).
- Products with the least packaging (no plastic, polystyrene or aerosol packaging).
- Recycled content-containing office furniture and supplies.
- Refillable bottles, canvas bags and reusable to-go containers.
- LED lighting and Energy Star appliances and electronics.
- Water efficient toilets, shower-heads and faucet aerators.
We are conserving fossil fuels by –
Encouraging the use of public transit or Lime Scooters.
Promoting biking or carpooling.
We are currently striving to build and remodel using LED green building standards.
We are educating employees on resource conservation and pollution prevention through –
Hosting only zero waste events i.e. ensuring that little to no waste is generated during work parties, picnics, meetings. Asking caterers to use reusable everything, buy reusable trays, etc.
Training programs or brown bag sessions to educate employees on proper recycling & composting practices, resource conservation ideas, importance of low-toxic purchasing etc.
Providing incentives for environmentally preferable practices such as recycling champion, transit hero, etc.
Informing staff of environmental issues in company emails, training materials, staff meetings.
Through the course of our work, we endeavor to promote these policies to other companies, organizations and individuals.