Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/142672
your environmental impact lights, and computers when not in use makes a great choice for your pocketbook and benefits the environment. Your local utility company will often perform a free evaluation to help you determine ways to reduce your energy use. Some utility companies offer incentives for upgrading to energy efficient options. Find a free evaluation, product recommendations, and other relevant information at the US Department of Energy and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website: www.homeenergysaver.lbl.gov. Solutions to reducing energy consumption can range from lowtech and low-cost (like adding insulation) to high-tech and high-cost (like adding solar panels or Energy Star appliances). These higher-cost alternatives will often result in significant cost savings over time. Buy Green As therapists, we have many choices when it comes to the products we buy. The Federal Trade Commission, in cooperation with the EPA and the Office of Consumer Affairs, has developed guidelines for manufacturers and others who make environmental claims about their products. Claims should not be misleading or overstated. Find these guidelines, as well as additional related information, at www.ftc.gov and www.epa.gov. Purchase from manufacturers and suppliers who have proenvironment policies. My favorite companies print on recycled paper with soybean inks, stock organic and environmentally sustainable products with minimal or recycled packaging, offer online catalogs, and encourage recycling or reusing of their containers and packaging. Buy from local suppliers in order to reduce the amount of fossil fuel used in shipping. Choose massage and office supplies and services such as: • atural fiber, preferably N organic, linens. Avoid synthetic or chemically treated sheets, towels, and blankets. You probably will not discover labels proclaiming, "Our synthetic sheets are colored with chemical dyes and then coated with formaldehyde resin." Look instead for words like undyed, natural dyes, nontoxic, eco-friendly, chemically free, and hypoallergenic. • nrefined, organic massage U oils and organic essential oils. Avoid all solvent-extracted oils including grape seed and aromatic absolute oils, like jasmine and some rose oils. Petroleum-based products, such as fragrance, baby, and mineral oils, are also on the undesirable list. • ecycled paper products R including office paper, toilet paper, and paper towels; rechargeable batteries; and staple-free staplers. • Green" massage tables. Search " for companies providing tables made from sustainable woods and less toxic vinyl and foam. • nergy efficient light bulbs E and appliances. • ruelty-free and natural C cleaning and cosmetic products. • Green" powered utilities. In " my area, the local electric company allows me to pay a slightly higher fee for green-powered fuel. My long distance phone provider contributes to environmental causes. Locally, you can surf the web via a solarpowered Internet provider. Less is More How can we reduce the number of disposables used in our businesses without sacrificing the services we offer? Sometimes these items seem essential to provide a hygienic and efficient service. But what did the spas of old do before paper underwear was invented? Cut back on the use of disposable items, including paper towels, face cradle covers, sheets, spa clothing, and sandals. Recently, when I made an appointment for a body wrap, the facility requested I bring a second pair of underwear—more