Local businesses go green slowly, but surely
(CNS): As the Chamber of Commerce gears up for its 13th annual Earth Day Roadside Clean-Up this Saturday, 17 April, it also paid tribute to the growing number of green initiatives among its membership. From Caybrew’s recycled bottles to Mail Boxes Etc that uses environmentally-friendly cardboard and recycled packing materials the chamber said it was proud of members who made an effort. While more than 1300 people have signed on for Saturday’s clean up others are going green everyday.Still a hugely important event in the year the chamber said it was pleased so many members had taken the earthday clean-up project to heart.
“What’s niceabout this event is it’s not just about giving money, this is about getting out there and physically making a difference,” Wil Pineau, CEO. “These wonderful people are made up of receptionists, managing directors, accountants and mechanics, CEO’s and all the others in between. And most come out with their families! We all come together to make a difference – it’s a lovely day.”
As an additional salute to Earth day Pineau also pointed out that there are a growing number of local firms who do their bit for the earth every day.
“The Chamber of Commerce is very proud of our members who do GREEN BUSINESS and we hope many other businesses will take their lead,” Pineau said. “For those businesses who don’t know where to start we encourage you to take the first step by taking the Chamber Environmental Pledge. In May we will hold a formal presentation and award you with a framed certificate to demonstrate your commitment to the preservation of our Island’s resources.”
Mail Boxes Etc. uses environmentally-friendly cardboard and recycled packing materials such as crushed craft paper and shredded paper. They also re-use plastics such as air-cushions and foam packing peanuts. Their particular packaging techniques prevent unnecessary waste and promote the efficient use of packing materials while ensuring the integrity of the contents, the chamber explained.
Meanwhile Cartridge Smart helps you recycle your printer cartridges and save up to 50% on your cartridge costs. Buying fewer cartridges means less plastic in the land fill too. Phoenix Construction has for many years been working with innovative products but when Fosters Food Fair came to them wanting an energy cost cutting solution to their new Savannah supermarket they had just the product. Using acrylic stucco paneling and insulating expanded polystyrene they managed a 20 -25 % reduction in energy consumption and cost over a period of a year.
Cayman Automotive Leasing, Marketing & Sales, Ltd. is the first and only company in the Caribbean selling electric vehicles. These eco-friendly vehicles do not pollute the air and reduce the carbon footprint on our Island. They will soon announce the first solar panel charging station which will represent the next first in the Cayman Islands.
Cayman Brewing Company is the only company that recycles bottles in the Cayman Islands and they also offer a $2 return on every case! In addition to bottles they also recycle their water from the brewing process and use it for irrigation, and give their spent grain to farmers for feed for their livestock. This forward thinking company is also starting a policy of returnable beer crates that will keep these big lumps of plastic out of the dump.
Home automation is often associated with luxury living but it can also reduce your energy consumption drastically. I-Systems who specialize in home automation says that installing one Vantage Dimmer in every home in the U.S. would save $230 million in electricity per year and reduce CO2 emissions by 4.3 billion pounds a year – the equivalent of taking 370,000 cars off the road.
For those who would like to know more about the Earth Day Roadside Clean-Up, becoming a GREEN BUSINESS or taking the Chamber Environmental Pledge please contact the Chamber office on 949-8090 or email info@caymanchamber.ky
Those who would like to sign-up as an individual or a team can still do so by contacting Joanne Diaz-Berry on 949-8090 ext. 123 or email joanne.berry@caymanchamber.ky. As the event is taking place along the roadsides, we ask that the public takes care driving in the morning on Saturday, paying special attention to extra activity along the roadways
The clean up starts at 7am and all participants will be provided with latex gloves and garbage bags and the Department of Environmental Health has asked that all full bags are left on the side of a main road for collection. The first 1000 people who signed up receive a free limited edition T-shirt sponsored by BritCay Insurance and everyone is invited to a brunch at 10 am at Public Beach with LIME picking up the tab.
Category: Business
