Think Green with IVC
IVC is concerned about the environment. We want to make sure we do our part as good corporate citizens. Along with being a proud “Sony Green Partner”, we have implemented our own “Green” programs for reducing material waste in our manufacturing process. We are proud to have developed a reclaim & reuse program with two of our largest customers, where fine waste that is generated by these companies is collected and returned to IVC for reprocessing. The product then goes back to these companies for use, further reducing waste that would have ended up in our landfills.
We are also proud to have implemented our own “re-work” program in our Grand Haven facility where we reprocess some of our own in-house materials into reusable product further reducing waste that could end up in landfills.
While these are big steps for the environment, IVC is also looking at ways to reduce our consumption of paper and other consumables. IVC will continue to look at more ways to reduce our environmental footprint. We hope you will join us in our efforts.
Green Tips
At IVC, we love Green tips. Here are some tips that are easy high-impact ways to make a difference.
Water
- Fix any leaky faucets, toilets or water pipes. Even a small drip can add up to a lot of water over time.
- Wash your car the natural way, wait until it rains.
- Install water saving faucets. Your old shower head probably delivers a lot more water than you really need. Reduce that to 2.5 gallons a minute or less with today's standard shower head. It can make a difference in your water bill. For even greater savings, replace your old toilets with today's standard low flush models that use 1.6 gallons or less per flush.
- Soaker hoses and drip irrigation systems can lower your water bills by delivering water directly where you need it. By reducing or eliminating runoff, you also reduce the burden of fertilizers and pesticides on our lakes, streams, and oceans while still having a gorgeous garden or lawn.
Energy
- Look for the Energy Star Label. Replace your old, inefficient appliances with Energy Star qualified appliances and save energy and money.
- Conserve fuel by turning down the heat at night, while you are away from home or install a programmable thermostat.
- Use compact fluorescent light bulbs. Not only are fluorescent bulbs more energy efficient, they are cooler which can help in reducing cooling costs.
- Don't wait to Insulate - Upgrading your insulation to a higher R-value can lower energy costs dramatically.
- Fix air leaks with weather stripping and caulking. Sealing ducts, caulking, and weather stripping reduce energy loss even more.
- In the winter, change your furnace filters once a month. Your furnace uses more energy when the filter is full of dust.
- Insulate your electric hot water heater and pipes. Never insulate gas heaters and only start insulating pipes about six inches away from a gas water heater.
- Keep Your Cool…..Ceiling fans can make you feel cooler while reducing air conditioning costs by as much as 40% in summer. In winter, they can save up to 10% in heating costs by circulating warm air from the ceiling to the floor where you can enjoy it.
- Incorporate blinds into your decor. In the summer, blinds help keep the sun out which keeps your room cooler and reduces cooling costs. In the winter, blinds help keep cold air from penetrating into the room and saves on heating costs.
- Keep closet doors closed. Especially closets that are on exterior walls. By keeping these doors shut, they act as an additional layer of insulation.
- Avoid using cars. Walk, cycle or use public transportation whenever possible.
- Avoid anything battery operated (or use rechargeable or solar rechargeable if batteries are unavoidable).
- Buy locally….Not only is it good for the local economy, it will save energy because products don’t have to travel across the globe to get to you.
- Wait until you have a fully loaded dishwasher before doing the dishes. It takes the same amount of water and detergent to clean a full load as it does a partial load.
Toxics
- Clear the Air…..Tune up your systems to make your family more comfortable while you save on heating and cooling costs. Upgrading and properly maintaining your home air filters is easy and helps improve indoor air quality. Vented range hoods and room exhaust fans also help remove smoke, moisture, airborne bacteria, and other indoor air pollutants.
- Get the Lead Out…..In the U.S. and Canada, over 58 million homes built before 1978 contain lead-based paints. Reduce lead hazards in your home and protect your family during any home renovation.
- Use non-toxic cleaning alternatives in your home.
- Furnish your home with furniture made out of natural fibers, wood, metal and glass.
- Avoid the use of polyvinyl chloride (also known as PVC or vinyl) in your home. The entire life cycle of products made from PVC pollutes the environment and your home. PVC items include shower curtains, flooring and even some childrens' toys.
- Avoid the use of aerosols.
- Use castor or mineral oils to lubricate switches and hinges instead of lubricants containing solvents.
- Choose water based latex paints over solvent based paints when painting your home. Never use lead based paints.
- If you have a furnace, fireplace or gas heater, have them serviced regularly to prevent deadly fumes and install a carbon monoxide detector.
- Ensure you have good ventilation and balanced humidity in your home to prevent the growth of mold and mildew, which can be harmful to your health.
Waste
- Do not dispose of your toxic household wastes (i.e. paint, paint thinner, and car fluids) in the garbage or down the drain. Check with your local facilities for proper disposal and avoid these products in the future if possible.
- Take your own bags to the grocery store. If you take plastic bags, use them until they are worn out.
- Compost your food waste and use as nutrient rich soil for your lawn. Composting is the smart way to dispose of leaves, yard clippings, selected food scraps, and other organic wastes. Instead of burdening landfills, you'll produce rich nutrients to fertilize your garden the natural way. And it's free.
- Avoid excess packaging.
- Go Old School…..Iinstead of using plastic trash bags, do what your parents and grandparents did. Place your trash directly into the trash can. The fewer plastic trash bags in the landfills, the better.
- Instead of disposable items, always use reusable mugs, lunch containers, batteries, pens, razors, etc.
Outdoors
- Branching Out…..For an all-around environmental boost, plant a tree. When properly sited, trees and other landscaping can save up to 30% in home cooling and heating costs.
- Stay in control by starting with nature's own methods to beat the bugs. Attract birds with birdhouses, feeders, and natural backyard wildlife habitats to help reduce pests. Bug lights, screening, citronella candles, and insecticidal soaps are other less-toxic alternatives.