Green Team

Who We Are

Project Home’s Green Team strives to initiate sustainable business practices and to reduce the company’s impact on the planet.

Our employee Green Team has been accepted into the Mpower Business ChaMpions program, which is the first in South-Central Wisconsin that ensures businesses “go green” effectively and efficiently. Over the span of one year, we and 17 other local businesses work with Sustain Dane to develop and roll out sustainability strategies that will enable us to achieve measurable results. Our most successful MPower actions have been to reduce gas consumption in work vehicles, encouraging bike riding, and recycling our large plastic bags. We are in the process of organizing a composting location behind our office, and a carpooling program for staff.

Project Home goes beyond typical office material and recycles or finds reuse for computer equipment, construction materials and metals. This encourages a cooperative green culture and gives employees an incentive to separate and clean their recyclables.

We are fortunate to have many wonderful recycling vendors in Madison. Here is a list of our vendors and others that recycle or reuse common materials:

Ace Hardware – Rechargeable Batteries and Florescent Bulbs http://www.aceretailer.com/aceonwilly/
Cascade Asset Management – Computer Equipment and Electronics http://www.cascade-assets.com/
The Bruce Company – Wood, Drywall and Asphalt Shingles http://www.bruceco.com/
Madison Stuff Exchange – http://www.madisonstuffexchange.com/
UW SWAP – Office Furniture http://www.bussvc.wisc.edu/swap/
Habitat Restore – Building Products http://www.restoredane.org/home.com
Studio Paran – Styrofoam Peanuts and Bubble Wrap
All Metal Recycling – Metal

Below are some energy saving tips or if you would prefer to download them click here:

Here are some low-cost tips to save energy and reduce your monthly energy bill:

WINTER / SUMMER

Set your thermostat comfortably low in the winter and comfortably high in the summer (68º in the winter and 78º in the summer).
Remember: the thermostat is not like the gas pedal on your car. Turning it to the highest setting does not warm up your home any faster.
Keep the windows closed and locked when using the heating system or air conditioner.
In the winter, open drapes or blinds during the day to allow the sun’s warmth into your house. During the summer, close drapes or blinds during the day to keep the sun out.
During the winter, put plastic over windows to reduce heat loss and decrease drafts.
During the winter, move your furniture so you are not sitting near exterior walls or windows.
During the winter, reverse your ceiling fan motor to disperse warm air collecting near the ceiling. There is a switch on the base of the fan.

APPLIANCES

Appliances like DVD players and televisions still use power when they are plugged in but not turned on. Unplug these appliances or use a power-strip and turn the switch off when not in use.
Use the air-drying cycle instead of the heated-drying cycle on your dishwasher.
Wash your clothes in cold water. They get just as clean and colors will fade less quickly.
Clean the lint filter on your dryer after every load. Check the venting 2 times a year to be sure it isn’t clogged.
Open the refrigerator and oven doors as seldom as possible, and close them as quickly as possible. Each time they’re opened a large amount of cold or heat has to be replaced and that takes energy.
Place your gas water heater on “vacation” mode, or turn off your electric water heater when you leave town for more than a few days. Don’t forget to turn it back on when you get home.
Vacuum the coils at the back or bottom of your refrigerator twice a year.
Wait until you have a full load before running the clothes washer or dishwasher.
Turn off your computer or put it in “sleep” mode when it is not being used.
Whenever possible use the microwave for reheating food rather than your electric oven.

Please see the references on theback of this sheet for more information.

Thank you for participating in the Weatherization Program and for doing your part to conserveenergy!

YEAR-ROUND

Dress appropriately for the weather.
If possible, take a quick shower instead of a bath.
Keep radiators, air registers and baseboard heaters clean. Make sure furniture or drapes don’t block them.

Energy Conservation & Renewable Energy

Focus on Energy Information Center:800-762-7077 OR www.focusonenergy.com/Information-Center

Midwest Renewable Energy Association: www.the-mrea.org

RENEW Wisconsin:www.renewwisconsin.org

Home Power Magazine: www.homepower.com/home

MATC Renewable Energy Classes: matcmadison.edu/matc/offerings/programs/pdfs/RenewableEnergy.pdf

Madison Area Recycle & Reuse

Habitat ReStore (Reused & Affordable Building Supplies):(608) 661-2813 OR www.restoredane.org/home.cfm

Dane County Recycling: www.co.dane.wi.us/pwht/recycling.aspx

UW SWAP: www.bussvc.wisc.edu/swap

Madison Stuff Exchange: www.madisonstuffexchange.com

Freecycle: groups.yahoo.com/group/madisonfreecycle