#1 Convert to green energy suppliers and/or install solar arrays on building roofs or in parking areas

Businesses can choose solar, e.g., minimally support Community Solar by joining a project personally and encouraging your employees to do the same.  Also, explore solar energy or wind energy - suppliers are available in New Jersey (see PSE&G programs). Solar-powered installations are also available through local independent contractors.  Options for buying clean energy / PSE&G incentive programs.

#2 Reduce paper product waste and use of toxic cleaning materials

All paper products, including marketing materials can use recycled paper products. Printing paper, paper towels and toilet paper are made of 100% recycled content.  Paper towel waste can be reduced by using reusable towel cloths to clean office space and equipment.  Green cleaning or natural solutions can be used in place of toxic or harmful chemical compounds.

#3 Recycle difficult-to-recycle waste

Participate in Terracycle's Zero Waste Box program.

#4 Reduce water consumption

Methods to reduce water consumption can include thermal efficient gas water heaters, sensor faucets, and high-efficiency sensor or waterless urinals for use in lavatories. Use of drip irrigation can also save water in planting beds.

#5 Reduce electricity usage

Energy management system for lighting. All store lights can use LED lighting and be set to discreet timers aligned with store hours and automatically shut off and turn on and use Smart thermostats.

#6 Reduce hazardous materials waste

Provide bins in the store for batteries, empty aerosol cans, leaking or damaged detergents and bleach, chemicals, and electronics to ensure hazardous materials are not disposed of in municipal landfills.  The company Stericycle picks up hazardous products and disposes and or recycles them.

#7 Employee/Customer Alternative Transportation Programs

Encourage customers to shop by bike by providing a financial incentive such as $1 off for every $15 spent at the register or a punch card that they can use to receive parts at a local bike shop.  Other options for employee incentives can include the use of mass transit travel reimbursement to encourage carpooling or using local mass transit.

#8 Reduce furniture and decor waste through repurposed furniture

Purchase used or repurposed furniture for decorating new or refurbished stores, including doors, windows, and lumber.  Upcycling furniture businesses.

#9 Stormwater management

Rainwater that hits the roof can be diverted to a rain garden to capture it and let it percolate back into the ground rather than causing local flooding and soil erosion. The gardens can feature native plants that attract butterflies, native bees, and hummingbirds. Green infrastructure manual.

#10 Donate or repurpose damaged or unsold clothes and other materials

Instead of throwing away unsold or slightly damaged clothes or products, they can be donated to the Salvation Army, where they can be given to people in need of clothing or given to local thrift stores.  Salvation Army Corps Community Center on 562 Bergen Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07304 n or call (201) 435-7355.  St Mary's Advocates Thrift Shop in Hoboken, hobokenthriftstore@gmail.com.