The steps we take today to preserve our planet will have major repercussions on the health and well being of our future generations. At Jean & Abbot, we’re ahead of the pack in supporting environmentally safe business & lifestyles practices and recommend that our guests do the same. At Jean & Abbott we are focusing on all of the creative ways we can contribute to making our beloved Island and the world a greener, cleaner place for our children and future generations!
Experts warn us that if we don’t change our ways, the penalties will be dire-and our children will pay the price. As a working mother who strives to protect her kids from harm, we can make a difference by supporting companies that put the fate of the globe at the top of their priority list. Every company that puts serious effort into sustainability has a multiplying effect on work that nonprofits and individuals are shouldering to prevent further ecological damage from occurring. There is really so much we can do…
Jean & Abbott prides itself on its pioneering spirit and progressive thinking and has taken the following steps in our business:
- We use recycled paper products
- We recycle everything possible (click here to learn about Recycling on Kauai)
- Turn off equipment when not in use (can reduce energy by 25%, also by turning off computers at the end of the day another 50%!)
- Encourage communication by Email, rather than mail. Also we use E-fax over the email, instead of traditional paper fax.
- Produce double-sided documents when at all possible
- We choose suppliers that take back packaging for re-use/recycle
- We use energy-saving light bulbs throughout our office & homes
We would like to encourage our Guests to practice a greener lifestyle at home and while on vacation to our beautiful and fragile island. Many of our vacation home owners have taken the imitative to do small changes to help our environment… such things as installing energy-saving light bulbs, providing recycle bins at the homes, using Green products (paper products, trash bags, etc…). Please take a moment to look over a few simple things you can do to help!
- Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs.
- Install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs)
- Unplug appliances when you’re not using them. Or, use a “smart” power strip that senses when appliances are off and cuts “phantom” or “vampire” energy use.
- Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. As much as 85% of the energy used to machine wash clothes goes to heating the water.
- Use a drying rack or clothesline. If you must use a dryer, consider adding dryer balls to cut drying time.
- Take shorter showers to reduce water use. This will lower your water and water heating bills too.
- Install a low-flow shower head. They don’t cost much, and the water and energy savings can quickly pay back your investment.
- Make sure you have a faucet aerator on every faucet. These inexpensive appliances conserve heat and water, while keeping water pressure high.
- Buy locally raised, humane, and organic meat, eggs, and dairy whenever you can. Purchasing from local farmers keeps money in the local economy.
- Use a water filter to purify tap water instead of buying bottled water. Not only is bottled water expensive, but it also generates large amounts of container waste.
- Bring a reusable water bottle, preferably aluminum rather than plastic, with you when traveling or at work.
- Buy in bulk. Purchasing food from bulk bins can save money and packaging.
- Recycle your cell phone.
- The big secret: You can make very effective, non-toxic cleaning products whenever you need them. All you need are a few simple ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, lemon, and soap.
Unique ways to go green doesn’t have to cost a lot of time, energy, or resources. It just takes a moment to add a little green thought to every day activities and our combined efforts do make a difference!
Mahalo Nui Loa,
The Jean & Abbott Team