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• Install leak detection and water conservation tools, such as isolated meters and
shut-off valves to each appliance or fixture. Rain shut-off devices are especially
helpful if you have grass to water.
• Determine flow rates, flush volumes, and daily water use. Put a plan in place to
reduce the amount of water that’s used.
• Install low-flow fixtures. If you’ve already got low-flow fixtures, keep up on their
maintenance.
If you do have an irrigation system in place, consider these issues to prevent wasted
water:
• Inspect your property for leaks on a regular basis. Repair leaks as soon as they’re
detected.
• Regularly check your irrigation systems (monthly is best) and look for problems.
Sprinkler heads routinely break and can go unnoticed for months.
• Adjust watering schedules to fit the needs of the plants. If you water deep and less
frequently, plants will develop deep root growth. If you water everyday, plants
develop shallower roots.
• Consider getting rid of turf and installing plants.
• Pick weeds early in the season. Grass and weeds are both huge water consumers.
• If you have any tropical plants, be sure they are grouped with plants that have
similar watering needs.
• Annuals should be watered on a separate schedule. Their roots are shallower and
need more frequent watering, but in lesser amounts.

Recycling
You’ve likely got some recycling measures in place already. Most companies do, but not
every company is as strict as the next one. At some places, recycling simply means throwing
soda pop cans into a separate bin. Other companies separate out plastic, different colors of
glass, and office paper. Still other places get downright radical about what they recycle. No
matter where you are on the recycling continuum, there’s likely someplace else you can find
to recycle.
If your company is already especially militant about recycling, we’re probably not going
to tell you anything you don’t already know. But if you do need some tips, consider these
issues.

Furniture
Think about renting furniture. If you suddenly need new workstations, is it a temporary
need? If so, you can easily rent the furniture rather than buy something that might not get
used again later. If you do need new furniture or cubicles, think about buying used or
refurbished ones.