Going Green with Your Senior Home Care Franchise

The practice of "going green," or being ecologically minded, is good for personal health, finances, and quality of life. What is advantageous for the individual can be a crossover benefit to a business as well, including the non-medical home care industry.

Green policies help the profit side of the books by reducing the basic costs of running the business. In addition, potential clients, social workers, lawyers and other home care agencies find any business that respects the earth's natural systems commendable. This helps promote the business. So, what are some basic green practices that are easy to codify into good business practices for the in-home care franchise?

Look at Paper Consumption

In the modern office environment, each person should be consuming less paper. Documents are created, stored and sent in speedy digital formats, thereby reducing the number of printed and filed documents. When paper is needed, be sure to purchase post-consumer recycled paper.

What’s Going on with Water?

Any toilet in the building should be high-efficiency, that is, one designed to use smaller amounts of water per flush. Also, inexpensive faucet aerators cut water usage.

Light Bulbs Save Energy

Old incandescent light bulbs drive up the electric bill. Instead, replace them with CFL (compact fluorescent lights) or LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs. Their initial cost is more than ordinary bulbs, but they provide great light and use 1/3 to 1/2 less energy. These bulbs last much longer than their conventional counterparts, as well. 

Recycle

Follow the disposal guidelines of the local municipality, and recycle all:

• Glass
• Plastic
• Paper
• Cardboard

Consider what Vehicles are in Use

Old gas-guzzlers that need work and maintenance tend to drive fuel costs up. Replace company cars with hybrids or alternative fuel vehicles. Initial price may be higher, but long-term savings and green benefits abound.

Get New Appliances:

• The break room stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, and microwave
• The hot water tank
• Toilets
• HVAC system

These green policies take a little thought and planning but pay big dividends for sustainability of the environment and your in-home care business's bottom line.