Purchasing - Do You?
Buy only as
much as you need for each project to avoid leftover materials
Buy in bulk
whenever you can, if you will be using the material before expiration.
Form partnerships to purchase more items in bulk.
Purchase recyclable
products and products and packaging made from recycled materials
Investigate
possible alternative products for any environmentally unfriendly product
you use
Avoid buying
products with components which are difficult to reuse or recycle, for
example, glass and metal are easier to recycle than plastic in many areas.
Storage - Do You?
Make sure
all materials are well labeled
Store products
according to their individual recommendations for human and environmental
health and safety
Rotate products
“first in, first out” to prevent their expiring on the shelf
Use refillable
containers for products purchased in bulk
Inspect all
containers for leaks and spills
Use basins,
pans or pallets to prevent and contain spills whenever possible
Take care
not to overcrowd shelves.
Keep an accurate
inventory of items in stock
Commonly Recycled Materials - paper, cardboard, glass, cans, plastic - Do You?
Reuse paper
and cardboard “in house” first. Examples, scrap paper, note pads, shredded
for small animal bedding, packaging material, storage boxes.
Buy items
in bulk to reduce numerous containers and packaging scraps.
Recycle waste
you cannot use anywhere else, based on what recycling opportunities are
available in your community.
Water Quality
Rinse Water - Do You?
Sweep dry waste or spills, don't use the hose as a broom
Squeegee liquid spills, recovering product in a pan or container.
Remember that contaminated rinse water may be hazardous waste and must
be disposed of as such.
General conservation- Do You?
Use water-efficient equipment and fixtures.
Routinely inspect lines, fittings and fixtures.
Fix all leaks and drips.
Clean objects with dry methods whenever possible.
Floor drains/sumps - Do You?
Know your drain system; obtain the plans for your drain and sump system.
Keep all hazardous waste out of sumps, floor drains and storm drains.
Ask your local sewer/water authority what substances may be put in the
municipal treatment system.
Containment/Prevention - Do You?
Inspect all containers and packaging for leaks or damage.
Prevent rain or water leaks from flowing through chemicals.
Remember not to store chemicals high on shelves where they may fall and
burst.
Use spill containment methods when mixing pouring and storing chemicals
(like basins, pans, pallets; properly poured and sealed slabs, dams).
Use dry clean-up methods whenever possible.
Air Quality
Ventilation - Do You?
Periodically
test to see if your ventilation system is functioning properly.
Make sure
the air movement system in your shop designed for the types of activities
you taking place there.
Follow all
specific instructions when handling certain chemicals or engaging in certain
activities. For example, mix outside or in well ventilated area as described.
Have your
ventilation system professionally inspected if you suspect it may be inadequate
or not working properly.
Chemical emissions - Do You?
Identify items
stored in your classrooms and laboratories could be giving off harmful
fumes. Common items like carpet, foam, insulation and particle board can
give off volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other vapors such as formaldehyde.
Make
sure all lids and containers are properly sealed on chemicals.
Store some
items elsewhere if necessary -- always following manufacturers directions
on storage.
Energy Conservation
Heating - Do You?
Seal around windows and doors (unless it interferes with ventilation
systems).
Investigate alternative heat sources for your shop area or green house
(examples: solar technologies; waste oil heaters - both for heating and
to make use of surplus engine fluids).
Keep temperatures in the workshop cooler (add clothing layers if needed).
Lighting - Do You?
Turn off lights in unoccupied areas.
Use energy efficient lighting.
Use natural lighting whenever possible.
Work with
the rest of your school to recycle mercury vapor fluorescent lights.
Go back over the checklist and look for boxes that you didn't check. If they apply to your situation, these may indicate pollution prevention practices that you can improve on. List possible problem areas in your plan.
