Although the earth is mostly covered in water, only three percent of this water is fresh, and most of it is frozen in glaciers and not available for immediate use. As a result, water conservation has become increasingly important for our society.
With the water supply decreasing gradually and water costs on the rise, it has become vital for households and businesses to reduce their water consumption as much as possible.
Businesses (both agricultural and industrial) use approximately 89 percent of all the water withdrawn from earth’s water basins, making it crucial for them to utilize their water responsibly.
Here are some business water conservation strategies to help your business reduce its water usage.
Tracking Water Usage and Reducing Consumption
Untracked water use is a big source of waste for businesses. Tracking your water usage from your utility bill can show you trends in your business’s water consumption and help you detect any preventable water wastage. A sudden increase in your water bill can also make you aware of leaks and wasted water, allowing you to take action to address these problems.
Tracking water not only helps reduce water consumption for businesses but also cuts costs. Once you identify and address areas of water waste in your business, less water will be used, which means less money to pay for monthly utility bills.
To track your water usage, you can use internal water metering. With this system, you pay only for the amount of water you use. Being able to save on water provides a good incentive to use less water, and the meter allows you to see how much water has been used.
Another way to track water use is through digital apps, including Dropcountr, MeterHero, and the Water Risk Monetizer. These apps allow you to track your water usage in real-time, share your data with other businesses and consumers to compare water usage, and determine how water scarcity can affect your business in the future.
Using Commercial Uniform Laundry and Rental Services
One way to reduce water consumption is to outsource your laundering needs to a linen reuse program for businesses. If your business utilizes linens, bathroom, and kitchen towels, then using commercial laundry companies can help reduce the direct water costs for your business.
Renting staff uniforms instead of purchasing them also reduces water costs, as you do not have to wash them continuously. Reusing uniforms by renting them is also more sustainable for the planet.
As industrial laundries like those run by Prudential Overall Supply wash large loads of laundry at once, outsourcing your laundry needs not only lowers your business’s water footprint and water wastage but helps save you money and stay sustainable in the long run.
On top of that, most consumers value businesses that use best practiced laundering methods. Thus, outsourcing to these businesses will likely help you attract even more clients.
Strategies to Reduce Water Consumption for Businesses
Having outsourced your laundering needs to a trusted uniform cleaning company, there are still other ways to reduce water usage in your business.
Water Conservation Education
For your business to be successful in its water conservation initiative, it is vital to train staff members on how to reduce water consumption at work.
When people participate in a decision, they are more likely to adhere to it. So, sharing the vision behind the decision to reduce water usage and allowing staff to share their views will increase the success of this initiative. Addressing underlying perspectives about water waste will also change people’s behaviors, leading to employees being conscious of their water beyond the work environment.
Use Water-Saving Technology
Consider using self-closing and low-flow water faucets, toilets, and shower heads throughout your business. These faucets emit less than 1.5 gallons of water per minute, while standard older faucets emit 2.2 gallons. This way, you can save both energy and water costs.
Recycle Water
Consider recycling the water from showers, sinks, bathtubs, or dishwashers in your business. This greywater can be used for irrigation and flushing, helping you save on your water bill.
Choosing a Company That Prioritizes Sustainability
Your business’s water footprint comprises more than the water you use inside your business. The footprint considers the water used throughout the production process, from the supply chain to the product’s end users. Research shows that businesses use less than 10 percent of the water in their footprint. The other 90 percent is accounted for by suppliers and sub-suppliers.
To reduce your water footprint, you need to ensure that the company supplying your uniforms and linen uses methods to produce and launder its products. Companies like Prudential Overall Supply have been awarded a TRSA Clean Green certificate and are recognized for their commitment to minimizing waste and conserving resources.
Why Choose Prudential Uniforms?
Prudential Uniforms was the first multi-plant uniform production, rental, and laundering company in the country to receive a TRSA Clean Green certificate.[1] We pride ourselves on providing cutting-edge uniform and textile production and cleaning services with a reduced environmental impact and a mission to constantly reduce our energy and water footprint.
Are you looking to reduce water use and find reusable textiles for your business? Prudential Uniforms can help! Visit our website to learn more about how we can help you go even greener.
Source:
1. https://www.prudentialuniforms.com/media/press-releases/prudential-first-industrial-laundry-chain-to-earn-trsa-clean-green-cert/