3 WAYS GREEN MANUFACTURING HELPS BUSINESSES
The overall idea behind green manufacturing is to encourage businesses and manufacturing plants to implement environmentally-friendly practices.
Throughout the country, state agencies are taking active steps to promote pollution and waste reducing industrial practices.
Not only does the environment benefit from green manufacturing, but by implementing eco-friendly policies, businesses and area communities are positively impacted as well.
1. Green Manufacturing Reduces Costs and Increases Productivity in the Long Run
Green manufacturing processes are often more cost-effective than traditional manufacturing processes. For example, an energy efficient piece of equipment that has replaced the gearboxes with direct-drive motor technology can improve operating efficiency from 60 to 90% on average. Implementing similar “green” mechanics may be more expensive initially, but can significantly lower production costs and save businesses money in the long run. In addition to lowering production costs, more efficient practices mean increased productivity, which often results in quicker turnaround times and product fulfillment.
2. Green Manufacturing is Healthier for Employees
How can improving manufacturing processes improve the health of employees? Consider the effects of equipment running on alternative or “clean” energy rather than gasoline. This equipment will produce significantly less carbon monoxide (none if switching to electricity) reducing, and in some cases eliminating health hazards of working equipment that is running idly. Green workplace environments are not only good for employees physically, but can also increase company morale. A 2009 study conducted at the University of Central Florida revealed that today’s generation of employees is more critical of green practices in the workplace. If strategically developed and implemented, green practices can increase employee motivation and engagement. Employees who care about the environment and work at an eco-friendly organization are ultimately healthier, happier contributors to the company’s success.
3. Green Manufacturing in Arkansas Helps Take Care of the Environment
Of course, a major reason for businesses to incorporate green manufacturing practices is sustainability and environmental protection. Manufacturing by-products and facility waste have a tremendous impact on surrounding communities, but the eco-friendly steps that are implemented can reduce a company’s carbon footprint and help make a positive, lasting change on the world.
The state of Arkansas, my home state, actively promotes green energy initiatives. The Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Energy Office manages the federal energy funds of the state and promotes efficiency by offering informational programs to the public. Through this office, business owners, residential consumers and contractors can keep up-to-date on the latest energy saving initiatives and incentives offered at the state and federal level
Start the Process Today
Are you ready to take the next step toward green manufacturing? SEA’s EHS Management Systems offers environmental consulting services and site management for sustainability and green manufacturing. Contact an SEA expert today to assist your company in reducing costs, increasing productivity, and taking care of our planet for future generations.
A Quick Guide for Industrial and Manufacturing Facilities By Keina Jennings, CEO/CFO, SEA
By Don Harkness, East Coast Regional Manager, SEA Ladder Inspection Safety At-A-Glance Ladders of all types are useful in the workplace. They are tools that allow workers to safely reach another level. Working at elevated levels poses plenty of risks, ones that have been covered in many regulatory training courses you have attended. Walking, Working Surfaces and Fall protection all focus heavily on the different hazards, of which SEA would be honored to share with you, but today, I want to focus on what needs to happen prior to using the ladder. The Right Tool for the Job And make no mistake, ladders are tools, and only perform as well as we, the operators, allow them to. So, what do we need to consider when picking the right ladder for our job? Several key factors include, but aren’t limited to: What are we doing? What style do you need? Step Ladders, extension ladders, and platform ladders all serve different purposes! What is the weight limit of my ladder? Note that the weight limit includes you and all the tools/equipment you are wearing, including fall protection! What height do I need my ladder to be? Ladders come in all shapes and sizes, so ensure you pick one that allows you to not put yourself at risk, even if it takes a little extra time to go and get it! What material should my ladder be made of? Most ladders are fiberglass but also come in several other materials. Make sure you plan for the task and don’t pick a metal ladder when working with electricity, for example The Most Important Step After choosing the ladder for our task, we need to perform an all-around inspection of the ladder. How often do we need to perform this inspection? Does it need to be documented? Ladders must be inspected before every use to ensure that no damage has occurred. As far as documentation goes, it is required that a documented inspection occur once a year, but your company policy can dictate more frequent documented inspections.
By Alison Jennings, VP Operations, SEA Sometimes it takes a real-life moment to remind us how quickly routine tasks can turn into injuries. Recently, I had a reminder of just how quickly something simple can turn into an injury. I was hanging a picture frame at home. Nothing complicated—just one of those quick projects you knock out in a few minutes. I picked the frame up by the sides to move it into position. As I lifted it, the bottom of the frame suddenly gave out. The glass dropped straight down and landed directly on the top of my bare foot. Within seconds, what started as a simple task turned into a trip to urgent care. The cut was deep enough that I ended up needing eight stitches. Looking back, there were a few things I didn’t think about in that moment. I was barefoot. I didn’t consider the possibility that the frame might break. I didn’t think about what could happen if the glass slipped or fell. It really wasn’t a dangerous job. I wasn’t using power tools or heavy equipment. I was just hanging a picture. But that’s the reality of many injuries—they don’t happen during obviously dangerous activities. They happen during everyday tasks when we assume nothing will go wrong.