January Community Engagement Initiative: Home/Work Energy Reduction 

Earlier this week, we celebrated Global Community Engagement Day, a day where organizations, individuals, and businesses are encouraged to take meaningful action—something we’re striving each and every day throughout the year. In fact, at Heritage Environmental Services, our Community Engagement initiative brings employees together to make a positive impact where we live and work. Our focus for the month of January was on Home/Work Energy Reduction, exploring ways to conserve energy and promote sustainability. 

With the guidance of our Green Eyed P’s (our employee sustainability leaders) and the creativity of our employees, we’ve uncovered practical ways to reduce energy use, from maintaining tire pressure to cleaning appliance filters. These simple actions demonstrate how small, intentional changes can make a big difference. Throughout this blog, we’ll share employee-submitted tips to inspire everyone to join in and save energy. 

Why Does Energy Reduction Matter?  

Energy reduction is truly a win-win: you can conserve resources and cut costs, all while minimizing your environmental impact. Whether it’s on a larger scale, like optimizing workplace processes or simply making small adjustments at home, every action contributes to a larger goal of sustainability. These efforts help reduce waste and support a healthier environment for future generations. 

At Heritage, we’ve embraced energy reduction as a core part of our mission. Across our facilities, we’ve made significant strides—upgrading equipment, refining processes, and encouraging energy-conscious practices. These steps reflect our dedication to efficiency and sustainability, strengthening our operations while reducing our environmental footprint. 

How Can We Conserve Energy at Work? 

Conserving energy at work isn’t just good for the environment—it’s also a smart financial move. Energy-efficient practices and upgrades reduce waste, lower utility bills, and create long-term savings.  

We’ve seen this firsthand at our company. Upgrading the three legacy air compressors at our Orange facility is a prime example. While the initial investment required careful planning, the upgrade will reduce energy use by 25% and save on electricity. This is money that can be reinvested into our operations, creating a ripple effect of benefits. 

Even minor adjustments often deliver measurable savings over time. Our employees suggested a few simple, cost-effective changes that can be easily implemented at a workplace:  

• Conduct a light switch audit. Check closets and rarely used rooms (especially storage rooms or sheds) for lights that are left on unnecessarily.  

• Consider using motion-activated lights where safely possible. Lavatories and closets are often excellent candidates for motion-activated lights.  

• Check seals on all exterior doors. You could lose heat and use more energy than necessary if large doors are not installed or maintained properly. 

Businesses that take the time to make these types of investments typically see returns that far outweigh the initial expense, making energy conservation a win for our planet and your bottom line. 

How Can We Conserve Energy at Home?  

Conserving energy at home starts with small, intentional changes that add up to big results. Simple adjustments to daily routines and household habits not only lower utility bills but also reduce environmental impact. By focusing on efficiency and sustainability, you can create a home that’s both eco-friendly and cost-effective. 

Here are some practical energy-saving tips shared by Heritage employees: 

• Go old school with reusable cloth products. Replace paper towels and napkins with washable cloth alternatives. This substitution reduces waste while cutting down on the energy and resources used to produce disposable paper products. One employee even recommends storing used cloth towels in a small bin under the sink for easy collection and weekly washing. 

• Clean appliance filters regularly. Dust and dirt build up in filters make appliances like refrigerators, freezers, and dryers work harder, using more energy. Cleaning filters regularly not only saves energy but also extends the life of the appliance.  

• Maintain tire pressure. According to the Department of Energy, keeping your vehicle’s tires properly inflated can improve gas mileage by up to 3.3%. This reduces energy consumption and saves money on fuel. 

Making simple changes like these in your home can have a significant impact over time. From better appliance maintenance to reducing disposable waste, these everyday actions make it easier to conserve energy while keeping costs down. 

Looking Forward: From Energy Reduction to Helping Animals 

As we wrap up January, it’s inspiring to see how our focus on Home/Work Energy Reduction has sparked creativity and action across our Heritage team. From upgrading equipment at our facilities to implementing small but effective changes at home, we’ve proven that reducing energy consumption is achievable and impactful. Together, these efforts reflect our commitment to sustainability and set the stage for continued progress. Thanks to all our employees for submitting tips and taking action! 

Looking ahead, February’s Community Engagement theme shifts our focus to Distressed Domestic Animals. Next month, we’ll explore ways to provide aid to animals in need. Whether it’s donating supplies, volunteering at shelters, or sharing resources to help animals find loving homes, there will be plenty of opportunities to make a difference.  

Our commitment to community engagement continues to grow, and February promises to be another meaningful chapter in our efforts to create positive change. Stay tuned for more details and activities as we kick off next month’s initiative!