Going Green with Vernon Sanitation

Vernon Sanitation is proud to encourage the use of Green products. As a society, we are now aware of the impact our products, processes and lifestyles have on the world around us. As Daniel Coleman wrote in his book Ecological Intelligence:

"Our world of material abundance comes with a hidden price tag. We cannot see the extent to which the things we buy and use daily have other kinds of costs – their toll on the planet, on consumer health, and on the people whose labor provides us our comfort and necessities."

To help us understand how our products affect our world, here is a Green overview. Green has many definitions. Different vendors use their own Green processes and materials to lessen their impact on planet.

Imagine a Green product through its lifecycle. In doing so, you can see the basic ways to make a product Green.

The Green Product Lifestyle

Resources

Where are the materials used in a product gathered from? Some products use recycled content, like recycled plastic in some trash liners. Others, substitute sustainable components for ingredients that are less environmentally friendly, like food service disposables made from corn based products.

Some manufacturers use Green processes when harvesting materials; planting trees to replace the trees harvested for paper is a fine example. A company has many options for making the resources they use Greener.

Processes

When it comes time to make a product, how do manufacturers improve their processes to make their product Greener? Many "Away From Home" paper towel and toilet tissue manufacturers reclaim the water they use, reducing the need for a valuable limited resource. A manufacturer can use fewer resources by recycling materials used in processing, decreasing (or even creating) energy, and reducing waste.

Products

Many products are Green by their very nature. Not only is the product made from Green resources or in a Green way, but the product helps a user maintain the Earth. For instance, foaming hand soaps decrease the amount of soap a user needs, thereby reducing the amount of water needed to clean their hands. Another example are cleaners that are bio-friendly, including being non-toxic. A product can be considered Green by how it's used.

Transportation

While many people consider the product's own lifecycle to determine its Green status, how the product is transported also affects its carbon footprint. Product that is transported through inefficient means or long distances can negate some of the Green value from its resources or recyclability.

The End of the Product Lifecycle

What happens to a product after it has been used has a huge impact on its Green status. Is the product recyclable? Can it be re-used? Some products are biodegradable and can break down in a composting situation. Whether it is an indefinitely recyclable product like aluminum, or plates that are fully biodegradable, the "end of life" of a product can definitely make it Green.

How is Vernon Sanitation Green?

Vernon Sanitation strives to reduce its impact on the environment. We are working to be Green in a number of ways:

  • Green Products – Vernon Sanitation offers a wide array of Green products. Please see our Online Catalog for Green products. If you don't see a Green option for one of your products, contact your salesperson.
     
  • Shipping - When you order a product from us, it's not making a full cross-country trip. Instead, we are efficiently delivering your orders and, in the process, minimizing our carbon footprint.
     
  • Waste Reduction - Because you can order what you need in the amount you need, you are less likely to create waste. That means less energy used and less landfill space taken.
     
  • Paper Reduction - Our On-Demand catalog service can create a catalog just the size you need. Only want to sell a small portion of our product offering? Great! We can send you a catalog with just that portion, reducing paper from our full catalog. If you'd like to learn more about our On-Demand Catalog, please contact our office at (323) 583-3191, email us at info@vernonsan.com or use our Request Information Form to request more information.

Green Seals and Certifications

There are many Green seals and certifications a product or vendor can receive. Here is a sample listing:

Still need more information?  Please do not hesitate to contact our office at (323) 583-3191, email us at info@vernonsan.com or use our Request Information Form to request more information.


©  Vernon Sanitation Supply Company, Inc.     P. O. Box 58244     4622 Alcoa Ave, Vernon, CA 90058-0244     Phone: 323-583-3191     Fax: 323-583-3197