GREEN CLUB OF THE FUTURE INNOVATIVE WAYS TO COLOR THE FUTURE OF THE CLUB INDUSTRY GREEN
RECYCLING BINS
If the city or county where the Club of the Future is located does not provide recycling bins, we have to buy them. Each small recycling bin (per room/ small areas) costs around $20. If we buy large recycling bins in bulk, we may be able to obtain them at the cost of $45 each. When recycling takes place at a club, it gives more prestige to the club. Thus, visitors, vendors, prospective, and actual members who do not recycle will understand the importance of it.
GO PAPERLESS!
In order to avoid paper waste (e.g. when printing menus, checks, club event announcements, etc), having iPads would save both money and paper at the Club of the Future. An iPad 2 costs around $500 dollars, which is a good investment when covering areas such as dining rooms, kitchens, front desks, locker rooms, guest rooms, and so forth. How much money will clubs save? What are the benfits financially for the club? It costs more usually to use earth friendly products; how can that really be justified in a poor economy? -Younger members (who will be members longer and contribute money longer) are more environmentally conscious. -One iPad will probably equal out to pay for itself in X amount of months in paper cost. Everyone (management staff) would have an iPad and get e-mails/updates immeadiately, therefore increasing members’ efficiency and satisfaction. BENEFITS OF THE iPAD The benefits of spending money to be green are not immediately obvious, but an iPad will pay for itself very quickly. Paper costs will go down and management efficiency and member satisfaction will increase. The iPad 2 has a battery life of 10 consecutive hours.
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RECYCLED MATERIALS
In order to show some care for the environment, the Club of the Future should look into buying its supplies from recycled materials. For instance, recycled paper could be obtained for administrative purposes only. The cost of these materials will not be incurred on a regular basis. A good way to make the paper last is to print double-sided to save money and paper. Think before you print!
WATER RECYCLING SYSTEM
Retrofitting existing sprinkler systems helps conserve irrigation water usage. Likewise, this practice promotes healthy landscapes. In order to save and reuse water, the Club of the Future needs to count on efficient irrigation system designs, installation, and repairs to keep the golf course and landscape looking beautiful. Retrofitting an existing irrigation system with a soil moisture sensor could save 30% - 70% on the cost of irrigating landscapes and lawns because the sprinkler system would only water the golf course and landscape when the soil really needs it. A water recycling system will help save water bill expenses and energy, which would not be required for excess water usage.
BIODEGRADABLE UTENSILS
The Club of the Future respects the earth while maintaining a bottomline economic strategy. Our club needs to take advantage and preserve the health and wealth of the planet and its living communities. The future of the club industry relies upon doing conscious business committed to generating profit by using products and services that benefit the environment. It would be stylish and earthy to have all-natural dinnerware made only from fallen leaves, steam, heat and pressure, containing no chemicals,
dyes or toxins. What’s even better about biodegradable food and beverage utensils is that no trees or plants are cut down to create them. One hundred percent biodegradable, compostable products will give a better look to the front and back of the house of the Club of the Future.
EMPLOYEE & MEMBER TRAINING
The most effective change to a more sustainable future should occur within the club, with staff training playing a pivotal role. Conducting training and education programs associated with sustainability for large groups, small management teams, and the Boards of Directors will assist with the understanding of the constantly changing world of sustainability. This would create awareness in those who think that doing things the traditional way is effective. This training should also be accompanied with an environmental audit to identify other cost-saving opportunities for the Club of the Future’s facilities. We can even go further by involving members and employees in the designs of new buildings or renovations of the facilities.
PROCESSING RECYCLED MATERIALS
How about rewarding those employees who set aside some time to recycle? How about assigning recycling as a side job in slow times? Solid waste management companies can be a choice for refuse and recycling pickup on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis. Another option could be to assign someone to take all recycled materials to a recycling drop off center in exchange for some cash, which would serve as an extra tip for someone doing that job.
2/17/2012 4:27:23 PM