NEVER mind a white Christmas – the focus for businesses this year is green.
As firms struggle in the grip of a recession, bosses are being invited to find out how they can save money by making their business more energy efficient.
It comes as a council asks green businesses to help them promote their services.
West Dorset District Council is producing an online refill directory and wants to hear from shopkeepers who offer a refill service where customers can get their old bottles or containers filled up with new products.
Firms can get vital tips on energy efficiency at a free event at the Corn Exchange in Dorchester next Thursday called the Efficient Energy and Energy Performance Certificate Seminar. Delegates will learn the key principles of energy efficiency and get advice about reducing bills. Lighting, office equipment, manufacturing machinery, transport and energy management issues will all be covered.
The seminar will also provide an introduction to important energy legislation, the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.
The refill directory meanwhile is expected to boost trade and help people reduce waste.
Leader of West Dorset District Council Robert Gould said: “We are encouraging people to reuse their old plastic bottles – or recycle them at a recycling bank – because at the moment it is not environmentally feasible to offer a kerbside collection service for plastic bottles in West Dorset.
“Transporting plastic bottles across our area would unfortunately do more harm than good. Plastics are extremely bulky and the environmental cost of the extra lorry journeys would outweigh the benefits of recycling them.”
One business which offers a refill service is Fruits of the Earth wholefood shop in Bridport.
Owner Mike English said: “The refill service is becoming more and more popular. We are now providing more refills than we are selling new bottles.
“We offer refills on laundry liquid, fabric conditioner, washing-up liquid and multi-surface cleaner.” To find out more contact district council recycling officer Leah Wistrand on 01305 251010 or email: l.wistrand@westdorset-dc.gov.uk Businesses that want to attend the seminar can book a place with Amy Prior on 01392 383033 or email: amy.prior@globalactionplan.org.uk
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