EcoBusiness Success - Strung Out Guitars
Published on February 25, 2011
Cornwall, ON -- Strung Out Guitars has successfully completed the Cornwall Carbon Reduction Initiative project, EcoBusiness. This venture assists local companies as they adapt to the changing economic climate. Since today's market is rapidly changing as communities focus more and more on environmental sustainability, EcoBusiness provided guidance to several businesses in SD&G transition to this new economy. Art and Roda of Strung Out Guitars accepted the challenge and have recognized their business' environmental sustainability. EcoBusiness supported Strung Out while they analyzed their self-evaluation of eco-friendly procedures and provided assistance towards integrating more environmentally sustainable practices into their business operations.
Strung Out Guitars is located at 601 Montreal Road in Cornwall. The small and intimate music store sells and fixes guitars and gives lessons for both guitar and bass. The shop also carries numerous other instruments and accessories.
The store may be small in size, but it contributes largely to the reduction of Cornwall's carbon footprint. To reduce its carbon imprint, Strung Out reduces its electrical use, which also lowers the hydro bill. The staff ensures that all equipment is turned off when not in use. To add to its low energy consumption, compact fluorescent lights have been installed throughout the store. Art and Roda acknowledge that CFLs use 67% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last longer; and some can last up to 10,000 hours longer.
Not all manufacturers of musical instruments take back their packaging for reuse, but when possible, Art and Roda will take advantage of this. However, all the cardboard packaging that the guitars are shipped in is recycled. Recycling bins are made accessible for employees and customers. To further reduce their waste, Art and Roda compost food waste and other compostable items. Furthermore, plastic water bottles and Styrofoam (polystyrene) have been eliminated from the business. It is recognized that polystyrene can take thousands of years to decompose because of its strength and chemical makeup. When it does breakdown it could release harmful toxins or carcinogens into the environment.
Additionally, Art and Roda reuse furniture before tossing it are second-hand items are obtained if possible. Many of the furnishings are reused. For example, the display cabinets are second-hand. Lastly, hazardous materials are kept out of the landfill, including light bulbs, batteries, and paint.
To reduce paper consumption, Strung Out encourages communication by email and keeps printing to a minimum. Double-sided documents are printed whenever possible and post-consumer paper is used in the printer.
Strung Out has minimized its water usage. The store does not go through a lot of water as it is, however toilet dams have been installed, which considerably reduces water use. A toilet dam can displace about 4 litres of water per flush! Also, Art and Roda ensure that taps are not left dripping and leaky facets are fixed as soon as possible.
To add to its eco-friendly habits, Strung Out buys local when possible and instigates an ongoing search for "greener" products in the local community.
Cornwall Carbon Reduction Initiative is proud to announce Strung Out Guitars as an EcoBusiness.
EcoBusiness is a project of the Cornwall Carbon Reduction Initiative. This project has received funding support from the Eastern Ontario Development Program. The Eastern Ontario Development Program (EODP) is a $10-million Government of Canada initiative which promotes socio-economic development in rural Eastern Ontario, encourages a competitive and diversified regional economy, and contributes to the successful development of business and job opportunities and sustainable, self-reliant communities.
