Valuing Sustainability at Dogs for Better Lives
At Dogs for Better Lives, we believe it is the program's duty to lessen our impact on the environment and the strain we put on finite resources. To live this belief in our daily work, we have added sustainability as one of the core values our entire team lives by.
Leading with our Green Team
To support sustainability and protect the environment, we actively engage employees through our Green Team. The team is comprised of staff from across the program who work together to lead sustainability efforts at Dogs for Better Lives. The Green Team meets monthly to discuss ways we can be more environmentally friendly, and then we help staff in implementing these ideas across the entire program.
Our team is proud to be green!
“Caring for the planet was instilled in me at a very young age. My kindergarten teacher
was a huge advocate for taking care of the planet and that has stuck with me all these
years. My husband and I are outdoor enthusiasts, and we often spend a good chunk of
our time outdoors cleaning up the trails we venture on or picking up discarded fishing
line when spending time by the rivers and lakes. I joined the DBL Green Team because I
deeply believe in a legacy of leaving things better than how we found it. While our time
on this planet is short, our impact can last generations.”
– Hannah, Puppy Program Manager and Green Team Member
“I have been looking for an opportunity to share my love for this planet we live and thrive
on with other likeminded people. I have always been drawn to making sure I am doing
what I can to give back to the environment. Being able to be an advocate within DBL,
and to help educate and inspire others on ways we can help out our environment is so
special.”
-Claudia, Apprentice Trainer and Green Team Member
Lowering our Carbon “Paw”print
One of our primary focuses is on reducing waste and promoting sustainability in our daily operations. We've implemented several initiatives to minimize our environmental footprint:
- Committing to recycling efforts throughout our facility, ensuring that materials are properly sorted and recycled.
- Opting for washable plates, cups, and utensils, reducing the need for single-use plastics.
- Embracing a nearly paperless office culture by prioritizing digital communication and documentation.
- Installing motion-sensor lights in most offices and training areas, ensuring energy efficiency.
- Leveraging drought-resistant plants in our landscaping to reduce water usage.
Harnessing Solar Energy
In 2020, Dogs for Better Lives installed a 306-panel, 97.9 kW solar array on its West training campus. This solar array is projected to meet over 75% of our energy needs, resulting in substantial cost savings and a significant reduction in our carbon footprint. You can even track how our solar panels are helping us meet our energy needs via this tool, which we also have on our website.
How You Can Join Us
We believe that small actions can make a big difference. Here are some ways you can join us in our mission of sustainability:
- Turn off lights and unplug unused devices to conserve energy.
- Opt for reusable bags while shopping to reduce plastic waste.
- Use reusable plates, bowls, and silverware instead of disposable options.
- Embrace digital platforms and reduce paper usage wherever possible.
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of individuals and the environment we share. Visit our sustainability page to learn more about our initiatives and how you can get involved. Together, let's create a brighter, greener future for all.
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Sara Ifert is the Vice President of Marketing at Dogs for Better Lives. She has more than 20 years experience in marketing and communications, bringing experience from both nonprofit and tech industries. She loves seeing the life-changing impact that dogs have on people's lives and is an a long-time volunteer in animal rescue. https://www.linkedin.com/in/
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