We made a difference at Optimum!

We made a difference at Optimum last week!  We turned our power off for one (1) hour (as a test) for the business energy conservation group in Ohio that we participate in.  The test occurs every year - for one hour - and we passed with flying colors!  (we needed to tweek a few things here and there)

You might be thinking - What's the big deal with that?  In the printing industry, we strive to become sustainable and "green" through the incorporation of economic, socially responsible and  sound environmental practices in our business operations.. As a print manufacturer, our presses consume a large amount of energy in addition to keeping the production environment under climate controlled temperatures with air conditioning.  In extreme weather conditions, Optimum might be called upon to shut our power off during peak energy consumption in the State of Ohio.  In return, we will receive a credit on our electric bill for our participation.  Not such a bad trade off!

Just this past July, the east coast suffered record breaking heat for several days consecutively.  Businesses in those states who participated in this program shut down and (I was informed by our energy rep) it saved the East coast from power outages or rolling brown outs.  All types of business were able to make a difference that week together-a synergistic approach-each by contributing a small portion of power reduction.

Last week, our nervous Optimum team, (during the hour) sat in our low lighted office with our computers on still working and servicing our customers via email, our website and phones while our manufacturing and warehouse went dark..  There was a buzz around the office, some shouting out to one another, others walking around and putting flashlights on their desks or just checking in with one another.  Our purpose shifted for just that one hour as our team contributed to a greater energy conservation purpose.  It felt good to be at Optimum that day.

We made a difference at Optimum last week and we discovered that  we are prepared and ready to contribute our part!