 | No chemical inputs
reason We use no toxic chemicals on our property. Our chickens forage on our land. We eat the food of these animals. We use no inorganic anything on our crops. We do not spray our apple trees choosing to cut around the worm holes. |
 | Livestock have access to outdoors
reason Personally we have chickens. Yes, they have a sizeable pen and are out grazing the property on average 1-2 hours a day. They love grasshoppers! |
 | Conserving energy
reason Personally we keep the thermostat at 68. Our home is relatively efficient. Through improvements we have reduced energy use by 12.5 % since getting an energy audit. As well, our electricity use is 50% that of the average home! |
 | Conserving natural resources
reason Our water use is reduced by having planted native species around the home. |
 | Promoting Renewable Energy Sources
reason FIll the Gap recommends use of solar energy either passive or active. |
 | Reducing paper use
reason We reduce paper use through recycling and making choices that don't involve using materials such as paper. PDF documents and e-documentation go a long way today. Fill the Gap does provide final printed reports to customers as the reports are important documentation for the building owners whoever that is. |
 | Using sustainable building designs
reason The recommendations from Fill the Gap are always to find ways to promote and use passive solar and natural shading to improve the comfort in the home. |
 | Energy efficient equipment
reason Fill the Gap uses little energy on a daily basis. Lights are generally off due to the size of the window at the office. No air conditioning is used. Commuting is done using mostly bicycle or bus. For the computer and cameras rechargeable batteries are used. The vehicle gets 25MPH. The business computer is an Energy Star model. |
 | Recycling program
reason Paper, cardboard and plastics are recycled. There are recycling bins along side the business. Many times we dig in the dumpsters to remove recycleable materials being tossed out by others. |
 | Using fuel efficient vehicles
reason Both vehicles used for business are rated at 25mph |
 | Recycled promotional products
reason We purchase recycled content paper and business cards. |
 | Reducing waste
reason Both in the ofice and at home we strive to recycle. Most of our purchasing is carried by reusing shopping bags or canvas totes. Efforts are being made to promote city-owned waste management with the goal of city controlled and enforced recycling efforts. |
 | Using organic products
reason Most of the foods we eat are organic. We also grow our own veggies and raise our own chickens for eggs and food. |
 | Contributing to local tax base
reason Through business and other expenses. |
 | Using local raw materials
reason We buy from a reuse business, Home Resource, for most of our construction needs. |
