So, what's the best way to get started thinking sustainably? If you don't know what you're looking for, making changes can be difficult. Here are some ideas to get you started.

• First, take a look at the list of Best Management Practices. It can give some pointers on looking at sustainablility issues in your park.

• What are the standard operating procedures in your daily office activities? Could you plan "green meetings"? A check list of the steps to sustainable meeting practices is available.

• Need some alternative cleaning products? Fort Vancouver has put together a list of environmentally friendly cleaning supplies. Numbers to contact vendors are included.

• Do you have construction projects in the near future? You may want to look at the myriad of recycled content materials available, including recycled plastic wood, recycled content tile (which includes glass and other industrial byproducts), or recycled or leased carpet. Things don't have to be done the "good-old fashioned way" to be beautiful, durable and functional.

• Is garbage disposal an issue in your park? Could composting be an option for you? Garbage disposal can be costly and burdensome for some of our more remote park units. Composting could help reduce the amount of material hauled away from your park, saving money and creating a great soil amendment for landscaping projects.

• Could alternative energy be used in remote/difficult to access areas? Are photovolataics an option? Could alternative power be used for general facilities, such as visitor centers, as well?  For some ideas (or inspiration!), check out the success stories from other park units. For more information on energy alternatives, take a look at Sustainable Energy and Resource Conservation Central Page.

• Do you have success stories of your own to share? Let us know! Use our success stories nomination page to nominate your project or someone else's for recognition and possible posting to the SPOP page.