CANYONVILLE, Ore. -- Efforts to go green can save businesses money in the long run, and one of Douglas County's biggest companies is seeing large returns after just six
The Seven Feathers Casino Resort in Canyonville recently established a 'Green Team,' to look at where they could cut back on waste.
Right off the bat, they found several things which have reduced garbage and electricity use, but organizers say it was mostly about changing their mind set.
The leader of the team, Rod Debban, told KPIC News, "By nature, casinos just are generally wasteful organizations, and it is about changing your mind set about the way you do business, and understanding that you can do business in a way that is more responsible for the environment, but still convenient for your guest."
The new wing of the hotel has all energy efficient lighting, and they have made efforts to keep lights turned off that are not in use.
Even with the recent addition of a new hotel, spa and buffet, the casino has managed to save over 275,000 kilowatt hours of electricity.
Some of the biggest waste reduction can be found in the hotel rooms. "We go through, or went through, about 175,000 of those individually packaged soaps and shampoos each year," said Debban, "and so what we have done is, put dispensers in each on of our rooms to reduce the waste of those items, and also make it more convenient for our guests."
With recycling bins around the building and L.E.D. slot machines already on the casino floor, the green team is now working on food services.
Debban says it's never been about the money, and their efforts are geared towards being good stewards. It just so happens, it's saving them a lot of money in the process.
He would like to encourage other companies to do the same. "That is a common myth, that when businesses 'go green' or try to be sustainable, that it costs them money, and it doesn't. It has absolutely saved us money and it will continue to save us money year over year," said Debban.
There were some small initial costs for the casino, but Rod says they have seen a quick return on the investment.
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