Most Valuable Pets

We are the only Certified Companion Animal Specialists in the state of Kentucky.  I was the first woman in the nation to complete all five certifications and Vince and I were the first to complete the
sixth designation.  The six certifications include: freshwater fish, canine, feline, avian, small animal, and reptile.  We encourage education.  Education is power and the key to success.

In 1996, Most Valuable Pets was voted “Best Single Pet Store” in the country.  We continue to play a vital role in the industry as well as our community.  In 2008, we were named “Companion Animal Retailer of the Year” by Pet Product News, proving we are a leader in the industry in animal and
customer care.  We are often featured in many trade magazines and we support many local charities and groups.  We recognize that we are in the pet business but we also say we are in the “people business.”  One key to our success is loyal customers.

Our goal is to have Most Valuable Pets be an enjoyable place to work and for our customers to love to do business with us.

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Current Sustainable Practice

Below are the initiatives Most Valuable Pets has completed on the Green Check scorecard.

Sustainability Management and the Green Team

  • Develop a written Comprehensive Sustainability Plan.
  • Designate a Sustainability Coordinator or Green Team responsible for managing sustainability initiatives.
  • Hold quarterly Green Team meetings.
  • Provide time for quarterly updates from Sustainability Coordinator in upper management meetings.

Awareness, Education, and Outreach

  • Provide a sustainability information board in a common area such as a break room or kitchen.
  • Include a sustainability statement and training in all new hire materials.
  • Host annual trainings or workshops to educate employees about sustainability issues, policies and procedures.
  • Promote sustainability accomplishments in external marketing materials (website, social media, newsletter, press releases, TV/radio ads).
  • Highlight sustainability efforts or initiatives at career fairs or career days.
  • Provide volunteers for community environmental projects annually.
  • Host an environmental event at your location.
  • Participate in a present or attend sustainability workshop.

Energy Efficiency

  • Establish a power-down policy and checklist that includes items such as shutting off lights at night.
  • Set water heater thermostats to a maximum of 120 degrees or install an inline water heater.
  • Apply for energy credits, rebates or incentives.
  • Replace incandescent or CFL lights with LED lights 76-100% replacement.
  • Achieve a year-over reduction in energy usage from the baseline of at least 5%.
  • Establish a regular filter maintenance policy for your HVAC system.
  • Have your HVAC system evaluated every 2 years by a certified service provider.
  • Establish a policy for purchasing that requires Energy Star rated appliances and electronics.
  • Establish a dress code that encourages employees to dress for thermal comfort.
  • Assess energy consumption by conducting a plug load inventory.
  • Install power strips for computers and equipment to power down during non-business hours.
  • Install programmable thermostats and use them to adjust temperature during unoccupied hours.
  • Install occupancy sensors in bathrooms, meeting room, and other infrequently used areas.
  • Conduct an energy audit or assessment (within the last three years).
  • Install or upgrade to energy efficient fans.
  • Insulate roof to control energy loss.
  • Install efficiency-rated HVAC of minimum standard SEER rating of 14.0.
  • Take measures to insulate HVAC system and ductwork to minimize heat loss.
  • Assess building envelope and address any leaks.
  • Perform external lighting audit.
  • Daylight work spaces wherever possible.

Waste Reduction and Recycling

  • Implement a basic recycling program.
  • Provide clearly marked recycling bins at work stations and/or in common areas. Recycling bins must be paired with a waste bin.
  • Train and require janitorial service or staff responsible for cleaning to segregate waste and recyclable materials.
  • Use reusable mugs and dishware instead of disposable plates, cups, and utensils.
  • Establish a policy for environmentally friendly printing such as two sided printing, reusing copy paper, and electronic document sharing.
  • Establish an electronic waste policy that diverts all e-waste away from landfill.
  • Create a landfill diversion goal.
  • Replace at least 50% of paper stock with post-consumer recycled paper.

Water Conservation

  • Conduct a water audit within the last three years. Monitor and record water usage, check indoor and outdoor pipes and fixtures for drips and leaks.

Water Quality

  • Establish a policy for proper hazardous waste and chemical disposal.
  • Establish a policy for proper disposal of fats, oils, and grease, distribute to staff, and post in key areas.
  • Post information in restrooms about proper disposal of flushable wipes and other items.
  • Coordinate or participate in a community litter clean-up.

Urban Forestry and Landscapes

  • Participate in a community reforestation project.
  • Establish an Integrated Pest Management policy to reduce use of pesticides in the landscape.
  • Establish environmentally friendly lawn care policies to reduce chemical pesticide and fertilizer use.

Sustainable Purchasing

  • Establish a policy for reducing the toxic chemicals/materials in your workplace.
  • Establish a policy to purchase non-Styrofoam cups and plates for use at the workplace or at events.
  • Establish a policy for purchasing locally, if available.
  • Establish a policy to purchase/lease EPA SmartWay Certified fuel efficient vehicles.
  • Establish a policy for purchasing environmentally-friendly cleaning products.

Transportation Efficiency

  • Establish an incentives or recognition program to encourage employees to use alternative transportation, such as carpooling, bicycling, or use of public transit.
  • Establish and implement a no-idling policy.
  • Hold an employee seminar highlighting alternative modes of transportation.
  • Conduct a commuter or employee transportation survey.
  • Adopt a telecommuting option and make it available to employees.
  • Install weather-protected bike storage (indoor or outdoor).

Media:

LexGoGreen Radio Interview

Gold Level since 2019
Recertified Gold in 2022