Video: Going Green in Business – Earth Day 2014

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) — A lot has changed in the way we live since Earth Day began over 40 years ago. Military Hardware in Columbus says those changes have affected the way they do business.

“It’s been a big change, especially for us since we have to go back and redo our inventory and our stock,” says Brad Perkerson, Manager of Military Hardware.

Perkerson’s family started the business in 1959. The store has seen many inventory changes over the years since Earth Day and the Green movement began. Perkerson says using florescent light bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs cut energy use in the hardware store.

“It is longer lasting. I’m supposed to get 7 to 8 years out of mine. So I got some more quality there and it last longer on my system,” says Perkerson.

In the last four decades, activists have encouraged people across the world to conserve, lead healthier lifestyles and decrease pollution. Buildings account for nearly one third of all global greenhouse gas emissions. Materials used to build have now become more energy and cost efficient.

“A lot of my fittings have gone no-lead. A lot of it has gone to the plastic called Pex type fittings and pipe, which last longer than copper,” says Perkerson.

The Earth Day campaign says Going Green or sustainable living will lead to a cleaner, healthier and more economically viable future. Perkerson thinks the changes will make a difference.

“It’s made a big change and I guess it’s worth it down the long run,” says Perkerson.

If you’d like more information on Earth Day or sustainable living, just go to www.earthday.org.