Saturday, June 7, 2008

Green Your Office


Lists like this one are all over the internet, but I figured for your convenience I would post here a few easy things we have tried and which have already made a difference for us.

In no particular order, since any and all of these things help:


1. Carpool- If you’re going the same place, why double the carbon footprint; ride-sharing makes environmental sense. It’s also a good way to build camaraderie, hear new music, and not to mention, you'll be saving big bucks at the pump.

2. Turn it Off- Shut down all computers and monitors at the end of the day. And not just on stand-by mode either; this still drains power.

3. Reduce, Re-use, Recycle- have recycling (for paper, glass and plastic) easily accessible in the office. The less effort it requires, the more likely people are to do it.

4. Less is More-Use less Paper! One way is to rely more on computers than on paper; you can use Microsoft Word to brainstorm instead of wasting a piece of paper. Also, try to print the fewest number of copies necessary. If, however, you must use paper, try using 100% post-consumer recycled paper!

5. Drink Smart-Have employees bring their own water bottles or containers and use an office water cooler instead of distributing individual plastic bottles all the time.

6. Think Light- Utilize windows and natural sunlight as much as possible. Also, consider switching to CFL light bulbs which last longer, are better for the environment, and save costs on energy.

7. Eat Well- Encourage employees to bring lunch in reusable containers rather than eating out all the time and generating more waste!

8. The Incredible Bulk- Buying in bulk reduces your expenses, but also creates less waste (less packaging and plastics) and means less carbon consumption (if you only require delivery once or twice a year, that’s saving a lot of gas compared to weekly or monthly deliveries).


I would love for you to share anything thats worked in your office (or home)!

No comments: