Green Office

There are lots of things YOU can do to “go green” in your office. See our tips below and start going green in your office today! Do you have any ideas to add to our list? Email us with your green friendly office tips so others can benefit.

Computers

• Turn off your computer when leaving work. Leaving your computer on stand-by mode still consumes significant amounts of electricity, as much as 40% of normal use in some cases.
• Use a laptop, not a desktop. Laptops use up to 80% less energy. Co2 emissions reduction: 400 lbs/yr
• Turn off your monitor when you go for lunch or a meeting.
• Donate your old computer to an organization that will reuse or recycle it. Consult the National Recycling Coalition www.nrc-recycle.org

Paper

• Buy recycled paper products
• Make double-sided copies to reduce paper waste.
• Use the size reduction feature offered on many copiers. Two pages of a book can often be copied onto one standard sheet.
• Put paper and toner cartridge recycling boxes beside the photocopier.
• Once-used paper can also be reused in plain paper fax machines — they only need one clean side. • If you have to print a document or email, just print the text you need.

Other Tips

• Send your invoices via email rather than posting them in the mail
• Use task lighting only, instead of power-sucking overhead lamps. Also, change out incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescent lights (CFL).
• Keep all electronics plugged into a single power strip that can be turn off at night.
• When you need to ship something, use the USPS’s Click-N-Ship service via the USPS website, which allows you to print out mailing labels and postage. You can put the packages out with regular mail. This saves from taking extra drive to the post office.
• Keep a spare sweater in the office rather than turning up the heater
• Use timer switches to turn off vending machines and copiers when the office is closed.
• Send and receive virtual faxes, rather than paper ones.
• Make the most of natural lighting by opening the blinds.
• Reusable bottles and cups reduce solid waste. Bring a coffee mug to work and get a good feeling from both the caffeine and your conscience.
• Install energy-efficient lighting around the office.
• Use hand-dryers rather than paper towels.

Office Décor

Chances are, you’re already using recycled paper products for your printer and scanner, but don’t neglect other green options in office. Standard furniture — like chairs, desks and filing cabinets — can all be found made from recycled and sustainable materials, as can essentials like desk organizers, bookends and pencil holders. Get even more creative and give your office a little extra atmosphere with a colorful Turkish-style rug woven from recycled soda and milk bottles.

Once you get started, the possibilities are endless and your home décor will start to reflect not only your taste, but your values too.