Top 10 Tips to Go Green In The Office
Posted by Michelle on January 11, 2012 |
We understand the importance of keeping New Years resolutions. At e-PlanSoft™ we believe that resolutions should not only be individually based but also for the office environment. Whether you work at home or in an office, it is important to be environmentally conscious with your materials and work. The following 10 tips are cost-effective solutions to help create a green environment and better workplace.
1. Natural Light
If your office has windows use natural light as much as possible. Don’t forget to turn off your lights when leaving the office. If lights are needed in your work space be sure to use CFL lighting. Compact flourescent light blubs use up to 75% less energy than standard light bulbs.
2. Turn off Office Equipment
Computers are the most energy draining devices in the workplace so encourage your co-workers to turn off monitors and computers every evening.
3. Print Smarter
Not everything in the workplace needs to be printed. If printing does occur remember to purchase recycled paper and make sure to print double sided. When purchasing a printer make sure that it contains the ability to go into eco-mode/energy saver while at idle.
4. RecyclePlace recycle bins at the end of each hall wall to encourage employees to recycle. Make sure that ink is disposed in the recycle bins or refilled to cut cost. You can purchased recycled ink from organizations to raise money for non-profits and schools.
5. Carpool or Bike to Work
Get to know your co-workers and see if you can rotate on driving to work. By carpooling once a week you are reducing carbon emissions by 20%. Carpooling also saves money on gas and helps you build relationships within the workplace. Biking to work is also a great way to have physical activity especially if your work requires you to sit for most of the day.
6. Go Paperless!
A solution to printing unnecessary paper is storing and sharing documents online or through a public folder. With online databases such as Salesforce, Cloud Storing, and Go to Meeting it is easy to keep a paperless environment. By going paperless you are increasing productivity, reducing cost, and creating a more secured database to store private/important files in case of physical theft or diasters.
7. Reduce Fax Related Material
There are services that offer the conversion of faxes into digital form. The faxes are sent to e-mail instead of wasting paper. This method requires no physical fax machine which means no paper or ink cost.
8. Reuse Shipping Boxes When Possible
Don’t forget to buy in bulk so that shipping and packaging waste are reduced. Shipping companies are currently selling material that is recycled for purchase. If possible reuse shipping boxes instead of purchasing new ones.
9. Green Breakrooms
Encourage employees to use real glass/mugs/dishes when using the break room. Save money on purchasing break room plastic utensils and provide reusable utensils. When making coffee for the office use recycled coffee filters. Avoid Styrofoam and one use water bottles. Instead promote reusable water bottles that contain a water filtration inside.
10. Green Cleaning Materials
When cleaning the office use nontoxic cleaning products. The products should be free of volatile organic compounds. When furniture is to be purchased it is suggested that the material is recyclable. Lastly, the addition of plants in the office enhances the appearance but also reduces stress and air pollutants.
