Okay, I know this isn’t a blog post about SEO, Internet Marketing or Website Design, but I wanted to share some tips on how to keep your office as green as possible. We want to live in the cleanest environment possible, and every little bit helps. Here are a couple easy tips to make your workplace eco-friendly!
1. Try Not to Push the Print Button
This one is hard for me. I love to print articles and to-do-lists as much as the next guy, but I have been trying to ween myself off this habit..and it’s been paying off. Everything I need is online. My calendar, my notes, my emails.. everything. ADDED BONUS: Your desk will stay neat and tidy from fewer papers piling up!
2. If You Need to Print, Choose Recycled Paper or Scrap Paper
Unless you are printing a proposal, contract or something more “official” that needs to be filed, print on the back of scrap paper. Need to take written notes for to-do lists and/or phone calls? Staple all your loose paper that you have printed but don’t need anymore and make a ‘notebook’ – you will be amazed at how quickly it adds up, and when you have filled it, recyle the book.
3. Recycle, Recycle, Recycle
This is a No Brainer! Bins for paper, plastic, glass are an easy way to keep your office responsible. Have printer toner cartridges? Save your used ones and trade them in when you go to get a new cartridge.
4. Work from Home..if possible!
Does your job allow you to telecommute? Ask you boss if you can work from home 1-2 days per week. This will save energy in the office, and most importantly, shave down the miles you put on your car and emissions you put into the atmosphere from commuting on a daily basis!
5. Carpool
On the days you do go to work, try to hook up with people that live around you and carpool. I have done this with a colleague of mine who lives right around the corner from me and plan on getting 2 more colleagues involved too! ADDED BONUS: You learn more about the people you work with!
6. Have Actual Utensils & Dishes on Hand
Nothing is more wasteful than paper plates and plastic utencils. Eliminate all such materials and bring your own dishes to work, or keep a couple older ones in the office kitchen for everyone to use.
7. Change Out The Office Lighting
Update your lamps and overhead lights with energy-efficient light bulbs and take advantage of natural daylight whenever possible. ADDED BONUS: Natural sunlight is particularly beneficial in winter when Seasonal Affective Disorder can take over!
Have a green office tip? Please share them with me!