Be Green in the Office

Make a positive impact on the environment – from work and home. Most of us are environmentally friendly at home without thinking about it – we recycle our plastic and paper goods, turn off lights when we leave our house, drink our coffee out of ceramic mugs among many other things, but we never think about the impact those same actions could have at our workplace. Here are a few simple tips that can help you help your company help the earth:

Reduce

Financial businesses generate over 2 pounds of waste paper per employee per day.

Eliminate cover sheets on faxes

• Proof documents on screen and preview before printing
• Circulate memos, documents, reports and publications
• Print only the amount that you need
• Provide one copy for several readers rather than providing multiple copies
• Single space the text of final reports
• Turn your computer and lights off at the end of each day

Reuse

Commercial and residential waste accounts for over 40 percent of waste currently being landfilled.

• Collect paper that has been used on one side and reuse as draft paper
• Reuse file folders
• Keep reusable cups, plates and silverware at the office
• Use a refillable water bottle and/or a coffee tumbler

Recycle

Every recycled ton of paper saves approximately 17 trees and 462 gallons of oil.

• Recycle paper wherever and whenever possible
• Recycle cans and bottles
• Stay away from paper that can’t be recycled, e.g. thermal fax, glossy or brightly colored

Put these tips into practice and show your co-workers how to do the same. Not only will you help the environment, but you’ll help your company save on costs. Your boss should be impressed.