Go Green At Work

Adopting eco-friendly practices at your place of work will make for a healthier and more productive workplace. Not only does it eliminate costly waste, it wins you the respect as an environmental leader from consumers and businesses alike.

Turn off equipment
When not being used, set computers to energy-saving mode, and shut them down at the end of the day.

Use less paper
Encourage email communication, keep files on computers (instead of file cabinets), review documents on screen rather than printing them out, use a fax-modem to send documents directly from your computer, and print and copy double-sided documents.

Start a recycling program
It’s easy to set up a recycling program at work. Make sure you have containers around the office and in the breakrooms for paper, cardboard, plastic containers and glass bottles.

Choose green supplies
Use recycled paper and envelopes, refillable pencils, and soy-based inks. Provide biodegradable soaps and cleansers and recycled-paper or cloth towels for everyday use.

Cut transportation
Encourage employees to carpool, take public transit, bike or walk. Consolidate your errands into one afternoon instead of making several trips.

Telecommute
Instant messaging, video conferencing, and other practices make working from home feasible. Also consider working four 10-hour days instead of five eight-hour days.

Rethink your workplace
Incorporate good lighting. (Natural lighting is free and has been proven to improve worker productivity.) Switch to compact fluorescents or consider using the LED (light emitting diode) lamps. Both use small amounts of energy. Provide good ventilation and use low-VOC (volatile organic compound) emitting paints and materials. Investigate recycled furniture alternatives, or see if your existing furniture can be refurbished.

Offer eco-friendly alternatives
If you’re a retailer, look for nontoxic, recycled or organic products to sell and for packaging.

Open windows and doors
When the weather turns warm, don’t reach for the air conditioning; start to cool the office by opening windows and doors.