For many people, the office is a home away from home. For some, more waking hours are spent at work than at home. So, at least half of the important decisions we make and the actions we take regarding how our lifestyles impact the environment are determined by how we conduct our daily lives at work. The following are some suggestions on how you can make the office a greener place.
Going Paperless:
With the introduction of computers into everyday work environments, goals were to increase productivity and eliminate the paper trail. With the latter goal directly effecting the environment, you would think that many companies and businesses would take full advantage of modern technology and phase out printing and faxing except under certain circumstances. However, the result has been the opposite. Having all these computers networked to a printer, many businesses have found they are using more paper than ever.
Going 100% paperless may be a leap offices are not yet ready to make, but many work places could significantly cut back on their paper consumption if they did not print out presentation and meeting notes. Many people are still insistent about having a hard copy of everything. If everyone took the time to honestly ask him/herself if that hard copy is really necessary, they would probably find that most paperwork simply gets filed away never to be seen again, anyway. Furthermore, all memos, correspondences, etc. can be sent electronically.
Plants in the Office:
Decorating your office with plants makes it greener, literally. Not only do plants improve the aesthetic quality of your work place, scientific research has shown they reduce depression. Plants can freshen the air by reducing airborne pollutants and producing oxygen. Certain plants like bamboo or cacti require very little attention.
Office Supplies:
Green office supplies are those that can be reused or refilled. For example, instead of throwing away those old ink or toner cartridges, consider having them refilled. Many office supply or drug stores offer this service at a reasonable charge. Refillable lead pencils and ink pens can replace those disposable ones.
Energy Efficiency:
One of the easiest things to do to make your work space more energy efficient is to simply remember to shut off devices which are not in use such as computers, printers, fax machines, paper shredders, etc. A lot of newer appliances never really shut off; when you power them off they are actually on “stand by”, still slowly draining minute yet measurable amounts of electricity. These kinds of devices can be plugged into a power strip. At the end of the work day or while you go to lunch, simply switch off the power strip.
Recycle:
For offices that haven’t gone paperless, they can recycle it. Besides paper recycling, other office items which can be recycled include staples, paper clips, the plastic shafts from old pens, markers, and mechanical pencils. Don’t forget about recycling the plastic bottles from the drink you purchased from that workplace vending machine.
Living green is about individual effort and responsibility. As more people are taking up this lifestyle others can come to realize the importance of conserving our resources and reducing wastes.
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