Enjoying an eco-lifestyle means living greener in all areas of your life. You may be taking environmentally friendly steps at home, but are you also doing it at work?People spend almost 90% of their lives indoors, and for those people who work inside that equates to about 40 or more hours at your desk, office or cubicle. So don’t you want your work space to be eco-friendly and energy efficient?
Conserve Your Computer’s Energy. For many people with desk jobs the computer is absolutely necessary to get things done. It is estimated that people waste over $1 billion in electricity every year just in computer use!
Steps
- Invest in an energy-saving computer, monitor and printer
* Switch to energy-saving settings
* Turn off your computer whenever you’re not using it
* Set it to sleep mode when you are away for short periods of time - Reduce Your Paper Waste.. Do you really have to print out every email and handout? You can reduce paper waste by deciding to go paperless wherever possible. You can try to:
* Keep copies of important emails, files, and more on your computer
* Don’t get any extra catalogs or magazines mailed to your office
* Get your check directly deposited
* Send company updates through email instead of on paper
* Review any documents online instead of printing them out - Prioritize Your Paper Use. If you do use paper on a daily basis then you can make eco-friendly paper choices. Here are some things you can do:
* Buy recycled and chlorine-free paper
* Try paper made from organic products like bamboo, cotton or hemp
* Print on both sides of the paper - Recycle. There are many things in your office that you can recycle. If you don’t have a recycling station at work, start one on your own! You can get a few bins and post recycling guidelines above them. Some of them may include recycling:
* Paper products like copy paper, envelopes, magazines, etc.
* Cardboard boxes from shipped supplies
* Soda cans and plastic bottles and bag - Reduce Your Printer Use. The printer is one of the most used office items. Every day it cranks out tons of important faxes, emails and other documents. Here are some ways you make your printer use greener:
* Try not to print in color
* Use a printer that does double-sided copying
* Print in draft mode
* Recycle ink and toner cartridges - Maintain Healthy Air Flow. It’s already bad enough that you have to worry about air pollution every time you walk outside, but it’s also a big priority when you work inside. Here are some ways that you can maintain a healthy air flow in your office:
* Use non-toxic cleaning products
* Open your windows to increase air flow
* Don’t smoke in or near the office
* Use an air purifier to get rid of contaminants - Travel With Care. The first part of your work day starts with you getting to work, and for many people that means driving. Cars emit tons of carbon dioxide gases into the air, contributing to global warming. Here are some things you can do for a green ride:
* Join a ride share group
* Take the train, bus or subway
* Ride a bike or walk if you live close enough
* Invest in a green car like a hybrid
* Reduce your travel by working from home whenever possible - Green Your Desk…Literally. Get a plant and place it on or near your desk. Or, even better, buy plants for all of your neighbors. They will not only see this as a friendly gesture, but they’ll also have cleaner air to breathe! Plants absorb indoor air pollution and increase the flow of oxygen, so get a green accessory to compliment your desk!
- Eat Healthier.Everyone looks forward to their lunch break. If you manage to save money by not going out to eat every day then you probably pack your lunch. You can follow these lunch tips to have healthier eating habits:
* Pack your lunch in a reusable lunch bag or box
* Drink from the fountain instead of brining water bottles
* Recycle your soda cans, bottles and aluminum foil
* Use a washable napkin instead of paper towels
* Walk to a lunch eatery if you forgot to pack it
Spread the Word. The best way to stay involved in the green scene at work is to get others involved. Share your practices and wisdom with your boss and coworkers.
