Turn on the TV, the radio, or the internet. Listen to the daily bombardment of the value of "going green", the threat of global warming, the need for sustainability. Entire industries and individual businesses are attacked for their ignorance and inaction. To succeed in the 21st century every business needs to proactively address environmental issues. It doesn't require a massive committee or thousands of dollars for a business to start taking advantage of the benefits of "going green."
As a matter of fact just one person can turn the "green" tide within an organization by making simple but effective changes. Each small change will lead to another small change, which will add up to a big difference for the planet and for the business! Environmentally friendly programs are not only socially responsible but fiscally responsible. Ideas to save the planet will also save a business money. Start today with 35 cost-effective, environmentally friendly ideas.
General Office:
- Set copiers and printers to automatically make double-sided copies
- Set printers to print in "draft" mode to reduce toner usage
- Remove desktop printers and centralize printing functions to larger copiers or printers that are more efficient with electricity and toner usage
- Think twice before printing an e-mail, is a hard-copy really necessary?
- Distribute reports digitally
- Write meeting agendas on the board instead printing a copy for each attendee
- Stop using a separate fax cover sheet, use stick on notes instead
- Buy office supplies made from recycled materials
- Think about print formatting - if a document is just barely 3 pages, try widening the margins to make it 2 pages
- Turn the computer off at night - save almost $50 a year in electricity
- Post one copy of a general memos on the lunchroom bulletin board instead of distributing 40 individual copies
- If a company receives five copies of a catalog that no one uses, contact the company to be removed from their mailing list
- Put paper recycling bins next to every garbage can
- Recycle shredded paper
For the Building:
- Install motion detectors or timers on lights that don't need to be on all the time - such as restrooms, meeting rooms, warehouse spaces
- Install low-flow toilets and faucet aerators to reduce water consumption
- Use more natural light - open the blinds!
- In multi-bulb flourescent lights, remove one bulb. It won't affect the brightness but will reduce the electric bill!
- Buy used office furniture instead of new
- Recycle unused or unwanted office furniture
- Use non-toxic cleaning supplies
- Reconsider landscaping needs - can the grass be mowed every other week?
- Use native plants that require little or no watering
- Consider watering at night to reduce water loss due to evaporation
- Use carpeting made from recycled materials
- Use more live indoor plants - they absorb air pollution!
In the Lunch Room:
- Set up recycling for aluminum cans and plastic bottles
- Use paper plates instead of Styrofoam
- Buy lunch room suppliers in bulk to reduce packaging waste
- Encourage employees to use their own coffee mugs instead of using disposable cups
Business Travel:
- Host a virtual meeting or teleconference instead of travelling
- Stay at hotels with recognized environmental programs
- When renting a vehicle, ask about gas mileage and fuel economy
- Encourage employee ride-sharing and car-pooling by setting up a commuter's bulletin board
- Evaluate 4-day work week options to reduce employee commutes
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