Go Green at Work
With everyone and everything going green, why not go
green at work too? It's not as hard as you may think. Just a few
adjustments and your office is on its way to being green!
1. First, think about paper. Buy recycled paper and paper products. Not
sure how to tell? Just look at the package and it will say if it's
recycled or not.
2. Instead of purchasing new furniture, try hunting for treasures at
yard sales or resale shops. Or if you have time, just give your old
stuff a face lift! Get creative.
3. When you leave the office for the day, instead of just turning
everything off, try unplugging everything. It will save energy in the
long run.
4. Try arranging your office so you won't have to turn on any lights
during the day. Have your desk next to a window so Mother Nature can
provide the light!
5. Instead of printing office memos, try sending co-workers an email
instead. That goes for employees manuals as well, if possible, have
employees read the manuals online to keep from using paper.
6. Make a habit to recycle everything in your office. Keep a bin where
other employees can pitch in as well. You can recycle everything,
including fax paper, envelopes and junk mail. You can even recycle your
computers and office equipment. Check your local schools and colleges;
they may be able to use them in the classroom.
7. When possible, try getting to work by using public transportation,
carpooling or riding a bicycle or scooter. Walk if you live close
enough, not only are you helping the environment, but you are getting
healthy!
8. When you clean the office, be sure to use nontoxic cleaning products
and brighten up your office with plants. Not only are they pretty, but
they actually absorb indoor toxins!
9. If you have a kitchen area at the office, bring your own dishes and
reusable containers and silverware. Try to avoid plastic cups and
Styrofoam products. Try to encourage other employees to do the same.
10. Use Green marketing tools. Let your customers, and the public know
that your company is environmentally friendly. It will enhance your
company's image.
11. Replace your light bulbs with energy efficient bulbs. Not only are
they good for the environment, they last much longer.
12. If your office receives newsletters or magazines, find out if you
can receive them online instead of through the mail. When you are done
reading them, just delete them instead of tossing them into the waste
basket!
13. Try to keep your office at a steady temperature. In the winter,
instead of turning up the heat, try wearing warmer clothes.
And last but not least, who says you have to have an electric pencil
sharpener? Buy the old timer type, you know, the ones that require a
twist of the wrist to sharpen. That goes for staplers too. With just a
few adjustments, you can make a difference in the workplace and the
world!
About the author
Inside Realty operates a website about Houston Tx real estate. They have pages on the neighborhoods of Sugar Land.