Green Office Environment
When making our lifestyle more environmentally
friendly, a lot of attention is given to homes. Because people spend
much of their time at work, greening an office is often just as
important. Taking the time to save energy and use less resources at work
will go a long way to protecting the environment.
Computer Energy Efficiency: Computers are a main fixture in every
business and corporation. Business computers can waste more than one
billion dollars worth of electricity a year. Cut down on energy use by
turning off the computer at the end of business day. Throughout the work
day, set your computer on sleep during short breaks and while you are at
lunch. Employers should purchase energy-saving computers, monitors, and
printers. Donate old computers to charity organizations. This will
reduce the number of computers entering a landfill.
Air Quality: Make sure your ventilation system is working properly. This
will result in less energy use and cleaner air.
Carpet and Paint: Purchase paint and carpet that do not contain volatile
organic compounds (VOCs) which produce toxic chemicals
Lights: Turn off the lights when you leave a room. Buy energy star-rated
light bulbs and fixtures. They use about two-thirds less energy than
regular light bulbs. Install timers to shut off lights.
Paper: Try to reduce the amount of paper that you use. Whenever
possible, post manuals and other policies online. Print on both sides of
the paper and use the other side of old documents for faxes and scribble
paper. When possible, print in black. Make it a policy to only purchase
recycled paper. There are a variety of earth friendly paper products
available which are made from either bamboo, hemp, organic, or cotton
materials. Recycle ink cartridges and toner and only buy remanufactured
products.
Recycle: Place recycling containers throughout the office. This will
drastically cut down on the amount of paper and plastics going into
landfills.
Use Green Products: There are a number of eco-friendly office products
available. A few items include envelopes and papers, pens, toilet paper,
paper towels, refillable pens and markers, biodegradable soaps, and
biodegradable cleaners.
Reusable Kitchenware: Employers can make it a policy that only reusable
dishes, silverware, and glasses are allowed. Switch to filtered water to
reduce the use of bottled water.
Green Office Furniture: Purchase environmentally friendly desks, chairs,
cabinets, and other furniture. Eco-friendly manufacturers are now
providing a host of green office furniture. This type of furniture is
made from sustainable harvested wood. For instance, furniture made from
bamboo helps sustain forests because bamboo grows quickly. They are also
made from recycled materials. There are industries that use recycled
material in the manufacturing of steel, recycled soda bottles in chairs,
as well as upholstery fabrics made from recycled soda bottles.
Traditional manufacturing processes create emissions of volatile organic
compounds from glues, stains, and finishes. Eco-friendly manufacturing
does not create toxic emissions. Refurbished furniture is becoming a
very popular choice because they significantly reduce the amount of
office furniture going into landfills Eco-friendly constructed office
furniture are made with materials that do not give off toxins or strong
odors. A few of these eco friendly materials include glues, paints, and
foams.
We are now living in a time where both indoor and outdoor pollutants are
affecting every part of our lives. Because we spend so much time at the
office, toxins and chemicals in the air can greatly increase the risk of
such health conditions as cancer, asthma, allergies, and respiratory
illnesses. Chemicals may also end up in the environment where they
contaminate groundwater and soil and harm plant and animal life.
Greening the office is a great way to improve your health and protect
the environment. Businesses will have happier and more productive
employees.
About the author
Canadian retailer offering Global Office Furniture, Ergonomic chair fitting, Green Office Furniture and Office Workstation Furniture. Provides workspace layouts and an explanation of our recommendations to meet all of their functional needs.