Six paths businesses can follow to a green routine
Use it Again
Ask suppliers to take unwanted packaging back for reuse.
Reuse envelopes and parcel packaging.
Reuse paper scraps for notes.
Use Less
Use PowerPoint presentations, summary pages and online documentation to avoid making multiple copies.
Use the phone or email to communicate instead of memos or faxes.
Print on both sides or print multiple pages per sheet.
Print company cards rather than individual business cards.
Encourage staff members to share and circulate copies of memos and reports.
Share office supplies.
Conserve Energy
Turn off all computers and office equipment when not in use and turn off lights when natural light is sufficient.
Use energy-efficient light bulbs where possible.
Make sure to enable energy-saving features on computers, printers, and photocopiers.
Use blinds to reduce solar gain in summer and save on air-conditioning costs.
Complete the Cycle
Buy recycled products.
Purchase recycled paper products.
Technology is always improving. When buying computers, make sure you can easily upgrade your system.
Buy Energy Star-certified applications.
Reminders, measurement, and ideas
Post reminders to turn off the lights and print double-sided.
Keep track of the resources and money saved to encourage and motivate staff.
Make time during staff meetings to come up with new ideas about how to continually lower impact.
Greening your day
Put plants in your office to increase indoor air quality.
Plant diciduous trees outside office windows to increase shade in the summer and allow light in the winter.