Everyone is concerned about the planet getting warmer, except, of course, some people who are worried about losing money. But the bottom line is that if we do not do our part, our weather is going to change, and not for the better. We all need to do our part in reducing greenhouse gases. There are many green ideas for greening your office that employees may consider.
- Go electric
- Paper
- Lights
- furniture
- Commute
- Dress Right
- recycle bins
- switch off
Greening Your Office – Go Electric.
Technology is here for a reason — digitalize and dematerialize as much as possible. emails, invites, calendars and files can all be saved onto your computer rather than on paper. Back up all information on an external hard drive — as much as we love technology, computers do tend to crash and burn when loaded with too much information.
Paper
Print only if you must, as most of the time, you can make changes directly on the screen without printing. When you do print, choose a double-sided setting, which will print on both sides instead of just one. When restocking, use recycled paper. Encourage people to use email, etc, and avoid delivering paper reports.
Lights
When you leave the office, turn off all lights, especially desk lights that are smaller yet easily forgettable but still powerful. Switch to LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs, which are more efficient than traditional ones and will last much longer.
Furniture
Choose office furniture — desks, chairs, filing cabinets, made from sustainable wood, recycled metal, and non-toxic waste. If you need to change furniture, donate it so that it can be reused again and again.
Commute
Public transport, such as buses, subways, trains, and cars, is overcrowded and stressful. It also contributes to your carbon footprint and the toxic fumes emitted as you complete your journey. If the work is not long-distance and the weather supports it, either cycle or walk to work. It’s a healthier and cheaper option with minimal impact on the environment.
Dress Right
Summers are warm, and winters are cold. Dress appropriately so that you don’t turn the heater or air conditioning on full blast as you step foot in the office. Bring an extra jumper or pair of tights to cozy up in the cold, and if it’s too hot, buy water spray or a small fan.
Recycle bins
Have one main recycling bin where everyone can throw paper, cardboard, and plastic waste. Place it somewhere obvious with easy access. Although you may not save money, you will at least be helping to protect the environment.
Switch off
Leaving your computer on overnight will eventually burn out its battery, which is unnecessary. Set up your system so that hard drives switch off after a certain number of minutes, and your screen protector activates and shuts down the screen when not in use. This will extend the life of your computer significantly.
For more lifestyle ideas, click here.