Green your Office
Is your workplace smart? A smart office is one that uses resources wisely. Greening an office does not have to mean spending a lot of money or getting rid of things you like. Try our tips today to reduce your carbon footprint at work. Your children and grandchildren will thank you years later!
- Look for Energy Star labeled products when buying office equipment such as computers, copiers, and printers.
- The average computer uses 49 watts when fully on, 29 when asleep and 2 when switched off. The average monitor uses 60 watts when on, 6.5 when asleep and 1 when switched off. Switch things off!
- Activate the power management features on your computer and monitor, unplug laptop power cords when not in use and turn off equipment and lights at the end of the day.
- Get an office plant. Research states that office plants can reduce volatile organic compounds by 80 per cent, CO by 25 per cent and “negative mood states” by 60 per cent.
- Use both sides of paper for printing and copying, buy supplies made with recycled content. Try using old print-outs as notepaper.
- Before printing, edit all documents as much as you can. Draft letters and documents in space-efficient formats to reduce page count.
- Recycle office paper, newspapers, beverage containers, electronic equipment and batteries.
- Post notices in a common place and/or send them via e-mail rather than printing copies for every employee.
- Avoid using paper plates and plastic utensils. Ensure that the office pantry is stocked up with dishes, utensils and cutlery.
- Use cleaning supplies that are non-toxic and buy in bulk. Try to use as little detergent/soap as you can. Tea and coffee cups don’t really need scouring!
- Replace incandescent bulbs with compact flourescents.
- Encourage your employer to install light sensors so that lights turn off automatically when not in use.
- Turn off all lights when you leave. Turn off any you’re not using at the time.
- Switch to public transportation, carpooling, biking, telecommuting or other innovative methods to save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Picture Credits
