A lot of people are adopting more environmentally friendly ways of living at home. Turning off lights and appliances when not in use and cutting down on driving and recycling whenever possible are all actions that can be taken by everyone. The same mindset can be transferred to the workplace. Read this article for some ideas on how you can start the green movement at work.
If you have a strong desire to make a difference at work, propose the idea to your employer. You may be surprised to find that they may have a program in place already. If not, see if your employer is agreeable to promoting environmentally friendly work practices. All it takes is an email sent out to all employees with some suggestions on conserving energy. You may even suggest the formation of a committee of employees to put together some kind of formal program that all employees can participate in.
One good way to start going green at work is by reducing the amount of paper used everyday. Report drafts and work in progress do not need to be printed out. If someone else needs to look at it, it can simply be sent by email. Reducing the amount of paper used is good for the environment. It cuts down on clutter on your desk, and it can save the company a lot of money in the long run.
The typical office building uses a lot of interior lighting. Frequently, the lights go on early before anyone gets to the office, and they stay on late at night. Granted, the lighting at night is probably needed by the custodial services, but at that time, only half the lighting is really warranted. Avoid turning on any office lights that you are are using. If you have no control over the lighting, contact the building manager to see if any adjustments can be made to reduce the number of lights used during the day. In addition to light, turn off all computer equipment, including printers, fax machines, etc.
There are many things that you can recycle at work besides paper. Bottles and cans accumulate quickly during the day. See if your building manager can provide recycle containers for cans and bottles, and ask them to be placed at convenient locations that people have access to. Toner cartridges can be recycled. Old office equipment can be recycled as well. There are services that come around regularly to pick up old equipment for recycling, so explore those options.
If possible, take public transportation to work a couple of times a week. Driving less will save the air. Get together with co-workers and form a carpool a couple of times a week. Encourage them to join you in the effort to go green at the office.
Going green at work will benefit the environment, and it can save the company money in utility bills. Set an example for your colleagues, and show them how easy it can be. Before you know it, you may be able to start a positive, green trend at your workplace.
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