How to Be Green in the Work Place, Job, and Office

There is no better time than the present to start transitioning to a green or greener lifestyle. This includes going green at your place of work, in the office, and on the job. Going green at work may consist of a variety of changes and transitions in your office, but rest assured a green work place will make for a healthier work place for you, your colleagues, and your subordinates or superiors. And going green at work will also end up saving your office money, as well as knowing that you and your organization are doing your part to be good environmental stewards by going green at work. This article contains a number of steps you and your colleagues at work can take to make your office a greener place with less impact on the environment.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Electronic Waste Computers: When replacing older computers at work, switch to using laptops and notebook computers. They use around fifty percent less electricity than desktop computers. Use email rather than paper communication as much as possible. Memos and other inter-office communications are most efficient by email. Recycle old computers and other electronic equipment. Also, recycle empty printer and toner cartridges.
2. Paper: When copying and printing at work, always copy and print on both sides of the paper. Use two-sided copying and printing option. This will cut down on wasted paper, and will decrease the amount of new paper that needs to be purchased. Don't print things out unless absolutely necessary. Backup files on your computer using multiple electronic methods and locations. Don't print out every email you receive. If you still have old one-sided sheets of paper around, use them for printing, copying, or as a notepad for taking notes. And always recycle paper rather than throwing it in the trash. When it comes to faxing, try not to use an extra page as a cover sheet - look into fax sticky notes instead.
3. Light Rail - Public Transportation Commuting and Automobiles: Look into the option of a compressed work week, flex-time, or telecommuting to cut down on the number of commuting trips you have to make each week between home and work. If you are an employer, look into the merits of allowing your employees these options. If you are an employee, ask your employer or supervisor about the possibility of participating in such options. Concerning commuting to work in general, try to carpool with other coworkers or people you know who work nearby your place of work. Or, try to use public transportation if available. When going out to lunch, try to encourage people to ride together and carpool, or designate a different person each day to go out and fetch lunch for the office. This will all decrease the amount of money you have to spend on gas, cut down on the amount of exhaust you produce each week, and add more variety to your workweek.
4. Lighting: Make sure all lamps use compact fluorescent bulbs or energy efficient fluorescent tubes. By not using incandescent bulbs, your office will significantly save on its electricity bill. Also, make sure all lights are turned off in unused offices, rooms, conference areas, and other areas of the workplace. Lights should only be turned on when someone is in an area.
5. Drink Delicious Tap Water Other Office Stuff: Don't use disposable cups, plates, or utensils in your office kitchen. Bring your own reusable coffee cup, plates, and utensils and encourage coworkers to do the same. Don't purchase bottled water for the office. Bring a reusable bottle filled with water from the tap, drink tap water and water from the water fountain and encourage others to do the same. Regarding hazardous materials, make sure they are recycled or disposed of in the most appropriate manner. Many manufacturers of hazardous or toxic materials will take back items related to their use at the end of their life cycle for proper recycling, remanufacturing, or disposal.

Tips & Warnings

• Transitioning to a green workplace takes time, particularly when mindsets and old habits need to be changed. But it can be done and is well worth the effort.