Caring for the environment
Steps you can take at the office
1. SAVE ENERGY
- Walk, don't take the lift – they use a great deal of power moving us up and down. Why not walk up or down the stairs instead - get fit while saving energy consumption (lose kilos, save joules).
- Turn your lights off - in your room and your department if they are not needed for safety. Modern lights do not need a lot of energy to turn on. The idea that it uses more electricity to turn lights off/on as opposed to leaving them on is false. Even if you are leaving your room for 10 minutes it is still worth turning the lights off
- Don't turn your lights on - if your room has enough light, consider whether you need the over-head lights on at all.
- Make sure energy saving features on PCs, printers and photocopiers are enabled.
- Switch off your monitor when not in use - even if only for 10 minutes. Your monitor uses twice the energy of your PC.
- Use blinds to reduce heat in summer and save on air conditioning costs.
- Don’t fill the kettle to make a single cup of coffee.
2. SAVE PAPER & TONER
- Measure how much you use and how much you waste! Keep track of the number of copies you make. Use the counter on your machine to work out just how much paper is being used. Prepare to be surprised!
- Calculate the weight and volume of paper used in your office each year - see the facts and figures for an example of this - and let your colleagues know how much they use.
- Print Preview. Always click on print preview before printing to check your document for typos etc. Avoid having to print twice! In any Microsoft Office application select 'File - Print Preview'. Conduct a print preview, to make sure efficient paragraphing and pages are correct. Choose the correct font size for your printing, and use the function 'shrink to fit' to use the paper adequately. Always check on screen for errors before you print.
- Print or photocopy on both sides of the paper.
- Tailor the size of paper to the length of your message.
- Avoid making multiple copies of large documents with summary pages, PowerPoint presentations, online documentation and email.
- Read documents on your computer rather than printing them - when feasible.
- Use the phone or email rather than write and thereby minimize paper use.
- Reduce the use of fax cover sheets - details are usually in the letter itself.
- For draft documents - Use scrap paper already printed only on one side. Make sure it's flat and doesn't have staples, paper clips, or notes stuck to it.
- Use scrap paper printed only on one side for taking notes instead of new sheets.
- Draft quality printouts use less toner. Select 'draft' printouts when using the 'Print' command on your computer – this is usually changed under Printer Options on the Windows Print Dialog box. You can even set your printer to make draft prints by default.
3. SHARE STATIONERY
- Encourage staff to share and circulate copies of reports rather than issuing separate copies.
- Use refillable pens and tape dispensers.
4. RECYCLE
- Buy recycled paper and paper based products. BUT check to make sure your photocopier supplier endorses the use of recycled content paper and remanufactured toner cartridges before you buy. Some recycled content papers are recommended or guaranteed in low volume but not in high volume printers.
- Use a ceramic mug or biodegradable paper cups for your tea/coffee/drinks instead of plastic cups.
- Car pool with a colleague or friend if it is possible; or walk or bike to and from work.
5. PASS ALONG THE GREEN MESSAGE
- Encourage your colleagues to go green in the office.
- Share ideas and keep improving - while greening your office you might find better ways of reducing waste, water or energy – share your ideas with others.
As an employer – what can you do for your employees?
- Set up an employee reward program (i.e., reusable mugs, water bottles, or lunch bags ) for cost saving waste reduction ideas.
- Develop employee education programs on reducing waste generation.
- Encourage employees to use china or reusable plates, cutlery, glasses and coffee mugs.
- Ask food vendors to offer discounts on beverages served in a customer's own mug.
- Work with janitorial service or staff to find ways to use less toxic, non-toxic and/or non-Volatile Organic Compounds cleaning products.
- Install cloth towel rolls or air dryers in restrooms.
- Share magazine/journal subscriptions and circulate. Keep mailing lists current to avoid duplication.
