Greener Office Options

Here are some handy tips from Dave Boulle of Mason Complete Office Solutions for a greener day at work.

ELECTRICITY USAGE

• Turn off lights, computers, printers, photocopiers when they are not in use.  Especially at night, but also in unused offices and rooms.
• Set your computers, printer and electrical devices to the optimal energy efficient settings.
• Invest in energy efficient devices (those with the Energy Star compliant logo).
• Drink water instead of tea or coffee.  It is also healthier for you.
• If you insist on that cup of coffee, substitute one or more cups with a cup or two of water.
• When you do boil the kettle, boil just enough water for the number of cups of tea or coffee you are making.
• Open a window when it is hot and let the cool air flow in rather than use an air conditioner.
• Replace CRT monitors with flat screen monitors as they use less electricity.
• Walk between the floors rather than catching the lift.  Walking will also improve your health and keep you fit.
• Use energy efficient light bulbs to reduce the use of electricity.

PAPER USAGE

• File documents electronically and ensure that they are backed up regularly.
• Print on both sides of the paper.
• Invest in duplex printers and copiers that can print both sides automatically.

FUEL

• Cycle or walk to work.  Try this on one day a month.  Schedule that day to be in the office, leave home early to avoid the traffic and feel refreshed when you get in.
• Share cars with people who live and work close by.  Joining a lift club will increase your social circle as well.
• Travel outside of peak traffic by working at home.
• Invest in video- and telephone-conferencing rather than fly to a business meeting.
• Co-ordinate your trips around necessary business meetings and schedule back-to-back meetings to reduce inefficient travelling backwards and forwards.

IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT

• Buy ‘green’ office stationery that is made from recycled and environmentally friendly materials.
• Use green office cleaning materials which are less harmful to the environment.
• Print on recycled paper or paper that has been made from wood from FSC-approved plantations and forests.
• Invest in real plants for the office to increase the output of oxygen and the absorption of carbon dioxide.

PRINTER CARTRIDGES

• Don’t print unless you absolutely have to.  Print in ‘draft’ mode for internal documents.

WATER

• Fit low-flow faucet aerators to reduce the water usage in the office.
• Install dual-flush toilets [or Water Rhapsody Multiflush toilet mechanisms – see product demo]
• Put a brick or a bottle of water into the toilet reservoir to reduce the water usage [also toilet hippo].
• Fix leaking taps and toilets.

Source: Simply Green May/June 2010

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