A Few Green Ideas

Here are a few tips to help you get  started on making your workplace more environmentally friendly.

1. Use electricity wisely.

Turn off all computers, printers, photocopiers, and other equipment that doesn’t need to be left on at the end of the day and leave them off until you need to use them again. Check that all computers/monitors are set to their most energy efficient settings (e.g., monitor set to shut off after 15 minutes of no use). When leaving a room for more than a few minutes, switch off the lights. Use compact fluorescent bulbs instead of incandescent ones. Take advantage of natural sunlight as much as possible.

2. Reduce, reuse, recycle.

“Reduce, reuse, recycle” means more than just throwing old notepaper in the blue bin (though you needn’t stop doing that). Really think about everything you use. Do you need disposable cups at the water cooler? Can you use the other side of the used sheets of paper you’ve thrown in the recycle bin?

3. Use environmentally friendly office products

On average, they only cost 5% more, which is a small price to pay to cut down on waste and pollution. Start small – 100% recycled paper, refillable ink cartridges, non-toxic highlighters, etc.

4. Use non-toxic cleaning products

There are many brands available nowadays.  If you use a cleaning company try to encourage them to use green cleaning products.

6. Commuting

Encourage working from home, particularly for workers who would normally drive to work. This cuts down on pollution and increases time availability.

7. Transportation

For those who do come to the office on a regular basis, encourage (and help arrange) carpooling, use of public transport, biking, or walking.

8. Aim for a paperless office

Though the paperless office may still seem unrealistic, at least try to cut down on printed material when possible. Read on-screen and only print documents when absolutely necessary.  Use only 100% recycled content paper products in the office and when getting promotional material professionally produced, ask your printer for FSC Certified paper.

9. Fair trade & organic

Buy fair trade, organic coffee and teas for the office. If employees prefer to go out for their hot beverages, encourage them to take their own mugs.  Forever Green reusable coffee mugs are available, ask staff for details. More importantly is the reduction in waste from not having to throw out paper or Styrofoam cups.

In our woodland offices here at Ransom Wood we recycle many everyday items used around the office, not only paper and cardboard but also light bulbs, ink cartridges and batteries.  Recycled waste bins are provided at all our buildings and we also have a clothing bank on site.