Eight Tips For a Green Workplace

Many of us work.  Many of us are concerned about the environment and sustainability.  But sometimes these two parts of our life never meet.  We feel that we may be 'green' in our personal life, but we have to follow company policy or etiquette in the work place.  Who wants to be the Environmentalist Nazi at the workplace anyways?

Well, I just don't accept this to be true and I believe many of you agree with me.  To create a sustainable world we cannot cut out the largest portion of our day and focus on the remainder.  No, let's make a stand for green at out cubicle in such a way that we can bring others into the movement through our example.  So, here are eight simple ways that you can make a difference in the workplace and prove to be an example, not a preacher, of green business living.

One:  Unplug your computer and printer at night.  Most computers, printers and power strips are no longer turned off in the workplace, but enter 'sleep' modes when not in use.  This 'sleep' mode provides a quicker start-up time for the user, usually by one or two minutes, compared to a regular start-up from off. The problem is that these devices suck power during this time, essentially wasting electricity.  Many states, such as California, are working toward the elimination of 'sleep' modes altogether because of this.  You can preempt the need for this regulation by just unplugging your power strip (or individual devices) at night when you go home.  Energy saved and time in the morning to go get coffee!

Two:  Print Double Sided Documents.  This was a tip that I knew about but could never figure out how to do.  It sounded great, cutting paper usage in half, but I couldn't figure out how to do it with a printer sans double-sided feature for the longest time.  So let me tell everyone so you can start saving today.  Select "Print."  Select "Print: Odd Pages."  Select "Send to Printer."  Once odd pages print, flip over stack and set stack back in printer. Select "Print."  Select "Print: Even Pages."  Select "Send to Printer."  Voilà, double sided printing.

Three:  Turn Off the Lights at Night.  This is a simple way to save power that requires no work but flipping a switch as you leave a room. Remember, though only do this if leaving a room for more than 15 minutes, such as at the end of the workday, because of the power used in turning on a light.

Four:  Use a Mug.  Most offices provide paper or plastic cups for their employee's daily refreshment nourishment.  But even if individuals recycle these cups, energy and resources are unnecessarily spent in the recycling process, transportation and repackaging of the materials.  So forget the paper cup, plastic cup and the plastic water bottle, use a mug.  Find out more with like minded people at The Mug Project.

Five:  Use the Internet to Distribute Documents.  As someone currently enamored with the amazing ability of Google Docs to allow multiple users the opportunity to view and edit the same document I am taking this piece of advice to heart. The amount of paper, ink and energy used from printing documents and e-mails is quickly adding up to something substantial for me.  I know it will for you, too.  

Six:  Commute with Co-Workers. Sharing the ride with one or more of your co-workers is an easy way to reduce the stress, expense, and environmental impacts associated with your commute. What's more, most carpoolers and vanpoolers save time by using the SOV (Shared Occupancy Vehicle) lanes on your local bridges and freeways.

Seven:  Telecommute. If you are an individual with the opportunity to take advantage, of telecommuting you should really should for the earth. An estimated 1.35 billion gallons of gasoline could be conserved annually if every U.S. worker with the ability to telecommute did so 1.6 days per week, according to a report released today by the American Electronics Association. 

Eight:  Share Organic and Locally Grown Food. Lastly, be generous with food you bring from the local farmers market at the office. Once your co-workers taste these tasty snacks they might re-consider buying the pesticide and petroleum infused produce and meats at the local mega-store. Heck, they might join you next week. (Hopefully you like your co-workers).