Go Green
Be the Change You Want to See in the World
Green is the fashion these days—global leaders are finally united in the importance of salvaging the planet; individuals are becoming environmentally conscious, pitching in to do their part.  But don’t forget the planet when you’re at work. 

A green office is an easy sell, especially considering employer benefits. Greening at the office can improve the air quality and health of employees (i.e., fewer sick days), reduce energy and supplies expenses, and earn the company a green image, a public relations move that is increasingly valuable.
Embrace your inner tree hugger and make your office green:

Bag bottled water. Instead of reaching for a plastic bottle of water, install a water filtration system at the tap. (Installation is simple.) Doing so saves petroleum-based plastic production, and emissions and landfill waste. 

Buy organic, Fair Trade coffee. Coffee is a huge commodity, second only to petroleum, so the type you choose is important. The Fair Trade organization reduces global poverty by paying farmers a fair wage for their beans. Look for the Fair Trade Certified symbol or go to Fair Trade Certified to find a retailer.

Ditch the Chinet. Buy real plates, glasses, and silverware to use at the office. Paper products comprised the largest portion of municipal solid waste in 2003—83 million tons--according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Purchase environmentally sound products. From post-consumer recycled paper to recycled steel furniture, the wealth of office products available to a green office consumer is impressive. Check out The Green Office for a great assortment listed by price and green ranking.

Turn off the lights. If are away from your office for more than 15 minutes, turn off the lights as you leave. Better yet, increase your serotonin level by opening your shades and letting the natural light shine through. Put your computer in sleep mode, which will conserve more energy than a screensaver.

Use both sides of the paper. When you’re printing something that only you will see, print it on the other side of a scrap paper. If you’re making copies of a report or presentation, set the copier to double-sided mode. Doing so will reduce your company’s paper consumption by a whopping 50%!

Reuse your takeout containers. Reuse take-out sturdy plastic containers. Rinse them and use them to pack your own lunch. It will save you from commuting to get lunch, and benefit your bank account and your waistline.

Check the thermostat. Some offices have the AC set so high, that workers used space heaters in July to keep warm! No one could determine who controlled the thermostat. Find out who pays the utility bills at your office and let them know about resetting the thermostat. Saving company money always gets attention!

Recycle. Business recycling programs aren’t one-size-fits-all. Smaller business can band together to have enough recyclables for pickup or can appoint someone to drop them off. Log on to Earth 911 for business reuse and recycling programs in your area. If your office already has a recycling program in place, post signs about what can be recycled to help remind and encourage your co-workers.

Don’t drive alone. Vehicles are wreaking havoc on the environment. According to the EPA, each year the average car emits 11.45 pounds of carbon dioxide, the most dangerous greenhouse gas. Carpool, walk, bike, or take mass transit. Telecommute a couple of days a week.

Use the Internet. The Internet is a powerful tool which allows us to work across boundaries, distances and time constraints.  Whenever possible, provide or receive products and services via online shopping or e-correspondences.  Remember when continuing education was primarily offered through out-of-town speakers and seminars?  The toll on the environment was tremendous, with the hundreds of attendees commuting to a single destination, and an out-of-town speaker who had arrived via airplane (one of the worst environmental offenders).  Continuing education via the Internet has eliminated commuting—the best part being the convenience of earning continuing education anytime and anywhere…and the best thing--you'll be saving the planet in your pajamas! 

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” - Ghandi
“It isn't easy being green.” - Kermit the Frog
“Continuing education. Anytime. Anywhere.” – numedix.com

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