By Jackie Thompson
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that over 200 million tons of municipal solid waste is generated annually. With the threat of global warming becoming a reality, the environment would benefit from some cleanup. While you’re likely to hear a lot about the benefits of recycling, nothing much is mentioned about the workplace. However, reducing your office waste can significantly affect the environment and help save energy. Here are some ways you can conserve the environment around the office.
Changes in Use of Electricity
You can save energy through small changes in lighting, air conditioning, and fixtures. Start by changing your thermostat to a programmable one if you’re still using the old one. Have your employees wear sweaters when it’s cold to ensure they are comfortable. Replace your bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs as they are durable and more efficient than regular bulbs. You can purchase your electricity from other alternative energy companies. Invest in automatic switches in supply and bathroom areas. These switches turn on and off when someone leaves or enters the room. Invest in Energy Star fixtures as they conserve more energy than traditional ones. Unplug vending machines during weekends or when everyone goes on holiday.
Computers
Computers can be huge energy consumers like other appliances. Fortunately, you can work efficiently and still save energy. Have your employees shut down and unplug the computers once they’re done with work. Buy computer units that are durable and of high-quality to avoid unnecessary repairs or costly purchases. This helps to prevent the increase of e-waste in the environment. Also, you need to consider investing in laptops as opposed to desktops as they are more efficient and use less energy. Although screensavers are pretty and may appear to save energy, they end up consuming more energy and lighting. Let the employees set their screensavers to a blank screen or have none.
Printing and Paper Products
Every office relies on certain quantities of paper. Paper is the number one contributor to a polluted environment. Avoid throwing away old documents. Shred and reuse any unwanted paper. Put the boxes used to ship in items. These boxes can be used for shipments out. Adjust your margin settings to ensure that the printer uses less paper. Skip printing out memos and have them emailed instead. The employees can later decide to print them if they wish. Buying cartridges and toners every time is expensive and contributes to metal to landfills. Buy recycled ink and toner can help reduce the environmental burden. You can also conserve ink by printing in draft mode. While this may lighten the shade, you’ll be able to read the copy. Cut your consumption by using both sides of the paper.
The Little Things
Office waste is contributed by the little things. When holding a luncheon, have reusable glasses, dishes, and silverware. Use cleaners like vinegar or baking soda instead of commercial cleaning products that have harmful ingredients. Provide your employees with filtered water instead of bottled water. Conserve water by installing low flow faucets in washrooms. This helps to reduce water heater’s output and save energy.
These are some of the ways you can conserve energy and the environment. You still get to enjoy a comfortable and efficient working space.