Making Your Office Eco-friendly
Your business does not have to be eco-oriented to be eco-friendly. With the focus on creating greener homes, many are finding it easy to transfer methods and ideas used in improving homes to the office. Employees and employers are all eager to embrace this new way of life in an effort to make the world a better place to live.
While there are many consultant firms that can provide excellent ideas on how to create a green office, such services are not really needed unless your office finds that it has certain specialized needs that require the attention of such firms. What is suggested is that the office calls a meeting in order to brainstorm ways and methods that can be adopted to create an eco friendly space. This has two benefits: one being the ability to have a well spring of ideas available and the other to generate enthusiasm about initiating the new program. If the employees feel directly involved, then they are more likely to participate in the program.
While the program initiated by each office will differ in order to cater to their unique needs, there are a few steps that are ideal for everyone.
The first and most obvious solution is to recycle. Even though the need for recycling is nothing new, it does not mean that it is any less important. Businesses, whether local or international use a lot of paper. Many buildings start with recycling initiatives and build from there. In an effort to get the community involved, your office may want to offer a recycling collection center as well. While recycling is an option, your office should consider eliminating unnecessary items which would end up in those bins.
Cut back on paper usage and only print when you must and use double sided printing methods. Switch from plastic bottles or Styrofoam cups to glass or ceramic cups and plates.
As far as lighting goes, invest in Compact Fluorescent lights or LED lights. These lights cut down on energy consumption and last about 10 times as longer as traditional lighting. While the initial cost of such lights will be slightly higher, the lasting effect will be more then worth it.
Just because you have longer lasting lights does not mean you can leave them on when you are not in the room. Turn off the lights when you leave a room and while you are at it, shut down computers, faxes, printers, and other electronic devices. If you find that your office is having a hard time adapting, then buy motion sensors which will turn lights on or off when needed.
Going green can start even before you get to your desk. The commute to work is turning costly as fuel prices rise. By taking public transportation or car pooling, workers can reduce cost and harmful emissions.
Some easy ways to remodel the office in a green style can be switching to water purifiers to cut down on using bottled water to installing sun roofs. Large open windows and sun roofs allow natural light in the office reducing the need for artificial lights.
Other ideas for making a greener office can be found from plenty of sources such as The Green Pages; www.thegreenpages.com.au, which has plenty of tips, tricks, and resources for the environmentally conscience.
About the Author: The Green Pages is the leading environmentally friendly directory for people who want to shop smarter to help the environment. To help Mother Nature, please visit Eco Services.
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Print Article | Download PDF | 45 views | Jun 23 2008
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