How To Be Green At Work

How To Be Green At Work on Howcast

Make every day “Take Your Green Values to Work” day!

You Will Need

• Recycled paper
• A ceramic mug
• A reusable knife, fork, and spoon
• Cloth napkins
• Reusable plastic containers
• Sunlight and fresh air
• A power strip with an off switch

Step 1: Save paper

Save paper by using digital files and printing double-sided whenever possible. Print only when necessary.

Step 2: Use recycled paper

Encourage your office to purchase chlorine-free paper with high post-consumer recycled content. Reuse mailers and cartons, and recycle paper after use.

Step 3: Use a ceramic mug

Bring in your own ceramic mug so you don’t have to use disposable cups.

Step 4: Bring cutlery

Bring real cutlery and a cloth napkin to work every day to use with your homemade lunch. If you’re getting takeout, ask them not to put napkins and plastic cutlery in the bag.

Step 5: Use plastic containers

Bring lunch from home in reusable containers instead of in aluminum foil and plastic bags.

Plastic containers come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes—from sandwich-shaped to one that features separate covered sections for dips and condiments.

Step 6: Use free sunlight and air

When the sun shines, open the shades and use minimal artificial light. If it’s not too hot, open the windows and turn off the air-conditioning.

Step 7: Unplug

Set computers to power down when not in use, and unplug them at night.

Step 8: Tap into savings

Offer guests tap water in glasses rather than bottled water.

Step 9: Work from home

Ask your employer to consider letting employees work from home a few days a week, to cut down on commuting.

Office computers waste $1 billion worth of electricity each year by being left on when they are not in use.