The Chicago Recycling Coalition has a comprehensive checklist for those looking to go green either in the office or at home. The list includes the basics as well as a few less obvious ideas, covering paper usage, office supplies and products, kitchen areas, recycling, transportation, energy and water efficiency, and air quality. Links and more information below...
Just a few of the checklist items to get you started:
Paper Usage:
• Purchase recycled paper.
• Edit documents on-screen when possible.
• Maintain accurate mailing lists and delete duplicates.
Kitchen:
• Avoid disposable materials in the kitchen, and use washable items instead.
• Purchase organic, fair-trade coffee.
Recycling:
• Recycle paper, cell phones, cardboard, glass, metal, plastic, packing peanuts, and furniture. (See the full article for the complete list.)
Transportation:
• Bike, walk, take public transportation, or carpool.
• Use videoconferencing when possible to avoid energy-consuming travel.
Energy and Water Efficiency:
• Use low-flow aerators on sinks.
• Use power-save mode on equipment and appliances.
• Install an automated thermostat.
Air Quality:
• Use low-VOC paints in the office.
• Add plants and open windows regularly for ventilation.
This edited list just gives you a glimpse of the CRC's many suggestions for going green at work. To read the entire Green Office Checklist from CRC, click here.
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Sorry to change the subject, but does anyone know anything about that print in the background of the picture?
view leskat's profile
Nevermind. Just googled the visible text and found it.
(Search first, then ask!)
view leskat's profile
My company, which is very eco-conscious, said that rather than use recycled paper, they use a paper that is made on a very low-heat process that uses much less energy. Apparently recycled paper is made using a very high-heat process that uses a lot of energy.
Speaking of green concepts that go against conventional wisdom, Salon.com had an interesting article that questioned if buying local is always better- for example, what if a non-local company ships a very large batch of food in one trip, while a local food company with a much smaller truck might have to make several trips. Just some interesting things to think about, and how the answers are not always obvious:
http://www.salon.com/mwt/food/eat_drink/2008/06/24/food_miles/index.html
view MCNicole's profile
Oooh, also learned that your monitor uses up a ton of energy- turn it off when you step away from your desk.
Ok, we just had a corporate responsibility training last week, so this is all fresh in my mind . . .
view MCNicole's profile
great list! love the poster in the photo!
view RJD's profile
As another resource for office greening, check out our website http://www.thegreenoffice.com. On the front page, you can find a "Greening Guide" where you can learn about everything from the most eco-friendly adhesive to carbon offsetting. You can also scope out our huge inventory of the green office products! Happy Greening!
view kytgo's profile