November 2015
Between the fluorescent lights, the printers, the K-cups and the requisite trips to the soda machine, an office is not exactly the epicenter for resource conservation. The logistics of reducing and recycling in an office are undoubtedly more challenging than they are at home. But it’s worth the trouble for two reasons … environmental responsibility and costs.
You’re in business to make money, and minimizing the expenses can save you tons. Here are some ways to start:
At your desk:
- Instead of printing out memos for distribution, email them and let employees decide whether or not they wish to print them.
- When preparing for weekly staff meetings, create your agenda in a PowerPoint presentation rather than handouts.
- Reduce your margin settings so that your printer uses less paper.
In the lunchroom:
- Promote the use of reusable mugs, dishes and cutlery.
- Instead of bottled water, provide employees with filtered drinking water and reusable cups.
In the supply room:
- Stop duplicate magazine and catalog subscriptions and cancel everything addressed to former employees.
- Recycle printer cartridges, batteries, and light bulbs.
- Buy recycled toner and ink.
In the mail room:
- Use shredded paper, instead of peanuts, for packing.
- If possible, ask vendors to reduce packaging materials in your orders.
- Instead of throwing away old documents, shred them and reuse them as packing material.
When you get shipments in, save your boxes so they can be used for shipments out.