1. Keep
track: measure how
much you use & how much you waste!
Keep track
of the number of copies you make. Use the counter on your machine to work out
just how much paper is being used. Prepare to be surprised! Calculate the
weight and volume of paper used in your office each year and let your staff
know how much they use.
2. Save paper: think before you print!
Use your
print preview software (in any Microsoft Office application select File - Print
Preview).
Make sure
efficient paragraphing and correct pagination is used.
Choose the
correct font size for your printing.
Use the
function 'shrink to fit' to use the paper adequately.
Always
check for errors on-screen before printing to avoid printing multiple drafts.
Avoid
making multiple copies of large documents with summary pages, PowerPoint
presentations, online documentation, and email.
Opt for
double sided printing and photocopying.
Use the
reduction feature on a copier to fit more on a page.
Encourage
staff to share and circulate copies of reports rather than issuing separate
copies.
Print
multiple pages per sheet for presentations and the like.
Minimize
paper waste by using the phone or email rather than regular mail.
Update your
mailing address list - delete all out of date contacts.
3. Save toner!
Draft
quality printouts use less toner. Select 'draft' printouts when using the
'Print' command on your computer – this is usually changed under Printer
Options on the Windows Print Dialog box.
You can
even set your printer to make draft prints by default
4. Share stationery!
Share staplers, hole punchers, etc. rather
than owning one each.
5. Re-use office and kitchen supplies!
Set-up a
stationery 'reuse centre' or 'used goods area' for used binders, folders,
padded envelopes, cardboard boxes, etc.
Reuse scrap
copy paper as notepads.
Reuse
envelopes and look for design features that support reuse - for example
re-sealable envelopes, or space for multiple addresses.Invest in a reusable mug
to save the planet and your health. Polystyrene is often used in disposable
cups, in addition to being petroleum-based and non-recyclable, it may leach
styrene, a possible human carcinogen. Paper cups aren’t much better, as the
energy-intensive process of producing and bleaching them releases dioxin, a
known carcinogen. Furthermore, as paper decomposes in landfills, it releases
methane, a more potent heat-trapping greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.
Hang
hand-towels in the kitchen and bathroom and use cloth napkins in place of paper
ones.
6. Save energy!
Make sure
all computers and other office equipment are turned off when they are not being
used, and that electric lights are turned off when natural light is sufficient.
Make sure
energy saving features on PCs, printers, and photocopiers are enabled.
Use energy
efficient light bulbs where possible. Remember, that replacing just one 75-watt
incandescent bulb with a 19-watt compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) cuts 34
kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions per year and up to 340 for the life-time
of the bulb, not to mention the money savings on your energy bill.
Replace
flickering fluorescent lights promptly.
Insulate
the office to ensure efficient use of energy for heating.
Make sure
radiators and heaters are not blocked by furniture.
Do not
overheat the office.
Use blinds
to prevent excess heating in the summertime and save on air conditioning costs.
Use a fan
in the summertime rather than air conditioning. Fans use 98% less energy than
air conditioners, and make you feel up to 6 degrees cooler.
Open the
windows and turn off the air conditioning on nice days.
Don’t fill
the kettle to make a single cup of coffee.
7. Recycle your waste!
Separate
your waste into recyclable categories (paper, plastic, glass, cans).
Arrange for
the pick-up of recyclable waste (CENN is here to assist you in this), or
deliver yourself to corresponding recycling factories.
Purchase recycled
paper and paper-based products to support recycling businesses.
8. Mind how you get around!
Encourage
your employees to carpool, use public transportation or, still better, bike.
You can do so by introducing bonus schemes for carpooling or public
transportation, or by arranging safe parking places for bikes. Remember that an
average 20-km daily commute generates over 1,250 kilograms of CO2 annually.
Avoid
unnecessary travel if the matter can be settled through a phone call, letter,
or a video conference.
Ensure that
meetings and trainings are held at locations served by public transportation.
Include train or bus directions in the invitation.
9. Share ideas and keep improving!
While
greening your office, you might find better ways of reducing waste, water, or
energy use – share your ideas with others.