Incorporating "green" practices into your daily routine at work is easier than you think. Modifying your behavior in just a few small ways can help make a big difference in your office's conservation efforts. Here are some steps to consider:More work, less energySet computers to energy-saving settings and make sure to shut them down when you leave for the day ("standby" settings will continue to draw power even when not in use). By plugging hardware into a power strip with an on/off switch (or a smart power strip), the whole desktop setup can be turned off at once. Printers, scanners, and other peripherals that are only used occasionally can be unplugged until they're needed. Turn off lights in spaces that are unoccupied and cut down the air when you leave for the day.Cut down on paperThe greenest paper is no paper at all, so keep things digital and dematerialized whenever possible. Review documents onscreen rather than printing them out. Send emails instead of paper letters. When buying printer paper or other paper supplies, look for recycled paper with a high percentage of post-consumer content and the minimum of chlorine bleaching. When using the real stuff, print on both sides of the page when appropriate and use misprints as notepaper. Try to choose printers and photocopiers that do double-sided printing.Greening the commuteAmerican workers spend an average of 47 hours per year commuting through rush hour traffic. This adds up to 3.7 billion hours and 23 billion gallons of gas wasted in traffic each year. We can ease some of this strain by carpooling, taking public transit, biking, walking, or a creative combination thereof.Work from home or shorten the work weekInstant messaging, video conferencing, and other innovative workflow tools make effective telecommuting a reality. It'll save you the time you would have spent on the trip as well as sparing the air. As a bonus, you get to work in your pajamas. Also, consider working four ten-hour days instead of five eight-hour days (a consolidated workweek), cutting the energy and time spent on commuting by 20% and giving you some lovely three-day weekends.Use green materials and non-toxic cleanersSome paper use can't be avoided (think toilet paper!), so use recycled paper and envelopes that have been processed and colored using eco-friendly methods. Use cloth towels in the bathroom and kitchen instead of paper towels. Buy in bulk so that shipping and packaging waste are reduced, and reuse the shipping boxes. Check out the complete line of Thornton Brothers eco-friendly cleaning products and supplies.Be smart about designGreening the space in which you work has almost limitless possibilities. Start with a small footprint and make sensible use of space - incorporate good lighting and good air. Not only is natural daylight a free source of lighting for the office, it has been proven to improve worker productivity and satisfaction. Workspace air quality is also crucial. Good ventilation will keep employees healthy.Stay put at lunch timeBringing lunch to work in reusable containers is likely the greenest (and healthiest) way to eat at work. Getting delivery and takeout almost inevitably ends with a miniature mountain of packaging waste. But if you do order delivery, join coworkers in placing a large order (more efficient than many separate ones). Also, bring in a reusable plate, utensils, and napkins.RecycleWhile obvious, recycling throughout your office can really make an impact on the amount of trash that builds up. Think paper, containers, boxes, water bottles, drink cans and more.Spread the wordEncourage others to employ these practices and remember, you don't have to save the world all in one day, or even one office. Start small gradually integrate new ways to save energy and conserve into your daily routine. Over time, it will grow into more steps, more people and create more of an impact.
