Need Ideas for my Office to go "Green"

[roses_92123]

I am ashamed to admit that I am not very well-versed when it comes to being "green" or eco-friendly aside from basic recycling.

The president of my office is determined to make our agency a very environmentally friendly place and has asked for a small committee to be formed here that will come up with ways to accomplish this goal.

I volunteered for the committee (because I love helping out!) but I must admit that I don't really have any ideas on how to really make an impact. I fear that I won't be much help...so that I thought I would ask the masses here for some ideas on how you or your work place have gone GREEN!!!!

 

[materialsgirl]

RE: Need Ideas for my Office to go

Recycling office paper and printer toner and ink cartridges is a good start, if you're not doing that already. In our office, every desk has a trash can AND a recycle bin, so there's no excuse not to recycle paper. There are also recycle bins set up in the snack and dining areas for soda bottles and cans.

Replacing light bulbs in the office with fluorescent bulbs will help save electricity. And make sure everyone's computers are set to enter Power Save Mode after 15 minutes of inactivity. And encourage everyone to completely shut down their computers at night, rather than just logging out and leaving it on. Similarly, encourage employees to turn off their desk lights when they leave for the day.

Using electronic forms and documents instead of paper forms where possible helps reduce the amount of paper and toner being used. Keeping the office temperature a tad higher in the summer and a tad lower in the winter can reduce energy usage.

These are just a few things you could suggest - all are very simple to implement. Hope this helps!

 

[roses_92123]

RE: Need Ideas for my Office to go

Thanks Emily!!! These ideas do help very much!!!

 

[cpritch_ks]

RE: Need Ideas for my Office to go

Another more extreme idea that our company is now implementing - our company is purchasing a "fleet" of Vespas for employees to drive to and from work to save on gas/oil etc. Employees are responsible for gas and insurance, but the company is purchasing the Vespas, paying for maintenance, etc. There are some pretty strict rules around this though - we have to go through Vespa training, sign a waiver releasing the company of any liability, and non-employees are not allowed under any circumstance to drive or ride on the Vespa. But, the employee can utilize the Vespa for work and personal use which is cool. A little more expensive undertaking for the company for sure, but if they are really looking to make a statement. . .might be worth looking into. I thought it was pretty progressive of our company to go this far. .

 

[NY25]

RE: Need Ideas for my Office to go

Depending upon the size of your company - place collection bins near printers for discarded copies (extra pages, printing gone wrong, etc)of non-confidential information. We used to collect those and have them made into scratch pads for use around the office. We'd even have them cut into different sizes. They were very popular.
If you do a search on the internet, I'm sure you will find TONS of ideas you can implement or use as inspiration for similar initiatives properly scaled for your needs. Good luck and great work being on that committee!!

 

[Mocha]

RE: Need Ideas for my Office to go

Something similer to, but a little simpler than, the vespas is getting a fleet of "town bikes". I know that the breezer company has a program to help companies implement this... I don't think the program is on their website, but I was in a bike shop the other day and picked up a brochure about the program, and the law office my mom works at has a fleet of these for short errands. You could probably contact the co. to find out for info, if interested...

 

[kathryn]

RE: Need Ideas for my Office to go

Recycle: paper, cans, glass, etc.
Purchasing paper products made from recycled (POST-consumer) paper.

Reuse: Cutting used paper (printed on one side---with non-confidential info!) into small note-pad sized pieces and having these available for taking notes (like secretaries noting phone messages) so they are used again before recycling.

Reduce: Reducing the amount of paperwork, and amount of paper used (ie: don't send out three sentences of test on a full 8 1/2 x 11 piece of paper, but cut it in 1/2 or even 1/3.

Turning computers off at the end of the day (some companies have computers that are not turned off all the way, but are on 'power-saver' mode, which still uses energy, and the cumulative effect of hundreds of computers using a small amount of energy really adds up). Unplug electrical devices at the end of the day.

At company functions (picnics, etc.) encourage attendees to bring their own reusable plates and silverware instead of buying paper and styrofoam--the latter of which should be on the 'do not use' list).

If there is a company coffee room (or coffee pot), be sure to buy coffee that is grown with the forest rather than plantation-grown coffee.

If something breaks, try to have it repaired instead of just tossing it (and, in general, think of ways to not just landfill items: maybe setting up a partnership with some organization that would be able to use used computers and other things that are in good condition, but are being replaced because of modernization).

Furnish the office with plants that help clean the air, like spider plants.

If you REALLY want to go green (ie: if the boss is serious about being VERY environmentally friendly):
Set up a communal company organic garden, compost leftovers from lunch or company picnics, serve the veggies at lunch.

When refurnishing the office, seek out used furniture, or environmentally sound furniture--like hemp-upholstered sofas, and chairs made from sustainably harvested wood or bamboo). (In general, always look for the option with least environmental impact.)

Set up a shower/dressing area and special parking area for employees who bike to work, and encourage them to do so.

Replace fleet cars with Priuses and other hybrid cars.

Set up office carpools, so no one is driving 1 person to a car.

 

[kathryn]

RE: Need Ideas for my Office to go

Also, if your company sends out packages, use biodegradable corn-starch based packing peanuts instead of styrofoam.

 

[roses_92123]

RE: Need Ideas for my Office to go

Thanks Kathryn for your ideas!! I will share them with the Green Committee next week!!!

 

[Beavs]

RE: Need Ideas for my Office to go

Does your state have a cooperative extension? They may have some good ideas as well.

 

[NY25]

RE: Need Ideas for my Office to go

Install motion sensors on lights in offices and conference rooms. That way, if no one is in, the lights are out. (if you are in larger offices - if smaller, just encourage everyone to turn out the lights when not in use)