Becoming a Green Office
I have previously complained about the lack of recycling initiatives generally in the UAE, but what about in the office. I know of a few big corporations here have initiatives to be green in their office; however there are many offices who have started off with good intentions, which have then petered out.Having a green office is not only good for the environment and reduces what we send into those giant landfills but also will save you your business money. To help you start going green here are some tips which you can incorporate today:
Use recycled paper – recycle paper was bad quality previously but has now improved immensely especially PCR paper (Post Recycled Content paper).
Print only when you must – do you really need to print that draft marketing idea. Can you not show it on your computer or send by email?
Reuse the paper – if you have printed in error use that paper for note taking or reprinting on the other side.
Refill toner cartridges or buy re-manufactured toner cartridges – you can save up to 15% on buying re-manufactured cartridges. Alhtough no a big industry in the UAE, there are few companies that specialize in refilling toner cartridges.
Subscribe to industry publications online and unsubscribe to any unused publications.
Obtain recycle bins for paper, plastic, glass, batteries and trash and leave in various places – the bins do not have to be specialist bins but should be marked for their various uses. The bins can be emptied and deposited in the designated public bins every week.
Buy electronic products that are energy star qualified to save almost 75% energy – start with changing the printers and then change other products when they need to be replaced.
Store documents electronically - such as on a network or using a business backup platform such as Crashplan and Bitcasa Infinite Drive.
Switch off the lights when not in use and make the most of that day light (if available).
Inform the cleaning company of your recycling initiative – to ensure that they do not throw all the items together into the trash.
Energy saver settings on your computer – change your settings on your computer and also shut down your computer at the end of the day rather than leave at standby.
Use green materials – you can now purchase recycled pencils, pens and envelopes as well as biogradeable soaps and cleaners.
Redesign the workplace – Furniture can be manufactured from recycled materials and you can also purchase used furniture from Dubizzle or Ebay to save money. Purchase compact fluorescent bulbs and LED desk lamps that use small amounts of energy.
Let me know if these tips are helpful for you and your office.
© 2013-15 Decluttr Me | All rights reserved - This post is provided for the convenience of Decluttr Me readers. Any reproduction of the content within this feed is strictly prohibited.
(copyright in pictures - Rawpixel and WavebreakmediaMicro)