Green Tips For Office

1. Optimize your computer.
   Make it a habit to turn-off and unplug your computer at the end of the day. Also, set your computer to energy-saving settings.

2. Lights off.
   Turn off all lights in any room not in use for 15 minutes or more. Use natural light whenever possible.

3. Be a smart printer.
   Make it a routine to print on both sides or use the back sides of old documents for faxes, scrap paper and drafts. Also, consider switching to recycled paper or paper made from natural sources such as bamboo, hemp and organic cotton.

4. Get drafted.
   Print and photocopy in fast draft mode. You save ink, time and money.

5. Time to go paperless.
   The greenest paper is not using paper at all. Practice posting announcements and documents such as employees’ manual online, rather than distributing printed copies. It is also easier to update.

6. Practice recycling.
   You could recycle just about any kind of paper you would encounter in an office. Remember, place recycling bins in high-traffic areas and provide clear information about recycling.

7. Commute to save gas.
   Driving for many hours in traffic wastes a lot of gas. Join a carpool or take public transit. Better yet, bike or walk if you live near your office.

8. Power of telecommuting.
   The latest innovative technologies have made telecommuting a reality. If you can -- take classes online, hold phone conferences or work at home.
   It will save you time, energy and money going to the office.

9. Green clothing is the in thing.
   When you shop for a new wardrobe, get clothes made with organic or recycled fibers.

10. Lunch time special.
    Bringing your own lunch packed in reusable containers is the greenest way to eat at work. Getting delivery and take out almost ends with tons of packaging waste.

11. Try a green office environment.
    Make it a practice to use organic cleaning products. Liven your cubicle with indoor plants, they absorb indoor pollution.

12. Time to inhale fresh air.
    If possible, open your windows to minimize the use of air conditioning.

13. Program your climate control system.
    Set your climate control system on how many hours it will run and automatically turn it off at the end of the day and on weekends.

14. Heat-free water.
    Shut off hot water option in bathrooms. Using cold water saves both energy and water consumption.

Shift to the best lighting. Fluorescent and LED lights consume less energy and last longer than incandescent lights.

15. Buy green office supplies.
    Endeavor to use eco-versions of standard office supplies such as calculators, toner and batteries. It may be recycled or made with eco-friendly materials.

16. Re-use shreds.
    Use shredded paper as filler for corporate gifts or packing boxes.