|
How to reduce your carbon footprint at work |
|
Tuesday, 03 May 2011 10:22 |
Most of our clients are aware SHOTZ is environmentally conscious. There are a lot of sceptics as to the effects people have on the global warming etc., but here are 2 good reasons to be green;
A: Have a cleaner world to live in
B: You can save a lot of money being green
Due to the nature of the print industry, it is in our interest to recycle and buy recycled paper as much as possible. But we don't have to stop there. We can be green in so many other ways too so below are some of our tips for being green and saving in the workplace. If anyone has any other tips for being green, please add them below in the comment box and we'll add them.
- Walk, cycle or take the train to work where possible.
- If you have to drive, see if you can pool together with other employees.
- Reuse the blank unused side of documents in the fax machine.
- Send documents electronically where possible and think before you print emails. Do they really need to be printed?
- Try not to keep air conditioners on full power. Set it 2 or 3 degrees warmer and save on electricity.
- Likewise, wear a jumper when it gets cooler rather than cranking up the heat.
- Make sure your building is properly insulated to save on heat and cooling bills.
- Recycle as much as you can. See if ink cartridges can be recycled rather than just throwing them out.
- For odds and ends that are not useful to you but may have potential for others, consider contacting a non profit organisation like www.reversegarbage.com.au that not only collect the items, but sell them to the public to be reused by artists. That's way better than landfill.
- Turn off lights in rooms that are not used.
- If your office has a water fountain, use a glass for refill rather than multiple plastic cups.
- Turn off printers and any office equipment not in use.
- Unplug laptop, phone and mobile device chargers when not in use. Many still draw power when not actually charging devices.
- Avoid unnecessary travel for work, especially flying.
- When buying new office equipment, keep on eye on the energy ratings and purchase energy efficient machines. Some are more expensive but you'll make up for it in reduced electricity bills.
- Purchase green energy from your electricity provider where possible. For example, SHOTZ uses 20% renewable energy See more at www.greenpower.gov.au
- Be mindful when recycling. Use the correct bins and pay attention to what cannot be recycled. Recycled rubbish is sorted to remove unrecyclable items which take time and energy. The less that needs to be sorted, the easier it is for them to recycle.
- If your office has elevators and providing you don't work on the 20th floor, try taking the stairs now and again.
- Change any old incandescent bulbs to newer energy efficient light bulbs.
- When making a cup of coffee, mention you are boiling the kettle to save re-boiling the same water. You can also accuse fellow staff of being environmentally unfriendly if they don't make you one. It's a win win for everyone, especially you!
|
