A Greener Workplace

Want to make your Workplace Greener?

Here in New England, many businesses are doing fine. Some are hanging on. And some are struggling. No matter where your organization is, we still have community responsibilities. Charities depend on business support, and communities depend on us all to be good neighbors. Part of that is making our workspaces greener. What can you do?

REDUCE
• Reduce the amount of paper you use by printing only what is necessary. Keep your file electronically, and make sure you have off-site backups. It’s real easy with some of the new services available from companies like HACC member, iMedia Technology. If you can, offer your customers a way to review statements and purchase orders, etc. online.
• Reduce your energy consumption to reduce waste and save money. Conduct an energy audit. Review machine use, lighting, and insulation. Ask your employees for suggestions. You’ll save money and increase morale, along with helping the environment.
• Set your computer and laptop power management settings to the most efficient energy level. Then power down computers at the end of the day and unplug them, if your network allows for it.
• Combine lamps and machines that can be turned off easily onto dedicated powerstrips that can be easily turned off at the end of the day.
• If its time to replace a company car, look for the most fuel efficient. A hybrid may reduce the impace on the environment while saving you gas money, too. You may even want to ‘wrap’ your car with advertising that shows people how ‘green’ your company has become.

RECYCLE
• Keep a recycle bin or two in the office. Encourage your team and visitors to recycle paper, plastic, cardboard, and other things that your refuse company will separate for you. Be sure to shred sensitive material first, or turn over sensitive material to a business that shreds and recycles.
• Try to use refilled printer and copier ink and toner cartridges whenever possible. At least, make sure you recycle your cartridges.
• Make sure to recycle corrugated cardboard shipping boxes you receive. Or better yet, switch to reusable and returnable packaging and consider asking the supplier for a discount.

REUSE
• Consider all the materials you use in your business. Can any of these materials be used for other purposes? Your employees will have some great ideas.
• Reuse cardboard folders by applying fresh labels rather than discarding them.
• If you are replacing older computers o rmachines, check to see if a local non-profit can use it before your trash it. You may even earn a tax deduction for the contribution !

All these ideas won’t work for everyone, but a few will work nicely in your organization. They will save your money, increase employee morale, and provide opportunities to market your company as a ‘green’ company. Oh, and it could actually help the environment, too.