Celebrate Earth Day: Six Ways To Make An Eco Friendly Office

While Earth Week and Earth Day comes around once a year, it’s important that we each do our part to ensure our world is a better and greener place to live. One place that we can help the environment is at our workplaces. Most of us spend more hours at work than we do any other place, so being kind to Mother Earth in where we dwell the most is not only important, but critical to our planet. I am committed to doing my best to live a greener and healthier lifestyle, when working and playing, so I’ve got some work to do—and so do you!

Here are a few tips you can use to make an eco friendly office whilst at your workplace (and even in your home office). Submitting to these changes, either large or small, makes a positive impact on our world.

Recycle, Reuse

Recycling paper, plastics, and other reusable items in your office goes a long way. If you print a report and have found errors in it, don’t be so fast to throw it away. Use the back as scrap paper and when finished, throw it in the recycle bin. If you do not have recycle bins in your office, speak to your manager or someone in HR who can help facilitate a recycle process at work. Most recycle bins are inexpensive, and many trash disposal companies offer recycle pick-up service at no charge. When purchasing paper for the office, buy paper that is made from recycled materials.

Stop Using the Plastic

Bring a set of silverware and eating materials such as plates and bowls from your home. When you are finished with lunch, wash the plates and store them in your cubicle or office if you have sticky fingers in the workplace. Using your own mugs, silverware and regular plates and bowls instead of plastic wear, paper cups, and paper plates will go far in helping the environment and minimize waste.

Can I Get a Refill?

Refillable pens and pencils cut down on waste and are better for the planet. Instead of throwing away countless pens once you are finished, use a refill! Also, refillable ink cartridges are the way to go.

Electronic Communication

Sending out a memo? Use the computer and email it. Why print 100 memos on paper when you can send it electronically in seconds? Offices use too much paper, in my opinion, and we don’t utilize paperless methods as much as it should. Promote a paperless office and use e-mail and other electronic devices to communicate.

Turn ‘Em Off

When you are not in the office, turn off your lights. Why have a lighted office when it’s not being used? Also, at the end of the night, shut down your computer completely to save energy. Unplug other electronic devices that are not in use. It may take a little longer to leave in the evening but the planet will thank you!

Buy Eco Friendly Office Products

When purchasing items for your office, see if there is a greener option for that particular product. Most major retailers carry brands that offer goods that are made out of eco-friendly or recycled materials. You can also shop websites like The Green Office that specialize in selling planet friendly office supplies.

You can take being “green” at work further by reducing your carbon footprint. You can carpool to work with coworkers, take public transit, or even ride your bike to work. If your office offers telecommuting hours, you can also choose to work from home.

These are just a few ways you can make your office more eco-friendly. A greener office makes for a better planet.

Do you have any “green” tips for the office?