Go Green at Work
According to a recent green summit, buildings account for 48% of the
energy used in the United States. This includes lighting, heating,
cooling, powering equipment, etc. We can make a huge difference by
looking at simple steps to reduce our energy use at work. Here are
a few easy-to-use tips: -Artificial lighting accounts for 44 percent
of the electricity use in office buildings, when you are leaving a room
for 15 minutes or more turn off the lights. When possible use natural
light as a light source.
-Computers in the business sector unnecessarily waste $1 billion worth
of electricity a year. Turn off your computer and other electronics when
they are not in use. Unplugging electronics after you turn them off also
ensures that you aren't draining any unneeded electricity.
-The average U.S. office worker goes through 10,000 sheets of copy paper
a year*. To cut back on your use try printing to both sides of the paper
or work with scrap paper. In some situations you may find it possible to
store and read things you would normally print on your computer. Ink
cartridges can contain up to 135 components, many of which can be reused
and recycled for future use.
-Just about any kind of paper you would encounter in an office,
including fax paper, envelopes, and junk mail, can be recycled. Put
Recycling bins in easy to access high traffic areas. Be sure to provide
clear information about what can and can not be recycled.
-Bring your own reusable dish ware and mugs for the meals you eat in the
office.
-Carpool, Bike, or take transit to work. or see what work you can get
done at home through E-mailing, Video chats, and telephone calls. over
44 million Americans Telecommute daily*.
*http://treehugger.com |
