5 of 24

Write now Article Tools

Page 3 of 3

printing activities, including:

* Paper usage.

* Energy consumption.

* Consolidation of devices.

The HP calculator also:

* Compares newer and older printer models to show energy savings based on kilowatt-hours.

* Shows how much can be saved by upgrading older printers versus purchasing new.

GreenPrint software.

* This free software eliminates wasteful blanks between printed pages.

Turn equipment and lights off.

* Select auto shut-off features where applicable.

* Leaving a PC turned on incurs exorbitant costs each year in electric bills.

* Turn off lights in rooms when not in use.

Clean Air.

* Purchase inexpensive, eco-friendly houseplants to clean the air of pollutants and toxins.

* Common plants include English ivy, Boston ferns, lilies, and palms.

TIP Place plants at workstations at least one-foot from computer, and near printers.

Office furniture.

* Look for furniture that is bio-based or made from sustainable materials.

* Upholstery and wood pieces must be chemical free.

* Avoid furniture that is plastic, painted, uses glue, and emits noxious odors.

* Plastic products like wastebaskets do not disintegrate - choose biodegradable products.

Office supplies.

* Green office supply stores carry huge selection of biodegradable pens, markers, paper clips, rubber bands, and stationary.

* Use eco-friendly binders and file folders which are expandable and reusable.

* Use compact fluorescent lighting.

Also available from recycled products:

* Blank rewriteable CD-RW's.

* Toner cartridges made from vegetable ink.

* Mousepads.

* Computer labels.

* Tape dispensers.

* Memo pad holders/ pen holders.

* Correction fluid.

* Chlorine-free paper towels.

* Non-toxic cleaning supplies.

TIP Discarded office supplies should be placed in waste disposal containers, not wastebaskets.

The Kitchen.

* Coffee and tea must be Fair Trade certified and organic.

* Use glassware, or organic plates and cutlery.

* Toss out styrofoam cups, plates, and plastic forks.

* Use commercial water dispensers with filtered water.

* Carry your own cups for fill-ups.

* Avoid plastic water bottles for individual use, plastics do not biodegrade.

TIP Set up a compost bin in the kitchen rather than throwing away food in the garbage.

Shipping/deliveries.

* Schedule weekly, bi-monthly, or month shipping to reduce transportation emissions.

Ordering supplies.

* Ask suppliers to minimize packing materials like paper and bubble wrap.

* Order from suppliers that only use sustainable ingredients.

TIP Increase awareness by knowing who makes your products, and where it comes from.

Reduce travel.

* Encourage teleconferencing, telecommuting, and perhaps a 4-day workweek to reduce costs and CO2 emissions.

It's a team effort.

*Going green at work involves participation from all your colleagues.

Read more tips at:

www.jawlproperties.com/pdfs/Gr een-Tips.pdf

Learn more about this author, Audrina Kingston.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3

Add your voice

Know something about Tips and advice on "going green" in IT for mid-sized companies?
We want to hear your view. Write now!