Ways to recycle

* Have clearly-labeled recycle bins throughout the office and recycle paper, cardboard, cans, plastic, bottles, etc.
* Recycle toner and printer cartridges – most office supply companies will take empty cartridges back.
* Buy recycled products (paper products, packaging, etc.) whenever possible
* Recycle old electronics and computer equipment – check with local computer parts suppliers to see if they’ll take your old equipment.
* Don’t purchase paper that is a contaminant in recycling. For instance: thermal fax paper, paper with bright colors, paper with glossy coatings, etc.

Ways to reduce

* Stop using cover sheets on faxes
* Print directly on envelopes instead of using labels
* Use erasable white boards instead of sticky notes
* Use both sides of the paper when printing or making copies
* Review documents on screen before printing
* Switch to lightweight paper
* Remove out-of-date names from mailing lists
* Take the necessary steps to reduce unsolicited mail, such as unwanted catalogs and mailings
* Post announcements on bulletin boards or send via email
* Circulate memos, reports, documents etc. electronically rather printing paper copies
* Design mailers that don’t use envelopes (fold and staple the paper instead)
* Buy refillable printer ink and toner
* Buy fluorescent instead of incandescent bulbs
* Encourage employees to carpool or use public transportation by offering special commuter benefits

Ways to reuse

* Save paper that has been used on only one side and use the other side as draft paper for faxes, copiers, and notepads
* Save packing material you receive to reuse for future shipments
* Use old letterhead for internal documents
* Place a new label over outdated file folders and reuse
* Shred newspapers, magazines and old papers to use for packaging
* Encourage employees to bring their own reusable plates, cups, and silverware to the office. Idea: have mugs and lunch coolers printed with your logo to give to your employees. It’s a gift that keeps on giving – back to the Earth!

Taking the steps to become a more Earth-friendly work environment isn’t hard, but it does take a commitment on the part of the owners and the employees. You might even consider putting together a “Green Committee” of a few employees who continue to come up with new ideas for making new, and environmentally-friendly changes to the office. Also, having an anonymous “Office Green Tips” box will encourage all employees to make suggestions on how to improve things around the office. Other ideas might be to have an “employee tree planting day” or an “empty parking lot” day and reward those employees who participate.