So You Wanna Be A Tree Hugger? - Part 2

Published on May 07, 2008 01:02 PM by Stephanie 

Back in April, we celebrated Earth Day.   This is the final part of our series – simple guidelines to help reduce our burden on the Earth.

This segment will help you discover ways you can reduce waste at your home office and at work. 

  • Turn scrap paper into notepads.
  • Print and photocopy double-sided whenever possible.  Check your printer settings to see if you’re machines are compatible.
  • Avoid unnecessarily printing your documents: Retaining documents on your computer rather than in hard copy will save paper and you won’t have to deal with those pesky file folders!
  • Before you print a document, train yourself to always use the spell check and print preview functions of your word processing software.
  • Edit and add comments to documents on your computer, rather than by hand on a hard copy. Learn to use the Track Changes function available in MS Word to make your changes. Not only will this save paper; it will also save you time, because the changes only have to be made once rather than twice (first on paper, then in the computer file).
  • Avoid printing out emails you receive unless absolutely necessary.
  • Re-use envelopes for internal circulation.
  • Use re-usable items rather than disposable, e.g. automatic pencils or refillable pens.
  • If your company does not offer a recycling program, rather than pitching your plastics, glass or aluminum cans in the trash, take them home with you at night and toss them in your home recycling bins.
  • If you’re running errands at lunchtime, see if you can pick up lunch for someone else or ask them to come along.  Not only are you helping the environment, but you’re strengthening relationships with your co-workers.

Do you have suggestions on how to reduce our impression on the Earth?  We’d love to hear them!  Post them right here on our blog by using the link below to leave a comment.  

For more information on how you can reduce waste at the office and at home, and help the environment, visit http://www.earthday.org/. 

 

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Comments

# Moira said on May 7, 2008 3:27 PM:

Stephanie,

I love your ideas on going green in the office! Being good to the planet is essential and there are so many ways that each and every one of us can make a difference.

After doing a little research I learned that the average PC's CO2 emission is 2070 pounds; even after regulatory grade carbon offsets.   In my home office I recently when one step greener by switching to a "green computer". My old PC had a huge, loud and hot processor - now I've switched to a "Zonbu" (based on a Linux operating system) - with no fan or hard drive; it's completely quiet and the CO2 emission is "0" :-)

Here’s to green computing!

Life is good!

# Stephanie said on May 7, 2008 3:46 PM:

Thanks Moira!    I've been making monthly goals to get my home and life a little greener.  I'll have to check out the greener computers.   Love it!

# Cindy said on May 13, 2008 2:27 PM:

I love those ideas! I strongly believe we should be doing all we can to give back to the environment and I LOVE that Psychic Source agrees!!

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