How to Green a Workplace

Intro: Many people have “gone green” at home but now it is time to have a green workplace. Going green at work not only saves the environment but saves money in the long run. Follow these steps to green a workplace.

Step 1: Search for areas across the office that could be wasting electricity, energy, and etc. Switch all incandescent light bulbs with newer and more energy efficient compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs. Turn off everything not in use, such as extra computers, copiers, and etc. Set your computers to go to sleep mode when not in use. This can save around 250 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions every year. LCD computer monitors do not need screensavers like older computer screens so eliminate the screensaver and save a ton of energy.

Step 2: To green a workplace, repair any leaky sinks or toilets at your workplace. You can waste over 1000 gallons of water a year with a leaky faucet or toilet. You can also change your workplace faucets to a more efficient and “green” faucet which can save a lot of water a year.

Step 3: Start a recycling program at your workplace. Get recycling bins for all plastic and paper. You can also purchase recycled paper instead of new paper. Recycling paper can reduce air pollution by over 90 percent. As a part of your recycling program, you can stop printing as much. Start emailing paperwork and memos instead of printing them out.

Step 4: Try using less commercial cleaning solutions. These solutions are typically full of toxic chemicals and can cause people to get sick. Many green companies offer special non-toxic chemical solutions for cleaning.

Step 5: Start doing business with other companies who are only “green” companies. Especially when purchasing office equipment, you should buy items which have the EPA’s Energy Star label. This is a label which indicates that the product has eco-friendly features.

Step 6: Instead of having business meetings where you have people drive to your office or you have to drive there, you can have online meetings through the use of webcams. This newer form of technology is becoming more and more popular in today’s age.

Step 7: To green a workplace, clean or replace filters on the office furnace and air conditioner. This can save 350 pounds of carbon dioxide a year.

Step 8: Car pool! Start car pooling to work with other co-workers who live near you. Setting up a car pool schedule at your workplace can help everyone remember which day is their day to drive.

Tips: To green a workplace, start becoming more aware of your own carbon emissions and start becoming more environmentally friendly at home too!

Warnings: Becoming green at your workplace can cost some money at first but in the long run you can help save your company money.

Comments (3)

roseanne09 said:

	... Thank you for the great steps to being green in the workplace.
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August 16, 2009
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djeff37 said:

	... Good tips on going green in the workplace.
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January 01, 2011
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Bethany1202 said:

	... Great tips. Another great way to help the environment is to eat less meat or become vegetarian. 5*
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March 29, 2013
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