Quick Ways to Be Green at Work

Some of us hopped on the green train back with Al Gore, some of us bought a ticket in the early 2000’s, and the majority of us begged to get on once gas prices skyrocketed.  Regardless of when you realized that we all have an impact on the environment, it can prove difficult to translate your lifestyle changes to work.  Certain changes are individualistic, while other may require approval by the company to transform.

Here are some quickie reminders:

1. RECYCLE.  This can be done on both an individual and company level.  As an individual, you can recycle the cans or plastic bottles of pop you purchase from the vending machine (or steal from the fridge; if you do steal, see the blog entry “Mind Your P’s and Q’s At Work").  At a company level, encourage your employer to put out recycle bins for the employees, bins for paper, and encourage them to recycle computers as well.

2. UNPLUG THE CHARGER.  Whether at home or work, if you use a cell phone charger, be sure to unplug it once you are done charging.  Terrapass.com states that a staggering 95% of power consumed by cell phone chargers occurs when they’re left plugged in!

3. UPGRADE LIGHTBULBS.  Again, this may require some arm-twisting on a company level, but play into the corporate mindset- it saves money!  A CFL, compact fluorescent lightbulb, uses 70% less energy and lasts for 5-10 years.

4. FIND A CAR BUDDY.  OR JUST STAY AT HOME.  By carpooling, using public transportation, or negotiating a day per week through telecommute you will ultimately help lower emissions.  Not to mention lower your monthly gas bill.

5. DON’T BE AFRAID TO REUSE.  I know it’s a pain to wash your coffee mug every day, but suck it up.  If we do the math, 5 paper or Styrofoam cups a week racks up to an astonishing 250+ wasted cups per year.

Every little bit helps, and if you are claiming to be green at home, work should be no exception.  By bringing it into practice at your job, green truly is at work.

Got a green tip?  Speak up!

This is a guest post by Lauren Kleinman.

Comments

[Meaghan]

TreeHugger and Discovery have put together a pretty nice green guide!

http://tinyurl.com/5lgclf

[Nikki]

I have a question related to reusing. We don't have an employee kitchen in my building. I'd like to leave a mug and silverware here to reuse. However, the only place to wash dishes is the bathroom sink, which I often see other people doing. How sanitary is that?

[Lauren]

Nikki-

It depends how often your work bathroom is cleaned! Also, how hot can the water get in there? Those are the two main things that will contribute to how sanitary it is.

I know its annoying, but I don't have anything but a bathroom sink at work either, so I take it home each night and bring it back each morning. Its completely up to your preference though.

Good luck!