World Environment Day: Go green in office-help the environment!

A perfect workplace is more energy efficient and eco-friendly.

Shruti Saxena

If you are a nature lover, then you ought to take environmental friendly steps at work, both to save energy and to create a healthier workspace. A perfect workplace is more energy efficient, eco-friendly and enjoyable. So, it’s time to ‘go green’ at work. Change your working ways and change the planet with these handy tips for a cleaner and greener working environment.

Conserve your computer’s energy

Your role as someone who cares about improving the energy efficiency and healthiness of your workplace is very vital. For many people with desk jobs, the computer is absolutely necessary to get things done. To begin with, turn on the sleep mode of the desktop when the machine is not used. It saves 70% of the energy. The screen savers must be simple and not patterned and best is not to use them to conserve energy. One can also consider replacing aging desktop computers with laptops instead as they use up to 70% less electricity and generate less heat waste.

Wise use of electricity

Turn off all the computer systems, printers, photocopiers and other electronic devices including thermostats, coffee machines that don’t need to be left on at the end of the day and leave them off until you need to use them again. Check that all the monitors are set to their most energy efficient settings. Automatic shut down procedures can be set for easy maintenance. One can also use fluorescent bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs to go eco-friendly.

Reduction, Reuse and Recycle

Yes, this 3R formula is very important to maintain an eco-friendly office. Recycling of papers is very important because it reduces the production cost by 20%, which will also help in reducing the cost of papers. Prioritise your paper use by buying recycled and chlorine-free paper. One can also go in for paper made from organic products like bamboo, cotton or hemp. Print on both sides of the paper. Try reading on-screen and only print documents when absolutely necessary.

Use of eco-friendly office products

Another excellent idea of going green at your workplace is the usage of environmental friendly office products like recycled paper, refillable ink cartridges, non-toxic highlighters, etc. On average, they only cost 5% more, which is a small price to pay to cut down on waste and pollution. More usage of electronic files Use of electronic devices for file storage on desktops and laptops not just saves time but also money. This reduces the usage of paper, thus, becoming the next best idea for an eco-friendly office.

Telecommuting

The Internet has revolutionised working from home. Encourage working from home, particularly for workers who would normally drive to work. Instant messaging, online video conferencing, email and online classes have made telecommuting more viable than ever before and hence helps in cutting down on pollution and increases time availability.

Green your desk, cubicle, office

Get a plant and place it on or near your desk. Or, even better, buy plants for all of your neighbours. It makes your workers happier and healthier. Plants absorb indoor air pollution and increase the flow of oxygen, so get a green accessory to complement your desk and breathe in cleaner air.

Eat green and healthy

Everyone looks forward to their lunch break. You can save a good amount of money by not going out to eat every day and instead packing your lunch. Use containers, mugs and silverware that can be washed and used again. Encourage use of the organic food and drinks. When ordering lunch for an office meeting, how about going vegetarian? Cutting down on meat can have a huge impact on the health of the planet. Also, use a washable napkin instead of paper towels.

Travel green

The first part of your work day starts with getting to work, and for many people that means driving. Cars emit tons of carbon dioxide gases into the air, contributing to greenhouse gases. Encourage the practice of carpooling, use of public transit, biking or walking if feasible.