Green management Green office Green pages

  1. Measure how much you use & how much you waste!
  2. Save paper ~ think before you print
  3. Save toner
  4. Save energy
  5. Recycle as much as you can!
  6. Share stationery
  7. Re-use Office Supplies
  8. Buy recycled products
  9. Return to sender
  10. Share ideas and keep improving

 

1- Measure how much you use & how much you waste!

  • Keep track of the number of copies you make. Use the counter on your machine to work out just how much paper is being used. Prepare to be surprised!
  • Calculate the weight and volume of paper used in your office each year and let your staff know how much they use
  • As you go through your green office programme you’ll be surprised how much paper you can save… and how much money you can save your office!

2- Save paper ~ Think before you print.

  • Use your print preview software: in any Microsoft Office application select 'File - Print Preview'.
  • Avoid making multiple copies of large documents with summary pages, PowerPoint presentations, online documentation and email.
  • Always check on screen for errors before you print.
  • When printing conduct a print preview, to make sure efficient paragraphing and pages are correct. Choose the correct font size for your printing, and use the function 'shrink to fit' to use the paper adequately.
  • Combine accounts to have just one mail out rather than several.
  • Edit and re-script your invoice system and ask your suppliers to do the same.
  • Minimise Office Paper Waste by using the phone, or via email rather than written.
  • Double sided printing and photocopying.
  • Print multiple pages per sheet for presentations and the like.
  • Update mailing address list - delete any that are out of date.
  • Print company cards rather than individual cards that may only be wasted.

3- Save toner

  • Draft quality printouts use less toner. Select 'draft' printouts when using the 'Print' command on your computer – this is usually changed under Printer Options on the Windows Print Dialog box.
  • You can even set your printer to make draft prints by default.
  • Tailor the size of paper to the length of your message.

4 - Save energy

  • Make sure all computers and other office equipment are turned off when they are not being used and that lights are turned off when natural light is sufficient.
  • Use energy efficient light bulbs where possible.
  • Make sure energy saving features on PCs, printers and photocopiers are enabled.
  • Use the stairs rather than a lift!
  • Change the thermostat on the heating or air-conditioning.
  • Use blinds to reduce solar gain in summer and save on air conditioning costs.
  • Don’t fill the kettle to make a single cup of coffee.

5- Recycle as much as you can!

  • Check what items are picked up by your local authority’s kerb-side collection, if it has one.
  • All paper including used office paper, newspapers and cardboard.
  • Plastics.
  • Cans & glass.
  • Compostable materials.
  • Mobile phones & batteries.
  • Office equipment.

6- Share Stationery

  • Encourage staff to share and circulate copies of reports rather than issuing separate copies .
  • Share staplers, hole punches etc. rather than owning one each!

7- Re-use Office Supplies

  • Set-up a stationery 'reuse centre' or 'exchange spot' for unwanted stationery.
  • Paper (reuse both sides of the paper, and then recycle).
  • Ring binders – transfer archive contents to manila folders.
  • Envelopes and parcel packaging with reuse labels.
  • Reuse cardboard cartoons.
  • Refill pens and tape dispensers.
  • Reuse scrap copy paper as notepads.
  • Reuse envelopes and look for design features that support reuse - for example resealable envelopes, or space for multiple addresses.
  • Reuse file indexes.

8- Buy Recycled Products

  • Buy recycled paper and paper based products. Check to make sure your photocopier supplier endorses the use of recycled content paper and remanufactured toner cartridges before you buy. Some recycled content papers are recommended or guaranteed in low volume but not high volume printers.
  • Buy recycled waste paper bins.

9- Return to Sender

  • Ask suppliers to take unwanted packaging back for reuse.
  • Ask your packaging supplier about a returnable credit system.
  • Reduce the use of fax cover sheets, when details are usually in the letter itself.

10 - Share Ideas and Keep Improving

  • While greening your office you might find better ways of reducing waste, water or energy – share your ideas with others.
  • Look at other green office initiatives in this guide to keep your programme going!

Last updated at 7:45pm on 12 June 2002

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