Here’s a few things you can do to make more eco-friendly choices at work:
1. Lights
Artificial lighting accounts for 44 percent of the electricity use in office buildings. Make it a habit to turn off the lights when you’re leaving a room for 15 minutes or more.
2. Maximize computer efficiency
Computers waste $1 billion worth of electricity a year. Turn off your computer when you leave for the day.
3.Print smarter
The average U.S. office worker goes through 10,000 sheets of copy paper a year. Print on both sides or use the back side of old documents.
4. Reduce junk mail
When you receive unwanted catalogs, newsletters, magazines, or junk mail, request to be removed from the mailing list before you recycle the item.
5. Ramp up your recycling and compost
Increasing your compost and recycling programs can decrease your overall waste bill.
6. Close the loop
Wherever possible, purchase office supplies and furniture made from recycled materials.
7. Watch what you eat
Reduce the amount of chemicals and pesticides in your body by buying organic food.
8. Rethink your travel
Ride your bike, take the bus, or hop on BART. It’s cheaper than driving and better for the environment.
9. Reconsider your commute
If you need to drive occasionally, consider carpooling or joining a car-sharing service like City Car Share or Zipcar instead of owning your own wheels.
10. Create a healthy office environment
Plants absorb indoor air pollution and have been shown to improve happiness, wellbeing, and recovery time from illnesses.
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