Earth Day: 10 Ways to Make Your Home and Office More Green

Earth Day: 10 Ways to Make Your Home and Office More Green

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It’s Earth Day!

Sometimes I think my family thinks I’m a little nutty. They might be onto something, but that’s okay with me.

Every day I take small steps to be more in the “green.” You can too. It really is easier than you think. Start with a few things, and change as you go. If you’re just starting out, here are some eco-tips to get your office more “in the green.”

  1. Less packaging. Whenever possible, buy products with less packaging. This could be meat, poultry, and fish with no styrofoam or plastic tray.
  2. Turn down the thermostat. As the weather gets colder, help your furnace, your wallet, and the environment by turning the temperature down and putting on a warm sweater. Better yet, cuddle up to your sweetie.
  3. Take a day or two off. Group your errands together 2-3 days per week instead of every day.
  4. Recycle. Paper, plastic, glass, computers, ink cartridges, and cell phones. Need some ideas on where to take it all? Go to earth911.org.
  5. Buy less stuff. Stop and think before you buy. Do you need it? How long will it last?
  6. Choose green office supplies: Choosing “green” products only takes different choices in the store and online. Most office supply stores carry “green” supplies. It’s pretty easy to find printer paper, filing supplies, and binders in ranges of 10-100% recycled content.
  7. Sort the mail immediately: As soon as the mail comes in the door, take 30-60 seconds to sort and file it. Junk mail goes right into the recycling bin (or the fireplace basket) and doesn’t pile up. Recycling your junk mail will cut down on the overall trash that is quickly accumulating in landfills (and hopefully makes it into new products!).
  8. Get off the junk mail lists: Make your life easier and just get off the direct marketing lists. Keep in mind this does not include companies you have or will do business with in the future. Be sure to use the “opt-out” option with these companies. Here’s a form to help you out: Mail Preference Form
  9. Scratch paper: Do you print reports that use a lot of unnecessary paper? use the leftovers for scratch paper. Put it on the phone or wherever you need something to write on. No need to buy separate paper – it’s already at your fingertips!
  10. Print smart: Use “draft mode” and double-sided printing for less important documents. You’ll use the paper, your ink cartridges will last longer and you’ll spend less of the greenbacks (bonus!). Also, be sure to recycle your ink cartridges.

Have a resource for greener living? Share a comment below, and let us know where it is!

Happy Earth Day

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