Tips for a greener office

Everyone has concerns about polluting the environment and how we can make a positively impact. Here are some tips towards having a greener office and contribute to the wellbeing of our planet.

Some of the new paper for office use is already 50% recycled. Print on both sides, where possible. Use scrap paper as note pads and/or recycle the unwanted paper.

Optimise energy settings for computers and other devices, make sure to shut them down at the end of the day as “standby” settings will continue to draw power even when not in use.

Turn off lights in unoccupied spaces like store rooms, etc. Replace all bulbs with the energy saving type.

Digitise – use scanning facilities rather than printing or faxing. Review documents on screen rather than printing them out. Send e-mail letters instead of printed ones. Think before you print!

Recycle all printer cartridges.

Switch to biodegradable cleaners in the kitchen.

Allocate colour coded recycle bins in your office for paper, plastic, tin & glass, municipality, etc. The money received for the recycled material can be used for your year end function or to be spend on a worthy cause.

Try to ease some of the strain on the environment by carpooling, use public transport, walk or cycle to work.