Sep 22, 2009 10:12 am US/Pacific
Small Steps To A Greener Work Place
LOS ANGELES (CBS) ―
Going green doesn't have to stop within the home. Green practices can be spread to all arenas of our lives. An awesome opportunity exists to take "GREEN" to the next level by introducing green concepts into our businesses and work places.
Several big name businesses, many with which you may be familiar, have already jumped on the band wagon to becoming more environmentally friendly. Such companies (without naming names) are pursuing green in slightly different ways. For instance, on computer giant has removed several toxic chemicals from the production of their products while a big box store has added hybrid big rig trucks to their fleet. The common thread is that each of these corporations is making a mindful effort to do their part in keeping our planet healthy.
Luckily, it is not just multi-billion dollar companies that have the power to make more environmentally friendly practices possible in the work place. There is a multitude of simple ways to make even a small business a greener establishment.
5 Simple Strategies to Create a Greener Workplace
Go Electronic
Instead of having paper trails everywhere, consider converting all of your files and documents to electronic sources by investing in an office program such as Microsoft Office. Not only does this save a ton of paper, but it is often much easier to stay organized and efficient when you are working electronically.
Make Environmentally Friendly Policies
Try to get your whole work place mindful of the effort to become greener by putting policies in place such as having each employee completely turn off their computer at the end of each work day. This includes monitors and all. Turning off all office appliances when not in use can save a huge amount of electricity and money.
Organize A Carpooling System
Help your employees and co-workers organize a car pooling system. By taking the initiative to figure out which employees live in a convenient vicinity to one another, they are much more likely to follow through with the system. Everyone will save on gas money and your company as a whole will be using less energy.
Encourage Recycling
Encourage recycling by keeping recycling bins for paper, cans and plastic visible throughout the work place.
Switch To Environmentally Friendly Products
Consider switching your office supplies to products that use recycled materials. Copy paper, envelopes, even sticky notes are all available with at least partially recycled content. Use non-bleached facial tissues and bath tissues. Similarly, try switching over to all natural cleaning supplies that lack the chemicals and toxins of traditional products.
And finally, consider an aromatherapy diffuser rather than toxic aerosol sprays when it comes to air fresheners. Essential oils like lavender, rosemary, rose geranium, ylang ylang, and vetiver can add a wonderful scent without being overpowering or too flowery.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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