Difference between revisions of "Go Green at Work"
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| − | + | If you are already taking environmentally friendly steps at home, it's a natural extension to take similar measures at work, both to save energy and to create a healthier workspace environment. Making the environment more pleasant for yourself, energy efficient, and eco-friendly will increase your enjoyment of the workplace and lessen its impact on the environment as a whole. | |
Being energy and resource efficient and conscious of improving the health and well-being of the work environment will also reduce the costs of running a business. It's time to "go green" at work, and here is how. | Being energy and resource efficient and conscious of improving the health and well-being of the work environment will also reduce the costs of running a business. It's time to "go green" at work, and here is how. | ||
[[Category:Environmental Awareness]] | [[Category:Environmental Awareness]] | ||
| − | [[Category:Work World]] | + | [[Category: Work World]] |
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
# [[Empower People|Feel empowered]]. You don't need to be management to institute change; your role as someone who cares about improving the energy efficiency and healthiness of your workplace is just as vital as those able to make the "big decisions". In fact, change from the bottom-up is often a lot more effective as everyone has "buy-in". And just because you don't make the purchasing decisions, it doesn't mean you can't influence them. Do your research, point out the financial savings to management, and enlist the enthusiasm of your team members too. Tell them about the research that shows a happier workplace is more productive and creative, with less absenteeism. Encourage them to take this further by considering how to bring sustainable happiness into the work environment. Find the information, show by doing, and create the momentum, all just because you care. | # [[Empower People|Feel empowered]]. You don't need to be management to institute change; your role as someone who cares about improving the energy efficiency and healthiness of your workplace is just as vital as those able to make the "big decisions". In fact, change from the bottom-up is often a lot more effective as everyone has "buy-in". And just because you don't make the purchasing decisions, it doesn't mean you can't influence them. Do your research, point out the financial savings to management, and enlist the enthusiasm of your team members too. Tell them about the research that shows a happier workplace is more productive and creative, with less absenteeism. Encourage them to take this further by considering how to bring sustainable happiness into the work environment. Find the information, show by doing, and create the momentum, all just because you care. | ||
# Conserve your computer's energy. For many people with desk jobs the computer is necessary to get things done. Yet, this "efficiency" comes at a cost - it is estimated that people waste over $1 billion in electricity every year just in computer use! To help conserve energy from your computer use, you can: | # Conserve your computer's energy. For many people with desk jobs the computer is necessary to get things done. Yet, this "efficiency" comes at a cost - it is estimated that people waste over $1 billion in electricity every year just in computer use! To help conserve energy from your computer use, you can: | ||
#* Invest in an energy-saving computer, monitor and printer - it's easy to find these computers thanks to the [[Conserve Energy|Energy Star label]] in the USA. The energy savings rating is available in many other countries as well. | #* Invest in an energy-saving computer, monitor and printer - it's easy to find these computers thanks to the [[Conserve Energy|Energy Star label]] in the USA. The energy savings rating is available in many other countries as well. | ||
| − | #* Switch to energy-saving settings - the Climate Savers Computing Initiative recommends these power management settings:<ref>Climate Savers Computing, Power management instructions, http://www.climatesaverscomputing.org/learn/saving-energy-at-home/</ref> | + | #* Switch to energy-saving settings - the Climate Savers Computing Initiative recommends these power management settings:<ref name="rf1">Climate Savers Computing, Power management instructions, http://www.climatesaverscomputing.org/learn/saving-energy-at-home/</ref> |
#** Monitor and display sleep: Turn off after 15 minutes or less; | #** Monitor and display sleep: Turn off after 15 minutes or less; | ||
#** Turn off hard drives and hard disk sleep: 15 minutes or less; and | #** Turn off hard drives and hard disk sleep: 15 minutes or less; and | ||
#** System standby or sleep: After 30 minutes or less. | #** System standby or sleep: After 30 minutes or less. | ||
#* Set the computer to sleep mode when you are away for short periods of time. And don't use a screensaver - these use energy rather than save it, and you are much better off relying on the power management features to power down to lowest energy use, or sleep mode. A computer in sleep mode can save 60-70% of power. | #* Set the computer to sleep mode when you are away for short periods of time. And don't use a screensaver - these use energy rather than save it, and you are much better off relying on the power management features to power down to lowest energy use, or sleep mode. A computer in sleep mode can save 60-70% of power. | ||
| − | #*Turn off your computer whenever you’re not using it, especially when leaving work. And note that it isn't true that turning your computer on and off will wear it out.<ref>Make Use Of, The Ultimate 5 Ways to Go Green on Your Computer, http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/ways-green-computing/</ref> | + | #*Turn off your computer whenever you’re not using it, especially when leaving work. And note that it isn't true that turning your computer on and off will wear it out.<ref name="rf2">Make Use Of, The Ultimate 5 Ways to Go Green on Your Computer, http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/ways-green-computing/</ref> |
| − | #*Switch to a laptop or a thin client. Laptops and thin clients use less energy than desktop computers.<ref | + | #*Switch to a laptop or a thin client. Laptops and thin clients use less energy than desktop computers.<ref name="rf1" /> |
# Turn off all peripherals when not in use. Peripherals such as printers, video cards, speakers, and scanners continue to consume power even when not in use. Unplug them and save energy. | # Turn off all peripherals when not in use. Peripherals such as printers, video cards, speakers, and scanners continue to consume power even when not in use. Unplug them and save energy. | ||
#*Unplug power adapters when not in use. | #*Unplug power adapters when not in use. | ||
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#* Use old sheets of paper for scrap paper or note taking. Use mistake prints as scribble paper, or send a stack along to your children's daycare or school for artwork use. | #* Use old sheets of paper for scrap paper or note taking. Use mistake prints as scribble paper, or send a stack along to your children's daycare or school for artwork use. | ||
# Reduce energy usage. Along with reducing the energy usage of your computer and peripherals, there are several broader ways to reduce energy usage in the workplace: | # Reduce energy usage. Along with reducing the energy usage of your computer and peripherals, there are several broader ways to reduce energy usage in the workplace: | ||
| − | #*Replace your desk lamp light bulbs and overhead lights (where possible) with [[Save Money Using Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs|compact fluorescent light bulbs]] or LEDs qualified with the Energy Star rating. These bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times as long. You may have to ask whoever is in charge of facilities for help with changing building lighting.<ref>EPA, Energy Star, ''Bring Your Green to Work'', http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=bygtw.showSplash</ref> | + | #*Replace your desk lamp light bulbs and overhead lights (where possible) with [[Save Money Using Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs|compact fluorescent light bulbs]] or LEDs qualified with the Energy Star rating. These bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times as long. You may have to ask whoever is in charge of facilities for help with changing building lighting.<ref name="rf3">EPA, Energy Star, ''Bring Your Green to Work'', http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=bygtw.showSplash</ref> |
#*Turn lights off when nobody is using a space. Where the lighting controls are on automatic override, talk to building management about having the settings changed to only use sufficient lighting for security and safety purposes, rather than over-lighting the whole building. Request motion sensing light switches, to turn off unused lights automatically. | #*Turn lights off when nobody is using a space. Where the lighting controls are on automatic override, talk to building management about having the settings changed to only use sufficient lighting for security and safety purposes, rather than over-lighting the whole building. Request motion sensing light switches, to turn off unused lights automatically. | ||
#*During cold weather, keep [[Install Blinds|blinds open]] to let the warmth in; during warm weather, keep blinds pulled to close out the heat of the summer sun. | #*During cold weather, keep [[Install Blinds|blinds open]] to let the warmth in; during warm weather, keep blinds pulled to close out the heat of the summer sun. | ||
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#*Get an Energy Star qualified [[Clean a Water Dispenser|water cooler]]. These use half the energy as standard units. | #*Get an Energy Star qualified [[Clean a Water Dispenser|water cooler]]. These use half the energy as standard units. | ||
#*Turn off projectors and screens in conference rooms when not in use. | #*Turn off projectors and screens in conference rooms when not in use. | ||
| − | # Maintain healthy airflow. It is already bad enough that you have to worry about [[Take Action to Reduce Air Pollution|air pollution]] every time you walk outside, but it is also a big priority when you work inside. If you work in an office, cubicle, or workshop, it's likely that you're spending most of your time indoors. A Canadian survey found that people spend over 96% of time at home indoors and over 83% of time at work or school indoors,<ref>The New Zealand Medical Journal, ''Home is where the heart is - most of the time''</ref> equaling about 40 or more hours at your desk, office, or cubicle. Here are some ways that you can maintain a healthy air flow in your office: | + | # Maintain healthy airflow. It is already bad enough that you have to worry about [[Take Action to Reduce Air Pollution|air pollution]] every time you walk outside, but it is also a big priority when you work inside. If you work in an office, cubicle, or workshop, it's likely that you're spending most of your time indoors. A Canadian survey found that people spend over 96% of time at home indoors and over 83% of time at work or school indoors,<ref name="rf4">The New Zealand Medical Journal, ''Home is where the heart is - most of the time''</ref> equaling about 40 or more hours at your desk, office, or cubicle. Here are some ways that you can maintain a healthy air flow in your office: |
#* Use [[Make Non Toxic Air Fresheners|non-toxic cleaning products]], and encourage cleaning staff to do the same. Water-dampened cloths are sufficient to clean most dusty work spaces. | #* Use [[Make Non Toxic Air Fresheners|non-toxic cleaning products]], and encourage cleaning staff to do the same. Water-dampened cloths are sufficient to clean most dusty work spaces. | ||
#* Open your windows to increase air flow. If you can't open windows, be sure to take outdoor breaks throughout the day. | #* Open your windows to increase air flow. If you can't open windows, be sure to take outdoor breaks throughout the day. | ||
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#* Ink cartridges; and | #* Ink cartridges; and | ||
#* Edible items (see next). | #* Edible items (see next). | ||
| − | # [[Eat Healthy|Eat green and healthy]]. Everyone looks forward to their lunch break. You can save a good amount of money (about $3,000 a year) by not going out to eat every day and instead packing your lunch.<ref>Zen Habits, Simple Way to Save $3,000 a Year: Brown Bag It, http://zenhabits.net/simple-way-to-save-3000-a-year-brown-bag-it/</ref> Follow these lunch tips to have healthier, greener eating habits: | + | # [[Eat Healthy|Eat green and healthy]]. Everyone looks forward to their lunch break. You can save a good amount of money (about $3,000 a year) by not going out to eat every day and instead packing your lunch.<ref name="rf5">Zen Habits, Simple Way to Save $3,000 a Year: Brown Bag It, http://zenhabits.net/simple-way-to-save-3000-a-year-brown-bag-it/</ref> Follow these lunch tips to have healthier, greener eating habits: |
#* [[Pack a Waste Free Lunch|Pack your lunch]] in a reusable lunch bag or box. [[Make Bento|Bento boxes]] are popular, allowing you to have a delicious, healthy variety every lunch. | #* [[Pack a Waste Free Lunch|Pack your lunch]] in a reusable lunch bag or box. [[Make Bento|Bento boxes]] are popular, allowing you to have a delicious, healthy variety every lunch. | ||
#* If you bring your lunch in a paper or plastic bag, recycle it. Plastic bags can be washed and left standing upside down overnight to dry. | #* If you bring your lunch in a paper or plastic bag, recycle it. Plastic bags can be washed and left standing upside down overnight to dry. | ||
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#*Reduce your air travel, too. You'll save time, money, and significant greenhouse gas emissions by phoning or teleconferencing in to a meeting, instead of flying to be there. | #*Reduce your air travel, too. You'll save time, money, and significant greenhouse gas emissions by phoning or teleconferencing in to a meeting, instead of flying to be there. | ||
# Spread the word. The best way to stay involved in the green scene at work is to get others involved. Share your practices and wisdom with your boss and coworkers. You can do this by: | # Spread the word. The best way to stay involved in the green scene at work is to get others involved. Share your practices and wisdom with your boss and coworkers. You can do this by: | ||
| − | #*Creating a Green Team. The US Environmental Protection Agency suggests creating a Green Team that includes everyone from the CEO to the office intern and to set a goal to make your building the most energy efficient one in your country.<ref>EPA, Spread the Word at Work, http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=bygtw.showSpreadWord</ref> | + | #*Creating a Green Team. The US Environmental Protection Agency suggests creating a Green Team that includes everyone from the CEO to the office intern and to set a goal to make your building the most energy efficient one in your country.<ref name="rf6">EPA, Spread the Word at Work, http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=bygtw.showSpreadWord</ref> |
#* Encouraging the office to join or start a recycling program. | #* Encouraging the office to join or start a recycling program. | ||
#* Purchasing company carbon credits. | #* Purchasing company carbon credits. | ||
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#* Making green actions fun. Get everyone to pack their lunch and eat together. Not only do you get to share tasty morsels, but it's a great chance to get to know your coworkers outside the daily work grind.<br><br> | #* Making green actions fun. Get everyone to pack their lunch and eat together. Not only do you get to share tasty morsels, but it's a great chance to get to know your coworkers outside the daily work grind.<br><br> | ||
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== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
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*Be sure to think about related work items that can be green. For example, look for recycled or eco-friendly laptop bags, tote bags, wrist rests, chairs, etc. Even electrical cords can be eco-friendly. | *Be sure to think about related work items that can be green. For example, look for recycled or eco-friendly laptop bags, tote bags, wrist rests, chairs, etc. Even electrical cords can be eco-friendly. | ||
*Use green cleaning products in the work kitchen, on desks and computers, and in the bathrooms. | *Use green cleaning products in the work kitchen, on desks and computers, and in the bathrooms. | ||
| − | *The energy used by a building to support just one office worker for a day causes more than twice as many greenhouse gas emissions as that worker’s drive to and from work.<ref | + | *The energy used by a building to support just one office worker for a day causes more than twice as many greenhouse gas emissions as that worker’s drive to and from work.<ref name="rf3" /> Moreover, there are almost 5 million buildings in the United States alone that consume almost $100 billion of energy. <ref name="rf3" /> If you own a business, or have some influence over location of your work team, aim for finding a building that is Energy Star rated. Alternatively, you can find out if your existing building qualifies for an EPA Energy Star rating. |
== Related Articles == | == Related Articles == | ||
