Some ideas for helping to save money and to save the enviroment too:
- Use both sides of writing paper.
- Copy documents on both sides as well.
- If a paper is only printed on one-side I will save the paper and reuse the second side (only in cases where I don't have to pass the paper onto someone else!) This reduces paper costs enormously and saves a considerable amount of wasted paper.
Statistics: It is estimated you can save 20% on paper. A typical business person generates 1.5 pounds of waste paper per day, most of which is NOT recycled.
- Paperless payroll can create a large savings as well.
- Go paperless with all your files
- Asking those you e-mail only print the e-mail or attached documents if it is absolutely necessary. Create a signature line stating such.
- Buy office supplies that disintegrate in landfills. Avoid aluminum, PVC, and Styrofoam.
- Buy recycled paper that is PCF (processed chlorine free). Use unbleached or uncolored paper. If you need to use colored paper, use pastels. Buy products in bulk to minimize packaging.
Statistics: A ton of 100% recycled paper saves the equivalent of 4,100 kWh of energy, 7,000 gallons of water, 60 pounds of air emissions and three cubic yards of landfill space. In the U.S., 40% of solid waste is paper!
- Change light fixtures to compact fluorescent lamps.
- Replace old fluorescent lighting fixtures that are likely using T-12 lamps with T-8 fluorescent lamps. You'll get better color, less flickering and use 20% less energy.
- Use occupancy sensors in conference, break and bathrooms. They are easy to install and relatively inexpensive.
Statistics: Changing to more efficient lamps can achieve 50-80% savings, and they last 10 times longer. Lighting is generally 29% of the energy use in an office.
- Need new heating and cooling equipment? Opt for the highest energy efficiency equipment possible. Go to the ENERGY STAR Web site for information.
- Turn your thermostats down by one or two degrees and save about 10% on your electricity bill!
Statistics: Heating and cooling office space is responsible for 40% of carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S. and it eats more than 70% of electricity usage.
Tax Savings: Building owners and tenants who can reduce energy costs by 50% or more can get a tax deduction. Go to the government's ENERGY STAR Web site for more information. Many local utility companies are now offering energy audits for free. Contact your local utility and get started
- Use power strips for all equipment that can be turned off at night in your home, as well as your offices.
Statistic: 40 watts of energy can be lost for each piece of equipment remaining plugged in, but not in use.
- Upgrade older computer equipment by adding more memory capability and making repairs.
- Always purchase new energy efficient equipment if you must replace it, and make sure it has expandable memory slots.
- Place equipment into sleep modes automatically - screen-savers do not count - they actually waste more energy.
- Save a few dollars on ink cartridges - more and more places available to have them refilled (check your local Walgreens, for one)
- Always recycle older equipment & cartridges with the manufacturer or at recycling drives in your community. Never just throw away cartridges or equipment in the garbage.
- Recycle cell phones and rechargeable batteries now at www.call2recycle.com
Statistics: Office equipment typically uses about 16% of energy costs. If every US computer and monitor were turned off at night, the nation could shut down eight large power stations and avoid emitting 7 million tons of CO2 every year.
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