Running an eco-friendly office can be hard to do. Depending on the type of work done at your office, minimizing waste can seem like an impossible task, with plastic and paper piling up as a casualty of the capitalist machinations of modern office life. This does not need to be the case though; while there are some things that are inevitable, there are a number of ways to minimize waste in your office so you can keep your eco-friendly conscience clean and free of guilt! Find some suggestions on how to make some positive changes in your office below.
RECYCLE OFFICE SUPPLIES
Recycling office supplies can be done on both a micro level and a macro level. When you boil it down, almost every piece of supplies in your office can be recycled. Look into local recycling programs, and see what options are available. Most office supplies are made up of plastic and paper, and sometimes these need to be separated to recycle. There are many great breakdowns of what can and cannot be recycled found around the web, so if you are looking to ensure your old supplies does not go to waste, look into what options are available in your area. For larger scale businesses, stuff like Printer Cartridges can be a huge waste, as they are easy to burn through quick. Companies like Montreal’s Certified Cartridges offer different B2B recycling programs where they pick up your used printer cartridges, refurbish them, and sell them back to businesses at a discounted price! This can save large amounts of plastic, oil, and aluminum that is used in the manufacturing of each cartridge, letting you rest easier knowing you have reduced your carbon footprint! Besides recycling, there are a number of other ways to make the most of your office supplies. Make sure everything you print is printed double sided to halve your paper consumption, and make sure you have a dedicated recycling receptacle for employees to deposit cans into!
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CHOOSE AN OFFICE SPACE THAT OPTIMIZES GREEN LIVING
When choosing an office space, there are a number of different things to include on your checklist while looking at locations. Ensure that the space is well insulated and that you will not be required to use large amounts of heat to keep the place warm if you are located in a colder area. When in the new space, make sure to monitor the usage of lights, and turn them off if they are not necessary! Minimizing heating and light consumption can help you make major strides towards becoming a more eco-friendly business, and while it is impossible to eradicate your carbon footprint completely, everything counts! There are a number of great guides online to help you figure out your carbon footprint online if you are curious to your current standing in this regard!
These suggestions can help get you started on your way to running a more environmentally conscience business! It may seem like a lot of work, but it’s ok to take baby steps while transitioning into this new green lifestyle.
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