Top Tips for a Greener Office

All this week Label and Stationery supplier Avery is promoting Green Office Week.

They’ll be sharing ways to keep your office green by using the 5 R’s: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose & Recycle.

We thought we’d get involved and share with you some of our top tips to help make your workplace a greener environment.

Use Less Paper

Obvious but remember to think before you press that print button to save using paper when not absolutely necessary. If you do need to print, then all your discarded paper can either be recycled or put into a secure shredding bin to be taken away, securely shred, then recycled.

To Print or Not to Print?

When printing is necessary then why not consider widening the print margins on your document to maximise the space? You could also print on both sides if your printer allows. You could also try remanufactured or recycled printer cartridges and ensure that your printing waste is taken away by a company who reuses the components.

Stationery Addict?

If you love stationery and your stationery supplier stocks them, you could consider recycled notepads, pens and paper. Many products are made from bamboo or recycled plastic and are just as good as market leading brands. Even recycled office paper is of excellent quality with some suppliers claiming to be just as white and perform just as well as virgin paper.

Close the Loop

Recycling is a must today, and it’s not just refined to paper. Cardboard packaging, glass, plastic bottles and cans that staff members use can also be recycled. Don’t forget to recycle your electronics too by organising for a registered waste carrier to take them away to be dismantled and responsibly disposed of.

Switch It Off

Always ensure you power down your PC at the end of the day, and don’t forget to turn off your monitor. Considerable savings can be made by doing this. Consider installing an automatic lighting system with a sensor, or simply remind staff to turn lights off in rooms that are not occupied. Fluorescent bulbs are more environmentally friendly than incandescent bulbs and save on electricity usage too.

A More Natural Commute

If you usually drive to work, why not try to set up an office carpool scheme with a colleague? Alternatively, if you live close enough then try cycling or walking to work occasionally. Summer’s on it’s way so it’s a great time to make use of the longer daylight hours and get in some exercise too!

Homemade Lunches

Get into the habit of making your own lunch. Ditch the pre-packed sandwiches and can of pop and switch to a healthier homemade salad and glass of free tap water. You’ll be saving the environment by cutting down on the use of packaging, not to mention saving your pennies. Not spending your usual £5 a day on lunch could save you over £1000 a year!

Literally go Green

Cleanse your working environment and use plants in your workplace as natural air conditioners. They help filter out pollutants from computers, not to mention add a touch of nature into an otherwise artificial environment.

See more green tips at Green Office Week 2018