Environmental responsibility isn’t only an issue for big business and large corporations. Nearly everyone spend most of their time inside the work area. As such, this is the best place to begin with our endeavors about “going green”. However, before we could actually exert all our efforts for a greener working environment, we need to fully grasp the idea as to why we have to do it. If it is still unclear to you up to now or for any member of the team, it s suggested that a “talk” or at least a short discussion for that matter be carried out. In order to get started with some eco-friendly changes in your office, it’s simply a matter of educating your employees on how to “green up” and help our planet and offer them a few tool needed to properly implement your new earth friendly changes. Here are easy steps that your office can take to “green up” the work place: 

Make it a habit to turn off your lights when leaving the room or when you are not using a particular area of the work place. Little, modest acts like turning your lights off whenever possible could go a long way if done repeatedly.Out with incandescent, in with fluorescent. Energy saving light bulbs are the way to go. Change all the lights in the office and not only will you be helping the environment but you will save money. Although energy savers have a higher up-front price tag, they last for years, slashing your budget for replacing them.

If these are installed on toilets and faucets it will save thousands of gallons of water. Not only is it a good conservation tactic – this can be a long-term money-saver for your business too. And you can also avoid waste – and improve office air quality – by placing a large plant near the water cooler and watering it with the contents of the drip tray.

Lead by example and reduce the eco-load of your daily commute. You could also opt to commute. Take a train or a bus whichever you think would be best. Another great alternative would be to ride a bicycle or better yet, walk.That will cut greenhouse gas emissions from your commute.

There are countless ways that we could do in our workplace to reduce waste, reuse office supplies and recycle them. You’d be surprised what you can recycle – paper, newspapers, drink containers and even electronic equipment and batteries.

Just like home electronics, Computers, copiers, fax machines, printers and other electronic office equipments are not just the company’s responsibility. Each employee must be concerned enough to maximize its use or when you order updated stationary with a new logo or address, use the old paper for scrap or test printing so that it is not wasted. Office electronics use energy even in standby mode. Use the power management settings on your computer to save energy and unplug laptops when you can.

 Ensure that whoever does the cleaning in the office uses green cleaning products. Reducing chemicals that make their way into our water is an important step that should be taken by every business and everyone in their own home too

Encourage employees to come up with new ways to save energy around the office and reward them when they do. This will keep everyone in an eco-conscious frame of mind.