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SEVEN MONEY-SAVING GREEN OFFICE PRACTICES

What is green? Well it’s certainly the world’s latest fashion! Everyone is wearing it, selling it, and eating it. ‘Green’ is just a pop term for sustainable, and while it certainly is a more marketable term, the meaning it carries isn’t quite as clear. Sustainable practices are actions that could be repeated infinitely without negative effects on the environment. The reason we’re looking for alternative energy is because our original sources are running out—the world can’t produce what we’re consuming at the rate we’re consuming it. Wind and water are an excellent source of energy because they cannot be consumed.

Trim Expenses with Sustainable Practices There is a shrinking misconception that sustainable practices require sacrificing funds. After all, aren’t organic/recycled/biodegradable/natural products more expensive? Here are seven ways you can save money while saving the planet:

Don't Re-order Disposable Cups - Everyone I know has an excess of coffee mugs. You get them from marketing events, for Christmas, they seem to fall out of your sock drawer. Stash a few of these cups from the abyss near the coffee maker and local watering hole. You’ll find many employees will bring their own travel mug and stick to it. Also aim for bulk condiments as opposed to individual servings.

Stop Printing Electronic Files - If someone e-mails you a contract, or you see a neat reference on the company server, why print it, have someone file it, and go to retrieve it (if you remember) later? Even the IRS accepts electronic files and signatures these days. No more filing cabinets, storage fees, and order less ink and paper to boot. Although clients may prefer hardcopies, intra-office memos can always be e-mailed. You might also consider staff copy-codes that limit the number of copies made each month. If your copier has a scan feature, you can save files electronically and toss the hardcopy. If you find electronic files hard to find, try Google Desktop which indexes
and searches local files just like their internet search engine.

Meet Online - Travel not only wastes gas, but your precious time. Do you really need one more thing to do? If you must physically meet, carpool with employees in your office and attendees on the way to a central destination. Try transitioning with one out of four meetings as conference calls. If you have a very tech-friendly group, save the long-distance charges by using online chat or instant messaging. Added Bonus: Each person has a written record. GotoMeetings.com provides both a central view and a chat option ; it can also be used in conjunction with teleconferences. Freeconferencecall.com takes two seconds to set up (although long distance charges may apply).

Write Rather Than Call - The written word brings people together by bending time! When you call, you get the receptionist, put on hold, leave a voice mail, wait while the other party scrambles for information, struggle to be heard over background noise, and hear a lovely story about someone’s daughter winning third place in a beauty contest while they answer their cell during your teleconference. This process reminds one more of a circus than professional communication. E-mails contain clear concise reports, requests, and even links to resources that may be viewed at the convenience and pace of the recipient.

Turn Devices Off - Have a standing policy to shut computers down at the end of the day, as well as any non-security related equipment like typewriters, folders, postage meters, printers, fax machines, etc. Make sure someone turns all unnecessary lights off at the end of the day. Don't forget to program your digital HVAC thermostat to turn the heating and cooling system down while you're away.

Work Less - Okay, maybe it’s not technically less, but employees will love a three day weekend. Consider operating on a four day ten-hour workday schedule. Have the same number of staff members take off each business day so you’ll still be staffed at 80%. Employees will save not only on gas, but time. In addition to one less drive, they’ll avoid rush hour. Plus, you’d be surprised how much you can accomplish (without all the interruptions) the hour before and after standard business.

Public Transportation - You may be able to negotiate a reduced rate pass based on a group discount. This provides an added employee benefit that costs nothing and encourages wise use of energy.