Going Green at Work How you can take simple actions to help your company and the environment Provided by HelpSaveEarth.org © 2009

2 Why should you help? Reduce Energy, Water and Landfill costs Increases Company Profits Allows company to invest in new business Provides more jobs and job stability Who Wins? You Company Environment

3 Recycle Most trash can be recycled now, so it doesn’t have to end up in the landfill Provide recycling containers for the following items: –Paper, Magazines, Junk Mail –Glass –Plastic bottles and bags –Styrofoam –Cardboard –Aluminum cans –Ink toner cartridges –Cell phones –Batteries –And more…

4 Paper Set default on printers –Double-sided (less paper) –Black and white (color more expensive) “Think before you print” –Ask yourself if you really need the document in hard copy format (training material, brochures, procedures, reports, etc) –Place this note at the bottom of your s for others to consider –GreenPrint software, forces print previews so wasted printing does not occur!GreenPrint software –Don’t print this training material!

5 Paper Get rid of fax machine –Online services convert fax to attachment –Saves electricity Buy recycled paper –Should have at least 30% recycled content Recycle paper when done –Leave paper recycling bin next to printer and copier

6 Cafeteria and Eating Sit down and eat –Don’t take food back to your work area in carry-out containers (reduce packaging waste) Provide filtered water for employees –Cuts down on bottled water purchases Bring your own lunch? Use reusable bags or lunch boxes –Avoid throwing away paper or plastic bags each day Purchase Energy Star ® appliances (fridge, stove, etc)

7 Cafeteria and Eating Bring your own reusable items from home –Mugs, glasses and containers for drinks, to replace disposable cups –Cloth napkin to reduce paper towels and napkins –Silverware and dishes to replace Styrofoam plates and cups and plastic silverware (simply clean and dry after each use) –Or replace all these items with biodegradable options

8 Cafeteria and Eating Buy from local growers –Reduced transportation, supports community Buy organic –Healthier for you, chemical-free Start a compost pile –Stop sending food waste to the landfill

9 Bathroom Electric hand dryers or cloth towel rack –Replaces paper towels –Otherwise, have paper recycle bin near exit Low flow/waterless toilets Motion detector on faucets –Prevents water from being left on Report water leaks right away!

10 Computers Enable screen savers on monitors –Increases security, and saves electricity Shut down equipment when not in use –Machinery, computers, printers, fax machines, copiers –Measure actual electricity usage of equipment (focus on those that heat and cool!) Choose laptops over desktops –Use less electricity, less packaging and raw materials

11 Office Supplies Buy recycled products –Binders, desks, chairs, pens, file cabinets, etc Buy rewriteable CDs and DVDs (reuse) Create organized central area for supplies –Clean out desks regularly to put back into storage, take only what you need to reduce purchases –Ask around before you buy new

12 Office Area Install CFL and LED bulbs Unplug cell phone chargers when finished –Many devices still drain electricity when plugged in Keep thermostats 2-3 degrees higher in summer, lower in winter –Look for unoccupied spaces and close off vents Install motion detector light switches –Great for conference rooms, hallways, offices Use task-specific lighting as needed –Use lamps instead of overhead lights for entire area

13 Manufacturing Reduce packaging of your products –Reuse existing packaging if possible Keep good maintenance on your equipment –Lasts longer, performs better, runs more efficiently Buy parts from local suppliers –Less transportation, faster response, money back into community

14 Business Travel Reduce travel (car and plane) –Use online conferencing and teleconferences Pack lightly –Saves extra baggage charges, reduces fuel consumption Minimize housekeeping at hotels –Reduces cleaning of towels and sheets, saves water and electricity

15 Business Travel Eat at local businesses –Reduces food miles and supports local economy Select eco-friendly hotels –Sustainable practices and energy efficient Rent vehicles with high MPG –Ask for hybrids, economy or electric vehicles

16 Employees Create a green task force –Walk around and look for opportunities –Provide recommendations, resources and education to employees Provide employee suggestion box –Helps build employee engagement, generates great ideas

17 Community Support environmental organizations, initiatives and projects –Be a corporate leader in the community Use local suppliers for services –Staffing, training, consulting, maintenance, catering, outsourcing, etc

18 Larger Projects Invest in renewable sources of energy –Wind, solar, geothermal (based on your region) –Reduces costs, risks, and seasonal fluctuations Install a green roof –Cuts heating and cooling bill, looks great Make your office buildings LEED © certified –LEED = Requirements for “healthy” efficient buildings

19 Getting to work Take public transportation –Bus, train, shuttle, subway, etc Carpool with co-worker –Start a program to help co-workers find others that are interested in carpooling Buy a more fuel-efficient vehicle –More options today with electric, hybrid, or other renewable fuel sources –Start with company-owned cars

20 Getting to work Bicycle/Walk –Use alternative methods of transportation Work from home –Start with one day per week or month –May not be possible for certain jobs

21 Start Simple! Try one new thing today! Take it at your own pace, don’t have to drastically change your lifestyle Every little effort helps, it all adds up to a big impact Take these tips home with you –Can greatly reduce your bills

22 Final Thoughts What other green ideas can you think of? What actions should your company pursue? What actions are YOU going to try to implement?

23 End Thanks for your time! Help Save Earth