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1. Paper Waste Minimization
Most office waste is paper. There are a number of ways to use paper more efficiently in order to reduce its use and waste:
- Before photocopying, look for a paperless alternative, like electronic mail, telephone, a meeting, or distributing a single copy with a routing slip.
- Learn how to operate your photocopier and take time to set up the machine properly to avoid wasted copies.
- Make it a policy to photocopy on both sides of the paper.
- Reuse one sided paper for rough drafts, notepaper, fax machine, and fax cover sheets.
- Keep a recycling bin near the photocopier.
- Reuse supplies, such as file folders, report covers, envelopes and stationery boxes.
- Cancel unnecessary magazine and newsletter subscriptions.
2. Other Waste
- Review current purchasing and operating practices for ways to reduce the amount of supplies purchased and brands that come with unnecessary packaging.
- Establish a policy in which disposable products are not purchased. For example, buy only refillable pens and pencils.
- Where practical, buy in bulk.
- High quality and durable products have to be replaced less frequently, saving landfill space and your bottom line.
- Save elastic bands and paperclips for reuse.
- Remanufactured laser printer toner cartridges and re-inked printer ribbons are less expensive and less harmful to the environment.
3. Maintenance/Janitorial
- Instead of using rock salt to thaw sidewalk ice in winter, use products less harmful to plants, water, and vehicles, such as calcium magnesium acetate.
- Install water conservation devices on faucets and toilets.
- Replace paper towels in washrooms with electric hand dryers, a linen towel service, or if your premises are small and private, towels from home. Purchase recycled and/or unbleached sanitary paper.
- Do not discard left over paint. Give to employees, donate to a local day care or church, or deliver to Paint Depot
4. Energy Conservation
- Turn off office lights and equipment when you leave the office.
- Many offices are over-lit. Try removing some fluorescent lamps in selected areas.
- Make use of natural day light. Locate desks near windows to lessen the amount of lighting required.
- Be sure to turn off the photocopier, lights, computers, printers, coffee maker and other equipment at the end of the day.
- Lower temperature on your hot water heater to 40 degrees Celsius.
- Consider converting company vehicles to natural gas or propane fuel.
- Purchase appropriately sized vehicles for the job.
5. At Lunch, Breaks and Meetings
- Stop using disposable drink cups. Keep your own mug, and a supply of mugs for meetings and visitors at the office.
- If practical, set up a compost bin outside of office for vegetable and fruit waste from lunches.
- Encourage fellow employees to bring their lunch time beverages in Thermos style bottles instead of purchasing drinks in disposable containers.
- Encourage staff to bring their lunch in reusable containers, rather than plastic wrap or bags.
- Purchase coffee in bulk.
- Use cloth tea towels in coffee room rather than paper towels.
- Collect returnable containers and return for refund or donate to a local charity.
6. Implementation and Education
- Establish an Environmental Policy for your office.
- Get all staff involved in discussing the challenges and providing ideas.
- Keep track of saving and let staff know of your successes.
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