Does someone know if there's some kind of checklist for all kind of office processes and sustainable alternatives? Like printing, climatecontrol, office products, lunches, plants for good air quality, transportation, compensation for clogging, etc? The intention is to use te checklist as handheld for researching available alternatives that can be put into a business plan.
Having a web-based home business, I'm doing double duty when I try to "green" my office. As an artist, the compact fluorescent bulbs are not great (and they have mercury in them - even if it is a little there's still no way to safely dispose of mercury!). I spent a LOT of money for one really big LED bulb that I use over my art desk (in combination with a fluorescent bulb), and I've used smaller LED's to light the outside (but don't keep them on all the time).
I also reuse paper- both sides - tear them into 4 parts, and use them for notes, instead of sticky notes.
I'm keeping my electronics on power strips, divided up by what I can and cannot turn off (I have to leave the fax/phone connected to power).
The a/c is set at 81ยบ - but since we're in Tucson, it's a dry heat, and not as bad as other places - especially if I use a fan!
Here's another idea: most pens are made of plastic and are disposable. How about going the old fashion way and using fountain pens - or pens where you just replace the ink instead of throwing the entire thing away? I love using a rapidograph - you don't even throw the cartridge away - just add ink! And it the ink flows beautifully, and you can choose different sizes.
I'm a distributor of bioplastic bags and other items (www.SustainableBags.Net) as well as reusable organic cotton,& hemp tote bags, green wedding favors & Kid's Kit educational toy. So, I'm really trying to walk my talk. Please feel free to not only post here at ODE, but join my blog (you'll see it on my website).
Thanks for starting this group! I'll check in again -
Though I don't work in a traditional office setting, I do make every attempt to keep my home office as green as possible, especially now that my writing business is certified green by Co-op America.
What do you find to be the toughest element in your office environment to "green?"
