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Workplace

In your office...

Rest your screen when you rest your eyes. Don't wait for your screen saver to kick in -- if you are going to be away from your computer for more than 10 minutes, turn the monitor off. Fact: Computer monitors use the same amount of electricity as a 60-watt light bulb.

• Recycle office paper.
• Purchase recycled paper products for office use.
• Print office publications on recycled paper.
• Use the back of discarded paper for scratch paper, message memos and notetaking.
• Edit computer documents directly on the screen before you print them out.
• Exchange information by computer network or floppy disk rather than by printout.
• Photocopy on both sides of the paper.
• Save photocopy paper ream binding paper for school projects, gift wrapping paper.
• Recycle newspaper.
• Donate old magazines to waiting rooms, libraries, day care centres, schools, and civic organisations.
• Start a magazine/catalogue exchange at work.
• Sponsor collections of reusable goods for donation to charity.
• Save packaging materials such as foam peanuts for protecting your next fragile package.
• Invest in ceramic coffee mugs or water glasses rather than disposable cups.
• Order food supplies in bulk and economy-size packaging.
• Use unbleached coffee filters (the bleaching process creates dioxins).
• Save energy by turning off the light which illuminates the office soda machines.
• Recharge laser printer toner cartridges.
• Reload typewriter and computer printer ribbons.
• Donate used paper to schools and child-care centres for art projects.
• Save and reuse interoffice envelopes, large envelopes and file folders.
• Purchase shipping packages/materials made from recycled paper products.
• Maintain central files rather than filing all papers in multiple files.
• Use a staff bulletin, electronic mail or central bulletin board for all-staff announcements.
• Maintain mailing lists to reduce duplications and unnecessary mailing costs.
• Remove your name from mailing lists for materials you no longer wish to receive.
• Appoint a Recycling Committee to oversee waste reduction efforts and to brainstorm on new ideas.
• Turn off computers overnight and when not in use.
• Take the stairs when only travelling 1 or 2 floors.
• Bring your own cup or glass instead of using disposable ones.
• Reduce Petrol Usage
• Use a bicycle courier service.
• Ship goods by rail instead of truck.
• Save Paper
• View documents on the screen instead of printing them out.
• E-mail someone instead of faxing them.
• Put used paper into the photocopier and printer or reuse it for notes.
• Encourage your workplace to join a paper recycling scheme.