Reduce Your Impact At Work

There are many ways to green your business or the business you work for, like starting a composting program in your building or registering as a San Francisco Green Business. There are dozens of ways companies of all sizes can reduce their environmental footprints, save money, earn consumer trust and stakeholder confidence, comply with government regulations, grab new market opportunities, and boost efficiency and productivity.

Respect your office by promoting systems for enhanced environmental awareness throughout all branches of your company. Here are some suggestions on getting started.

  1. Be Bright about Light

    “Lighting consumes close to 40 percent of the electricity used in commercial buildings in the United States” (EnergyStar website)

    Use high-performance fluorescent systems as the primary light source for offices. Use compact fluorescent lamps (CFL light bulbs) in place of incandescent bulbs in desk and office lamps.

  2. Be Smart about Your Computer

    “Computers in the business sector unnecessarily waste $1 billion worth of electricity a year.” (Sierra Club website)

    Turn off the computer when you leave the office AND unplug the power strip! (Except when your IT is running back-ups, of course!) Set your computer (and fax and copier) to enter SLEEP MODE after 10 minutes of inactivity to cut energy use.

  3. Be Mindful when You Print

    “The average U.S. office worker goes through 10,000 sheets of copy paper a year.” (Sierra Club website)

    Make it a habit to print on both sides of paper and on the back of scratch paper. Go paperless when possible: make it a company policy to post employee manuals and other documents online, instead of distributing paper copies.

  4. Be Committed to Recycling

    Work with your manager and introduce a policy to place recycling bins in accessible, high-traffic areas and provide clear information about what can and cannot be recycled. For example, almost ANY type of paper can be recycled, fax sheets, envelopes, and junk mail.

  5. Be Kitchen Conscious

    Set a date when all styrofoam, plastic and paper cups will no longer be used. At Hornblower companies, reusable water bottles were given to all employees to use and refill at designated stations. This drastically reduced our environmental impact and cut costs!

  6. Be an Eco-Commuter

    “Driving 10% less, by walking, cycling, carpooling, or taking public transit, can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 0.2 to 0.8 tonnes per year.” (AAA website)

    Carpool, bike or walk to work. Your company most likely provides bike racks outside of the office and could offer subsidies or reimbursements for taking the train, bus or other forms of public transportation.