Write a commentAs seasons change, so do environmental concerns. That's why we are here with monthly updates to help you Live the Green Life and be a friend of the environment.
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Your at-home or on-site workspace
Many of us are working on-site, while others are working at home. Whatever your work environment -- there are daily habits you can choose to make to help reduce, reuse, and recycle. This month, we are providing you with tips and ideas for your work or home office to help New York's environment.
Reduce Paper Waste
Switching to digital record-keeping can help with organization and efficiency. Imagine the amount of paper waste and clutter you could get rid of! This may not be a good solution for everyone but you can ask yourself if you need to use paper -- as there are often better options:
Can you go digital? -- send emails and electronic copies instead of printing off many sheets of the same thing. Save files on computers instead of hard copies. Review documents onscreen rather than printing them out. Thumb drives, clouds, and more can help you save and keep valuable documents organized.
Supply and demand -- keep paper office supplies to fulfill daily needs. Examples of items to reuse:
- mailing tubes and packaging envelopes
- scrap paper and used envelopes for phone messages and notes. Better yet, consider using a tablet and take electronic notes
- cardboard boxes and packaging material. Shredded wastepaper makes good packaging material. Polystyrene foam peanuts can be reused but do not put them into your home recycling bin. Follow these steps to both conserve and save money.
Put printing and copying on a diet -- only print and copy when there is no alternative. When you do print, make double-sided printouts and copies. Also, cut down on ink usage -- use lower resolution printing when possible.
Make the rounds -- rather than make hard-copies, share notices and memos electronically. The proof is in the pulp -- purchase paper with a high percentage of recycled content when possible.
Unsubscribe from junk mail -- contact solicitors and advertisers to get off mailing lists. You can opt-out of receiving pre-approved credit card offers under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Visit optoutprescreen.com to opt-out temporarily or permanently.
Use digital "libraries" -- libraries are the masters of reuse. In addition to borrowing books, you can borrow CDs, DVDs, and read newspapers and magazines -- all for free.
Visit our website for more tips on how you can green your office and be a friend of the environment.
