Going Green

While businesses and their buildings are responsible for the most pollution, it is important to address global warming on an individual level. There are many opportunities for employees to assist in increasing the company’s TBL. For many American workers, the workday begins with a commute. Though some may carpool, take the train, ride a bike or walk to work, many commuters travel alone in their cars. On average, American workers spend 47 hours per year commuting during rush-hour traffic. This amounts to commuters wasting 3.7 billion hours and 23 billion gallons of gas in traffic each year—and this is just in America. Hybrid or electric vehicles, motorcycles or scooters have great potential to decrease vehicle emissions, as they tend to be more fuel efficient and emit fewer pollutants. (Tax incentives are also available to those who purchase these green vehicles.) Another option includes telecommuting, or working from home. Technologies such as e-mail and instant messaging, video conferencing and remote networking allow 44 million workers to telecommute. Not only does the environment benefit from less vehicle emissions, but businesses do as well, as there is no need to provide employees with workspaces or pay for the electric, gas and water usage each worker requires. In addition, production increases, as workers can spend less time commuting and more time focusing on work. Some businesses have also implemented the “consolidated workweek,” which is comprised of four, 10-hour days, as a means to lessen energy costs and time spent commuting by 20 percent. This schedule also allows workers to enjoy three-day weekends.

In this technological age, many workers utilize computers for lengthy periods of time on a daily basis. Optimizing the energy-saving settings on computers and other devices can be more than a modest energy saver. For instance, shutting down computers before leaving each day will save on electricity costs, as “standby” settings will continue to draw power even when a computer is not in use. Furthermore, utilizing “smart power strips” allow an entire desktop setup and printers to be turned off each night. Major energy savings can be derived from using energysaving light bulbs, and dimming the lights can also save an extraordinary amount of electricity expenditures. For example, if there are three light bulbs in each overhead light, removing one light bulb could save businesses approximately one-third of energy costs for the normal electrical operations on a day-to-day basis.

Though paper usage is sometimes unavoidable, there is less need for paper the more a job requires a worker to be online. Employees can keep files saved on computers instead of in file cabinets; also, workers can make offsite backup copies on zip drives or other mass storage devices. Review documents onscreen and save e-mails in a specific folder instead of printing them out. If printing a document is necessary, utilize both sides of the sheet of paper, and before that paper goes into the trash, consider making a “scratch” paper pile or shredding the paper. The shredded paper can then be used as packing material for shipping parcels, for example. Also, use recycled paper and envelopes that have been processed and colored using eco-friendly materials (generally, the packaging will indicate if the product was processed as such). When shipping packages, reuse or recycle cardboard boxes. Finally, always recycle printer cartridges, as it is often free and recycled replacements are cheaper than new ones.

To maintain low expenditures on restroom products and cleaning supplies while staying green, consider using less toilet paper and hand towels in the bathroom. Make sure biodegradable soaps and recycled paper or cloth towels are available in the bathroom and kitchen, and provide biodegradable cleaners for the custodial staff. Often, natural or non-toxic products such as baking soda, peroxide, lemons, vinegar, kosher salt and tea tree oil can be all you need to clean and disinfect kitchens and bathrooms. For example, to disinfect surfaces, mix two cups water, three tablespoons of biodegradable liquid soap and 30 drops of tea tree oil. Then, rub or spray the mixture on countertops or other surfaces to eliminate germs.

When dining out at lunchtime, try to keep trash at a minimum. Obviously, a value meal at a fastfood establishment is going to produce garbage, as everything on the menu is wrapped or placed in some type of container. With the new green trend, some fast-food restaurants are now using recycled materials; though, it is rare to find an establishment that offers recycling, and many consumers tend to throw garbage in the trash. Therefore, the greenest option is to bring lunches to work in reusable containers; this can also be a very healthy option, as one can determine proper portions and prepare healthier meals at home to bring to work. However, if eating out is unavoidable, bring recyclable containers and products home to ensure their proper disposal. In the event that lunch is ordered to eat in the office, keep a reusable plate and a cloth napkin handy. Also, if using plastic utensils for meals, consider using them multiple times, recycling the utensils instead of trashing them or bringing in your own silverware.

An attractive way to go green is to green-up your workspace, literally. Most office buildings contain a high amount of polluted indoor air due, in part, to lack of quality ventilation. A number of plants are office-friendly and filter indoor air. For example, aloe vera plants, bamboo palms, areca palms, rubber plants, flowering mums, peace lilies and philodendrons are considered “air-cleaning plants.” NASA recommends using 15 to 18 good-sized plants for an 1,800-square-foot space, or one per every 100 to 150 square feet for optimal clean air.

No matter which green methods are chosen for a company, the key is to get everyone informed and involved, follow through and measure the program’s progress. Overall, the best plan for change is a comprehensive and well-known one. Therefore, each day, research products before purchasing them, become conscious of energy usage and ways to reduce it and share these tips with your coworkers. Promote recycling efforts at your business, and minimize trash as much as possible by bringing in reusable plates, silverware and mugs—and do not forget to bring extra for visitors. If proper green methods are successfully implemented, businesses will spend less on energy costs and cleaning and office supplies, while creating a healthy workspace for both employees and the environment.

Follow these steps to ensure your company adopts a successful green initiative:

1. Produce a plan of action with dates and publish names of persons responsible for seeing through the necessary actions.
2. Assign a “checker” to assure each employee is turning off computers and lights when not in use.
3. Ease into changes and perform regular energy use checks.
4. Keep two sets of books— the company’s financials and one geared toward “activity-based” costs (i.e., waste, energy usage, etc.).
5. Inform employees and clients of your success to boost morale and differentiate your company from competitors.