Green your office

Here are a further five more changes that you can make within your office to help reduce your footprint.

Thanks for all of the feedback about the last ideas, it’s much appreciated to know that we may be helping you make a difference.

See also the article above that shows that it is worth making an effort.

If you agree or disagree with any of these ideas, or have some ideas of your own, please email us.

1. Computers

Computers are, on a weight for weight basis, more environmentally damaging to produce than cars. The manufacture of a typical desktop computer and 17″ screen requires a total of 1.8 tonnes of material, including:

• 240 kg of fossil fuels
• 22 kg of chemicals
• 1500 litres of water

So don’t replace that computer to hastily! If you really have to upgrade, always pass your old one on to someone else. There are also some free services being started by local councils  that will recycle various parts of old computers. So call your council.

2. Mobile phones
About 94% of Australians own a mobile phone and upgrade every 18 months to 2 years.

Mobile phones are not biodegradeable, but most of the materials can be recycled. The Australian Telecommunications Association have begun a ‘MobileMuster’, where you can simply drop your old mobile phone at ANZ branches, mobile phone retailers and local councils.

3. Office machines
make sure that when you replace the office photo-copier or gfax machine, that the new one is  energy efficient. The more energy efficient they are, the more your company will save.

Energy efficient machines not only cut the cost and carbon emissions of running the machine, through producing less heat, they also reduce the amount that is spent on air conditioning by as much as 30%.

Also make sure the photo copier has the ability to print double sided and use less ink and that these settings are set as standard.

4. Pens & pencils
In Australia, there are over 140 million pens* and pencils bought every year… and most are disposable and end up in the bin within a few months. Make an extra effort the next time you are ordering pend and pencils and insist on long-life refillable pens and make sure the pencils are from sustainably harvested wood.

5. Coffee-break
The next time you take a coffee-break, make sure that it is organic and a fair-trade brand, and take your own mug! The little things really do make a difference.