MEA Green Office Tips - By Lucy Pantling
Reduce the amount of paper you use each day by:
- Using scrap paper for notes;
- When printing from your computer print two pages per A4 or if possible print on both sides of the page; and
- Only print emails and documents when absolutely necessary.
Did you know 100 million trees are cut down each year to satisfy the paper needs of Australian offices!
Make sure you have access to paper cardboard and commingled recycling services by:
- Placing all used paper in a recycling bin;
- Collecting cardboard boxes for recycling and place into your recycling bin; and
- Disposing of plastic bottles, aluminium cans, tin cans, milk and juice cartons in recycling office commingled bin.
Recycling one tonne of plastic sources enough energy to run a refrigerator for a month!
Reduce your energy consumption by:
- Turning off your computers when not in use;
- Turning off office lighting when not in use;
- Activating sleep mode on your computer to switch off the screen after 10 minutes;
- Switching off office and kitchen equipment at night, when leaving the office; and
- Turning off appliances at the main.
Did you know the biggest single source of greenhouse pollution in Australia is burning fossil fuel (like coal and oil) for energy?
Reduce your waste by:
- Bringing your own mug to work and having some set aside for visitors;
- Trying to bring lunch from home or eat in local café to avoid packaging waste generated by take away lunches;
- Declining plastic bags whenever possible; and
- Running the dishwasher only when completely full.
Every person in Australia uses up to 300 plastic bags every year on average. That equates to 6 million bags all together every year!
Other ways:
- Buy recycled products, e.g. paper or paper towels;
- Buy environmentally sound products e.g. cleaning products;
- Use pens from start to finish – BYO pens and use until dry;
- Take public transport when you can; and
- Recycle your computer or other office equipment.
14 million ballpoint pens are sold in the world each day – BYO!!!!