Waste Reduction Week

Work

• Set up a green team of diverse staff who will investigate, document and motivate change in your business. Your green team should develop a waste reduction policy outlining the direction and specific commitment for improvements. Request that your suppliers comply with purchasing policies created by your green team.
• Cut down on paper use by networking computers and sharing files electronically. 
• Use e-mail and voice-mail. Buy paper products with post-consumer recycled content. 
• Do double-sided photocopying and encourage staff to use one-sided paper for scrap paper notepads. 
• Recycle office paper and corrugated containers. 
• Use routing slips or bulletin boards instead of multiple copies of reports. 
• Ask to be removed from junk mailing lists. 
• Give old paper stock to schools, community groups and non-profit organizations.
• Switch to energy-efficient fluorescent or halogen lights. Install motion sensors. 
• Turn off all unnecessary lights, computers and equipment after hours. 
• Install a thermostat system to turn down heating and minimize air-conditioning during off-hours.
• Buy energy efficient appliances. 
• Plant windbreaks and shade trees around your business.
• Buy locally—it avoids the need for protective packaging and costly transportation. Support businesses that utilize recycled and other environmentally-friendly materials.
• Recycle laser printer toner cartridges and copier machine developer.
• Reduce packaging waste.