Environmental Sustainability Tips

To minimize negative environmental impacts and to reduce operating costs while conserving resources, try some of the following tips:

ENERGY CONSERVATION

1. Switch off lights when they are not needed.
2. Call Maintenance to remove excess light tubes and ballasts.
3. Switch off computers when they are not being used within two hours.
4. Upgrade computer displays with LCD flat screens instead of old-style CRTs.
5. Use electronic equipment that goes into an energy saving mode when not being used.
6. Don’t use electric space heaters ... call Maintenance to fix heat problems.
7. Centralize and share beverage and food machines (microwave ovens, coffee makers, blenders, etc.) rather than having duplicate equipment in each office.
8. If chilly and the current office temperature is between 68F and 75F, consider wearing more or heavier clothing rather than turning the heat up.


MATERIAL CONSERVATION

1. Make double-sided copies whenever possible or practical.
2. Use the backs of single-sided copies for scratch paper prior to recycling.
3. Avoid making copies by using electronic distributions.
4. Make good use of scanning technology and e-mail attachments instead of faxing.
5. Use paper with high post-consumer content.
6. Avoid using Styrofoam and plastic products ... substitute with paper or reusable products whenever possible.
7. Don’t print draft materials ... proof read off of video displays?
8. Encourage the use of on-line forms rather than paper forms.
9. Don’t stockpile online forms in hard copy format ... only print them as needed.
10. Recycle office paper, cardboard and newsprint.
11. Use re-usable containers and utensils rather than single-use items.
12. Don’t discard paperclips rubber bands ... reuse them or give them to others who might need them.
13. Recycle toner cartridges by returning them to the purchase point or to General Support Services.


WATER CONSERVATION

1. Don’t run water to get a cooler drink ... use ice cubes or refrigerated water.
2. Don’t run water continuously when brushing teeth or washing. Only run the water when actually using it.
3. Use cold water instead of hot water whenever possible.

TRANSPORTATION CONSERVATION

1. Ride U-Pass, Sea Wolf Shuttle, or carpool.
2. Use engine block heaters when the temperature drops below 20F.
3. Consolidate and coordinate supply trips.
4. Commit to one or two days per week of not using your car.
5. Do not leave vehicles idling for excessive periods.
6. Walk, bike, skate, or ski if practical rather than drive.

What other things can you do to minimize negative environmental impacts?

Sheryl Crow suggests using one square of toilet paper after using the toilet.

Does this count?

[edit on 15/3/2008 by budski]

LOL. What you do is fold it into a square and rip off the corner, right?

reply to post by StarChild


My dad lined up all the kids once and came out with a square, he told us it was all we needed after a BM.
What you do is wipe your self with your hand and then wash it, and tear off one tiny square from the t.p. square and clean excess from under your nails.
One square was then handed to each of us and we were told it should last about a month!

I was 8 then and horrified.

Dad had a great sense of humor. I sure miss him.

That is classic...

My regards to your family, I am sorry to hear about your loss. Honor his memory in every way, every day.

I lost him many years ago, but thankyou, he was a great man and many people loved him.

I wanted to tell you that you did a great job on this thread and I admire all of your effort.

He sounds like he was a fun guy and someone to be respected.

I can see it runs in the family

Originally posted by antar
I lost him many years ago, but thankyou, he was a great man and many people loved him.

I wanted to tell you that you did a great job on this thread and I admire all of your effort.

Hi antar, thank you very much. It is a compilation of various things I have learned over the years, as well as some insight from my college experience.