For #earthday, we're sharing multiple ways to #green your office. Some of these can be implemented at home too! These can help take your eco-friendly lifestyle a step further. Check them out and share how your office/home is already green.

Actions speak louder than words!

Matthew Good

• More Work with Less Energy
  • Optimize energy settings on computers/devices
  • Completely shut down devices at the end of the day
  • Use smart power strips to shut down trickle power
  • Unplug devices used occasionally
  • Turn off lights in areas not being used
  • Install air curtains on doors
• Digitalize
  • Save as much paper as possible
  • Do more online, less printing
    • Review documents
    • Send emails instead of letters
    • Scan documents and send them electronically
    • Online files instead of paper ones
    • Call unwanted magazines and be removed from their mailing list
• Don't go Overboard with Paper
  • Use recycled paper
  • Recycle the paper you HAVE to use
  • Use dry erase boards or scratch paper for notes
  • Choose double-sided printing
  • Reuse packages, boxes, and shredded waste paper as packing material
• Green your Transportation
  • Carpool, use public transportation, bike, walk, or a combo of all
  • Look into hybrid or electric vehicles, motorcycles or scooters
• Green Clothing
  • Shop thrift store clothes instead of buying new
  • If you buy new, look for organic or recycled fabrics
  • Avoid those that need dry cleaned but if necessary, find a "green" dry cleaners
• Work from Home
  • Use more texting, phone/video conferencing, and webcasts
  • Take online classes
  • Save about 20% of time and energy and cut back on vehicle pollution
  • Consider working four, ten-hour days instead of five, eight-hour ones
• Use Green Materials
  • Use recycled/reusable instead of disposable
  • Use soy-based inks
  • Use refillable or biodegradable soaps
  • Buy in bulk to cut down on packing and shipping energy
  • Recycle your printer cartridges
  • Use toothbrushes with replaceable heads for less plastic destined for the landfill
• Redesign the Workspace
  • Have easily accessible recycling bins
  • Post signs to encourage conservation
  • Recycled fabrics, incandescent bulbs, natural daylight (improves productivity and satisfaction)
  • Good ventilation and indoor plants help the air stay clean and keep employees happy.
• Lunch Time
  • Use reusable containers, plates, utensils, and napkins
  • If ordering out, join others for bigger/bulk orders
  • Walk or bike to lunch instead of driving
• Get Others in on the Act
  • Share tips with others
  • Arrange carpools to events
  • Purchase fair trade/organic coffee for the break room
  • Use custom reusable mugs/glasses from home
  • Bring your lunch from home
  • Turn off the water when you are brushing your teeth
  • Encourage support and sustainability awareness
  • Install low-flow faucets (can get from Source Gas free)
  • Put a brick in the toilet tank to save water
  • Install programmable thermostats
  • Use timers while on vacation
  • Use motion censored lighting when available
  • Purchase energy star-rated appliances and computers

 At Northwest Arkansas Endodontic Specialists, we have implemented many of these ways in our office, but we are always looking to become more efficient and implement more.

 The Chamber of Commerce has a greeNWAy certification that businesses can get by doing business the GREEN way. See the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce website if you want to learn more about this certification or get other ideas on "greening" your office or home.

Be the Change That You Want to See in the World

Gandhi