THE GREEN OFFICE - Top Tips for Running an Environmentally Aware & Cost-Effective Office.

No.1 PAPER

REDUCE – REUSE – RECYCLE TO REDUCE ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND COSTS

REDUCE

Print all documents on double-sided pages. Do not print draft copies.
Cancel junk mail and unwanted publications to reduce the amount of wastepaper you throw away.
Avoid overproduction of marketing and publicity material e.g. flyers and catalogues by reviewing distribution lists and regularly updating databases. Communicate such information electronically.
Use emails with attachments where possible to reduce printing. Do not print out e-mails unless absolutely necessary.
Do not run hard-copy job files alongside electronic job files. Scan signed documents and save.
Get rid of that fax machine if you still have one.
Reduce confidential waste-paper costs by storing such information securely on your server.
Set a target to reduce paper waste over the year and provide staff with feedback on reduction efforts throughout the year.

RE-USE

Collect all paper that has already been printed on one side and re-use for scrap/notes/re-print etc.
Re-use envelopes wherever possible, especially for sending information internally.
Donate surplus card or coloured paper to your local school or nursery.

RECYCLE

Find details of paper recycling companies in your area and use them where cost-effective to do so. The frequency of collection and cost of recycling will depend on the amount of paper that you generate.
Place paper recycling bins in all offices. A good guide is one bin between six staff and one next to each photocopier and printer.
Ensure that cleaning staff are in support of the recycling scheme and that emptying the recycling bins is part of their contracted work.
Promote the scheme to staff by putting up posters around the offices and on bins explaining the types of paper that can be recycled.
Provide staff with on-going feedback about the scheme, including figures on the amount of paper collected and cost savings. Donate to an environmental charity or plant a tree when targets are met.
Use 100% recycled paper (with maximum post-consumer waste content) if the quality and colour where good enough as standard and cost effective to do so.