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Environmentally friendly?
How to create a more environmentally friendly workplace
What you can do!
- Purchase paper which contains the highest proportion of recycled materials
 click here to see recycled paper products
- Avoid use of coated/glossy papers where alternatives exist (as these use greater resources and are harder to recycle)
- Use refuse sacks made from 100% recycled plastic
- Use office waste bin liners made from 100% recycled plastic
- Avoid the purchase of plastic products where more environmentally friendly alternatives exist - e.g. recycled card lever arch files should be used instead of plastic PVC ones.
- Do not purchase disposable plastic products when longer lasting and reusable alternatives exist.
- Look for recycled alternatives for all paper based office stationery.
click here for paper based accessories
- Energy should be saved at every possible opportunity
- When possible turn off lights
- Close windows and doors
- Turn off equipment when not in use
- Purchase remanufactured and refillable toner and ink-jet cartridges
- Reduce noise pollution
- Assess your activities and your colleges
- Use rechargeable batteries
- Reuse envelopes - especially jiffy bags.
- Think before you print (Does it really warrant it, especially emails)
- Regularly review environmental issues – where necessary establish polices and programmes to manage specific issues where necessary
- Introduce an office recycling scheme for white paper waste, cans, bottles and where feasible other materials
click here to link to desk accessories
- Buy energy efficient equipment where possible (e.g. energy star rating for computers
Tips for the office kitchen and your home
- Take your own bags to the supermarket or use recycled ones
- Store food in resealable containers instead of using cling film or foil
- Use your milkman – they are an endangered species but can really help to minimise waste if they use and re-use glass bottles.
- Discontinue using chlorine-based bleach or detergents containing phosphates as these contribute to water pollution. Instead us baking soda to clean sinks, toilets and showers without harsh chemicals.
- Avoid purchasing over packaged goods
- Recycle your ‘Yellow Pages’ – telephone the Directory Recycling Project on 0800 783 592
- Send e-cards not paper or card ones – the thought is what’s important, not the material! An added bonus is the amount of money you will save
You’re not recycling unless you purchase recycled products too!!!!!!
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