Going Green is not always an easy proposition. Many forms of waste seem unavoidable, however, there are small, but very tangible things we can do to be Green. This list is by no means complete, but can be a great starting point:
Desktop Faxing - If at all possible, stop or limit your use of paper fax machines. There are many great desktop faxing applications that are inexpensive and easy to use.
Save electronic/digital copies of your work – Store your documents on your computer. Instead of a file cabinet full of paper, create directories on your computer for each client, with whatever sub-folders are relevant to your clients/business. You’re doing back-ups anyway (right?!?), so loss of data won’t be a concern in the event your computer crashes. If regular back-ups aren’t enough security for you, consider mirroring your hard drive or increasing the redundancy elsewhere on your computer system.
Don’t print out your emails – Store them directly in your email by designating folders for each client or subject, etc. Alternatively, emails can be stored by most computer applications as well.
Get a recycling box – And use it! Most cities and municipalities will give each household and business at least two recycling boxes for free.
Buy recycled products – Try to make sure that the paper and supplies you are buying are recycled, refurbished and/or come from sustainable resources.
Send your used printer/toner cartridges back to the manufacturer - Many manufacturers include a prepaid shipping label to put on the outside of the cartridge box so that you can return the spent cartridge directly to the manufacturer.
Use florescent light bulbs - This might cost a bit initially if you haven’t already started making the switch. The great thing is, though, that the cost of these bulbs keeps coming down and long term savings are all but guaranteed.
Shut your computer monitor – When you’re not at your desk, shut your monitor. Every little bit helps.
Shut your computer down - This one can be tricky for some because some programs need your computer to be on in order to do what they need to do (receiving desktop faxes, for example). Having said that, however, if your workstation runs off a main server that houses all those nifty programs and applications, leave your server on, but shut down your individual workstation.
The obvious benefit of going Green as much as possible is to reduce our carbon footprint and help our environment, our planet and our fellow woman/man enjoy a long and sustainable future. That, in and of itself, might be motivation enough to make your best-efforts at achieving ultimate Greenness.
Going Green can also contribute to a neater and more organized work space for you. Also a great motivator to Go Green.
But if it’s not, remember that Going Green saves you money! And I think it requires way little effort compared to achieving a way greater good.
Go Green!
If you’d like to know more or have any questions, please leave a comment, visit our website http://www.rmeg.ca/va or Contact Me.
Tags: Blogging, environment, Environmentally friendly, future, Go Green, Help, organization, Professional Service, Projects, recycle, save money, sustainable, Virtual Assistant, Work, Writing
