Making Your Office & Business Environment Greener & Environmentally Friendly

Here are 3 easy to do tips that can put you on the right path:

Paperless office
It's the phrase we've all heard over the last few years but it's surprising how few people actually follow through on it, yet simple things can make a difference. We know we can't totally eradicate all forms of paper, but a little thought can go a long way.

• Don't print the email! 9 times out of 10 you really don't need to, just read it on your screen. Send it to others that need read it (hence the beauty of being called electronic mail!). Improve team building by getting everyone around your laptop to read it!
• Electronic Invoices. Simple and easy. No postage costs, not envelopes, no printing, no 'we are yet to receive it'. Just send and electronic one with a read receipt and it's taken care of.
• Request invoices and statements to be send to you via email. Nice and easy to manage with online folders and once more, no paper.
• Lose the newspaper! Get online and get to the news sites. Keep up to date anytime and in real time.
• Double sided printing. If you need print and it's more than 1 page - double side it!

Switch things off!
We all know that leaving something on 'stand-by' is still costing you money and also energy. Make it your end of day check to get all the appliances off - PC's, printers, photo copiers, lights, coffee machines, vending machines, kettles. None of these things need to be left on, so turn them off. You'll save money and make a greener footprint.

Reduce your business's energy consumption
Imagine that you are at home and you want to save money - would you leave that light on when you're not in the room? Would you leave that door wide open when the heating is on?
All you need to do is think about things:

• Lighting - Can you change to energy efficient lighting? You can certainly switch them all off at the end of the day.
• Heating - Does it need to be so high? Are doors shut to keep heat in? Is your building insulated and draught proof? Reduce heating levels will reduce costs and save you money on 
• Water - Install 'double flush' green toilets. Have taps that you press for water so they can't be left on.
• Electricity - Have hand towels in toilets instead of electric dryers. As mentioned before - switch your appliances off every day and this will soon add up.

There are always things you can do to help your business become greener; all you need to do is be conscientious in your thoughts and actions!