Conserve at Work

1. Recycle office paper, newspapers, beverage containers, electronic equipment and batteries.

2. Use the power management features on your computer, unplug laptop power cords when not in use. Always turn off equipment and lights at the end of the day.

3. Use lighter weight paper. For example, 60# uses 14% less resources than a 70# sheet.

4. Reuse large envelopes, file folders, and boxes.

5. Recycle all printer toner cartridges.

6. Fix leaky toilets and faucets. According to the American Water Works Association, dripping faucets and leaking toilets account for nearly 14% of all indoor water use.

7. Separate and recycle all paper, plastic, glass, and aluminum cans.

8. Heating and cooling accounts for half of the total energy use in office buildings. Set the heat at 65ºF (18ºC) and the air conditioning at 76ºF (24ºC). Use a programmable thermostat to reduce energy usage at night, on weekends and holidays.

9. Compact fluorescent lamps use about 25% less energy and can last ten times longer.

10. Turn off lights or install occupancy sensors in areas that are often unoccupied including storage areas, conference rooms and offices. It is a myth that you use more energy turning lights on and off than leaving them on.