How to go green at the workplace

Perhaps almost all of us spend most of our time at work. And a number of our illnesses could have been acquired at work. Why is this? One of the most common causes of common illnesses which most of us are acquiring today are the hazardous chemicals which we get from commercial cleaners used at our work place. These toxic chemicals are allergens which could trigger further ailments like the common headache, allergies, asthma, nose bleeding and many more. Because of this, it is highly encouraged that we emphasize the importance of going green whether or not it’s at the workplace or on our homes. By doing so, we will not only ensure a safe environment for all of us, we’d also be helping our Mother Earth.

In the mean time, convince your officemates the importance of going green at the workplace. Here are ways of how you can do so.

1. Turn off office equipments when not in used. Conserve electricity in your office.

2. Encourage communications by email. Build a paperless environment. Avoid printing emails when not necessary.

3. Reduce fax-related paper waste by using fax modems. With fax modems, your office wouldn’t be overwhelmed by tons of fax cover sheets.

4. Produce double-sided documents whenever possible to conserve paper.

5. Close water sources tightly every after use. One drop of water per second wastes 10,000 liters every year.

6. Place a stone-filled plastic container in your toilet reservoir will minimize 4 liters of water per flush.

7. Recycle office furniture. It won’t only help you save a big chunk of your financial; it would also help conserve the environment. Recycle your papers. Scratch papers can be used as note pads or in printing drafts.

8. Find office suppliers who take back supplies for recycling.

9. Let the boss be the number 1 advocate. If the boss initiates all actions for a greener office, everybody else follows.

10. Use natural cleaning products. Commercial cleaners contain toxins which harm not only the environment but yourself as well. Continuous exposure to these toxins can cause serious effects in your health. Green cleaning products are as effective as commercial cleaners but are way safer than those sold commercially.