Here are some things you can do in your workplace to be an eco-friendly citizen.
Be environmentally friendly with paper
- Use the resources of your computer as efficiently as possible and only print out what you need: e-mail, file storage; it is no longer essential to print your documents in order to exchange and file them. Do not hesitate to include the following at the end of your message: “Adopt an eco-friendly attitude. Kindly only print out this electronic message in case of real need.” Each year 32 billion printed pages are forgotten on the printer or simply thrown away without being read, i.e. the equivalent of 400 million euros.
- Using rough paper helps to reduce paper consumption, which represents 80% of waste in administration. To be able to reuse paper for photocopies and faxes, remember not to crumple your paper.
- Print on both sides. Individual and collective printers have a “both sides” function. This is a good way of reducing the volume of your file.
- Opt for recycled paper that has not been bleached with chlorine, for sheets, business cards, brochures, etc. and for colloquiums use eco-friendly design stands.
In the office, no small savings
- Use heating and air conditioning with moderation. When the air conditioning in your office is on, close doors and windows. The thermostat for the air conditioning can be set to 25°C at most. In the evening, remember to turn your heating down 3 degrees.
- Switch out lights in empty rooms and use natural light as much as possible.
- Think about switching off electrical machines and devices after using them, including the sleep mode function. Switch off your computer and the screen rather than leaving them on standby; this avoids a large and useless waste of energy, especially at night and on weekends. A computer can consume up to €150 of electricity per year under constant use.
- Choose PCs labelled as energy efficient, such as “Energy star”.
Thrill-packed ideas
- Sort out your waste like you do at home.
- Set up recycling for all other waste: printer cartridges, waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Each year, more than 40 million printer cartridges are used in France and only 15% of them are recycled.
- Bring your own personal mug instead of using plastic cups. Avoid disposable crockery and disposable accessories, unless they can be composted (starch- or celluloid-based).
- Choose rechargeable and reusable office supplies. Do not hesitate to buy recycled products.
Travel
- Think about using audio-conferencing or video-conferencing. This is a good way of reducing travel and saving time. Of course, ensure that you preserve the necessary social interaction.
- From time to time and when possible, use telecommuting.
- Suggest a car pool to your colleagues. More than 95% of car journeys are made alone at the wheel. Share the same car; this is a way of creating less pollution, whilst at the same time sharing travel costs. Car-sharing software is now available for companies.
- Whenever possible, opt for “green” transport, such as walking or cycling and, of course, public transport.
