Green Housing: Your Office
San Diego based - World Conscious
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Green Housing Blog
Energy Bill Legislation: A Blow to Alternative Energy.
On December 13th, the US Senate voted on a watered down version of the bill that left renewable energy supporters agast... read more
Articles & News
New Energy Standards for Automobiles
While the Recent Energy Bill passed by the senate and approved by the president left the renewable energy industry out to dry, the bill did pass improved standards in the auto-industry...
Read This Article.
Go Paperless & Digitalize
I have a full section elsewhere to read on Going Paperless.
Maximize Computer Efficiency
Computers are the backbone of our office work. A few simple tips can greatly minimize your energy use here: turn off the computer and the powerstrip when you leave for the day, set your computer to sleep during breaks (screen savers DO NOT save energy), seek energy-saving computers, monitors, and printers, and don't forget to properly recycle your old computers!
Recycling
Get recycling programs started for the basics - paper, glass, aluminum. I'm amazed at how many offices and office parks do not have standard recycling (my own included). Local legislators are starting to push to make office recycling law, but you can help now! If your office doesn't have blue recycling bins, request them from management. Offer to get them yourself and encourage officemates to pressure management and take their recycling home if need be.
Green Your Commute
So much of our carbon footprint it is caused by work commuting. Live near your work, carpool, take public transportation, bike, walk, or use an automobile with high mpg and low emmissions.In today's digital world, there are many jobs that can easily be done from home. This eliminates the commute entirely!
Green Office Supplies
From furniture to pens, paper to folders, printers to shipping, appliances to kitchen & clean supplies, there are so many supplies and purchases made by our businesses that rarely take our environment (or our health) into play. The funny thing is that once many people become aware of green office supplies, they find they are just as good and just as cheap. Here is a websit that has a ton of Green Office Supplies to buy.
Green Lighting
According to the Energy Information Administration, 44% of energy usage in office buildings is from artificial lighting. of Be a hero and suggest energy/cost saving techniques like: installing motion sensors, using more efficient lights (CFL's) and light fixtures (flourescent & LED's), as well as habit changes like simply turning off lights when rooms are not in use. Use natural light whenever possible.
Lunch & Eating
Bring lunch to work is probably the best way to go green, but we know we can't get everyone to do this. Here are some other tips: Use metal utensils, real mugs, etc., instead of paper/plastic throwaways. If you order carryout, try to place a larger order from one place - tell the restaurant you have your own silverware, etc.
Clean Up the Air with Plants & More
Always use nontoxic cleaning products. The use of indoor plants absorbs indoor pollution by taking in CO2 and releasing O2 - it also creates a more appealing visual environment. Make it a policy to purchase office furniture, carpeting, and paint that are free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and won't off-gas toxic chemicals into the air.