Workplaces aren’t the greenest of environments - think of all the paper that goes to waste, energy that is consumed and garbage that is tossed out per day. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have to try and be more eco-friendly at your job, and here’s how:

• Carry Your Lunch In A Lunchbox - Stop using paper or plastic bags that you wind up chucking at the end of your break and carry your sandwich in a lunchbox, instead.
• Bring Food From Home - Bring on the Tupperware! Your trash can won’t be filled with unneeded plastic and paper wrappers.
• Save Takeout Containers - If you’re the type who orders lunch often, save the takeout containers. They can be used for a variety of things - cheap Tupperware, watering plants, holding pencils, storing paper clips or even as a makeshift basketball net (use a recycled paper ball!)
• Use Your Own Mug - Nix the Styrofoam cups that sit next to the office coffee maker and bring your own mug. And if you’re a Starbucks drinker, some franchises even give you a discount for bringing your own mug.
• Make Use Of The Water Cooler Or Drinking Fountain - The water is filtered, so why bring bottled water? You’ll save yourself some money and some bottles from the landfill.
• Don’t Print E-Mails - Tip Diva once had a co-worker who would print out every e-mail she received, even though she didn’t necessarily have to look back at it. Your computer has hard drive space; use it. Only print out very important e-mails and save paper.
• Use Scrap Paper - Do you really need to write down a phone number on a brand new piece of 8″x12″? The envelope from today’s mail, the back of your Page-A-Day calendar or an old printed e-mail will work just fine.
• Shut Down Your Computer - Is it really necessary for your computer to stay on all night? If start-up takes too long, at least put it in stand-by or hibernate mode when you leave. You’ll save electricity.
• Recycle - More companies have been at least more conscious of putting out a recycling bin - use it. Tip Diva’s company has a special blue pail for scrap paper and a special green pail for cans and bottles. If your workplace doesn’t have a recycling program, request one - or start one yourself.
• Have Plants - If your workplace allows, have some green plants around your desk or shelves. House Of Plants explains why interior plants are good for you.

What do you do to make your workplace greener?

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