• Clean Out
Clean
out what you don't use. If you have extra supplies you haven't used -
offer them to another small business or donate (you may get a tax write
off) them. You'll also have more space to spread out to get your work
done. It's amazing what a cleared out space can inspire. An over
cluttered work space can make your mind feel over cluttered as well.
• Join Forces
Network
and find out what other small businesses are in your area. You may be
able to join forces with everything from marketing and advertising to
accounting. Perhaps barter services, share opportunities you've heard
about or share names of local vendors you trust.
• Use Both Sides
Many
printers are set up to do duplex printing but not many people know
about it let alone have it set up. Check your owner's manual for
instructions on how to set your device to print on both sides of the
paper. By doing this you will save 50% of paper cost/usage. That's huge!
(If you can't find your owner's manual, search online for instructions
for your model.)
• Recycle Printer Cartridges
Several large
chain office supply stores will accept your used cartridges for
recycling and give you a coupon for doing so. If your cartridge isn't
accepted, try contacting the manufacturer to see if they have a
recycling program. The large makers will even send you a mailing label
to get it back to them.
• Lights Out
If you're lucky enough to
have a window in your workspace, experiment with opening the blinds to
let the light in. Depending on the time of day, this natural light may
be plenty. Save the overhead or task lighting for those cloudy days.
This will reduce your power usage and save you lightbulbs.
• Shop Green
There
are now so many great options when looking for office supplies. Paper
made from sugar cane, paper with recycled content, pens made form water
bottles and the list goes on. Look for green options when shopping. If
you don't them-- ask -- let retailers know that consumers want green
options -- that's the best way to get them in stores.
• Reuse Your Shreds
All
that paper that comes out of your paper shredder can be used as packing
material. (Make sure it's a cross cut shredder so your secrets can't be
reassembled and read.) Why buy packing materials when you can repurpose
something you already have around? Waste not, Want not!
Have a Happy Green 2013!
