Ways to Recycle

Want ideas for how you can conserve energy, reduce waste and save money around your home? We have ideas for small adjustments you can make that will not only protect the environment, but also your family. From hazardous waste disposal to recycling and reusing, we’ve got you covered!

The most current articles are listed on this page:

Increase Your Bottom Line: Waste Reduction for the Office Bathroom and Kitchen

Believe it or not, there’s most likely a lot of waste produced in your office kitchen and bathroom. Here are a few ways you can encourage your employees to “go green.” Note: It’s easier than you think!

Office Kitchen

Reduce paper towel use by purchasing hand towels and dishcloths to wash and dry your hands and dishes.
If you have a dishwasher, only run it when full. Your dishwasher uses the same amount of water whether it’s completely full or not. So make the best of your water usage!
Unplug appliances over the weekend. Even when they’re not in use, they still use power.
Use biodegradable soap, dishwasher detergent and cleaning supplies.
Add a recycling bin and if possible, a compost bin, and encourage employees to be diligent about sorting their waste.

Office Bathroom

Reduce paper towel use by purchasing an air dryer or hand towels, depending on how many employees use the facilities. It may be more expensive up front, but over time you will save money.
Turn the water off as you’re lathering your hands up with soap.
Use biodegradable soap and earth-friendly cleaning supplies. To decode what all of the environmentally friendly labels mean, see our article on page two in the Home section.
If possible, install a dual-flush toilet.
When light bulbs burn out, replace them with fluorescent energy-efficient light bulbs. Note: be sure to recycle your old light bulbs.

Tapping into the Water Cooler

The water cooler was once the gathering spot in offices, but now all the cool offices are dumping the idea. Offices are recognizing that the practice is not environmentally sound and is adding unnecessary expenses at a time when most companies want to cut costs.

The large water bottles are petroleum based, and the practice of wasting energy and polluting our communities by trucking them to offices is so last-decade.

Local water sources often abide by stricter health regulations than bottled water, so you can feel confident heading to the tap.

A filtered pitcher in the break room refrigerator can help address any concerns about having cold water handy or the safety of water traveling through the pipes in older office buildings.

Make Mine a Double

Use both sides of printer paper

Check to see if your printer has an option to print double-sided (also called duplex). If not, think about buying a duplex printer or a duplex attachment for your current printer. Until then, reuse printed paper you no longer need by taking documents and turning them over to the other side. You may have to practice a few times to get it loaded correctly in the printer. Make two stacks of paper by the printer—new and used paper, depending on the type of printing you need. Encourage others to add their unused paper or paper from their recycling bin to the used stack.
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A Symbol You Care: Buying Recycled Office Paper
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Stop before you buy that office paper and check to see if there is the symbol on that ream that shows it is made from recycled content. Although it is helpful to recycle office paper, what would happen if no one bought recycled paper? To keep the market for recyclable products strong, purchase products that are made from recycled materials–like office paper and toilet tissue. So check the sign before you buy.

It shows you care!

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