Turn off the lights.
When leaving the office or classroom,
a simple flip of a switch conserves
energy. Yet a surprising number
of empty offices, conference rooms,
restrooms and lobbies are lit for
hours each day (and night) while
going unused. Better yet, use daylight
to your advantage by sitting near
a window; artificial light consumes
about 40 percent of electricity
in a typical office building.
$ Factor:
The electric bill is where the savings are found. While it's not a direct savings for individuals, lower utility costs can mean more money spent in other areas.
Tip 46:
Use electronic communications.
Submit and distribute assignments
and reports electronically. E-mailing
a document allows for easier, from-anywhere
reference for a teacher or colleague
-- and provides proof that it was
sent on time. For in-progress documents,
electronic transmission also make
it easy to collaborate.
$ Factor:
Whether it's a 100-page thesis or a 10-page policy statement distributed to 10 employees, sending electronically saves trees and the cost of paper -- as well as copying, collation and distribution. A bonus of the written documentation: possible "he said, she said" arguments won't kill productivity.
Tip 47:
Fax smart.
Sending faxes directly from the computer avoids using paper altogether. But if a traditional fax is the only option, either avoid using a cover page or create a reusable cover by laminating the page and using an erasable marker. In addition, avoid the automatic activity report function to save another page.
$ Factor:
It may be "just a single sheet" of paper, but if everyone followed these green rules, it would really add up.
Tip 48:
Pack a waste-free lunch.
Eliminate plastic bags, plastic
utensils, disposable containers,
paper napkins and those brown bags.
Instead use a lunchbox, reusable
drink container, cloth napkin and
silverware. Find odd pieces of used
silverware at a second-hand store
so you don't lose parts of your
good set. Sandwiches, fresh fruit,
vegetables and treats packaged in
reusable containers are healthy
alternatives to cafeteria and prepackaged
foods. They can also be bought in
larger quantities, saving money
and packaging.
$ Factor:
You could save $250 a year and a
pile of waste that weighs as much
as the average 9-year-old.
School/career: Quick fix
