Up next in How to Help Save the Environment (43 videos)
Make your life more eco-friendly with the green living tips in this Howcast video series. The environment will thank you!
You Will Need
- Recycled paper
- A ceramic mug
- A reusable knife, fork, and spoon
- Cloth napkins
- Reusable plastic containers
- Sunlight and fresh air
- A power strip with an off switch
Steps
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Step 1
Save paper
Save paper by using digital files and printing double-sided whenever possible. Print only when necessary.
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Step 2
Use recycled paper
Encourage your office to purchase chlorine-free paper with high post-consumer recycled content. Reuse mailers and cartons, and recycle paper after use.
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Step 3
Use a ceramic mug
Bring in your own ceramic mug so you don’t have to use disposable cups.
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Step 4
Bring cutlery
Bring real cutlery and a cloth napkin to work every day to use with your homemade lunch. If you’re getting takeout, ask them not to put napkins and plastic cutlery in the bag.
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Step 5
Use plastic containers
Bring lunch from home in reusable containers instead of in aluminum foil and plastic bags.
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Plastic containers come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes—from sandwich-shaped to one that features separate covered sections for dips and condiments.
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Step 6
Use free sunlight and air
When the sun shines, open the shades and use minimal artificial light. If it’s not too hot, open the windows and turn off the air-conditioning.
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Step 7
Unplug
Set computers to power down when not in use, and unplug them at night.
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Step 8
Tap into savings
Offer guests tap water in glasses rather than bottled water.
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Step 9
Work from home
Ask your employer to consider letting employees work from home a few days a week, to cut down on commuting.
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Office computers waste $1 billion worth of electricity each year by being left on when they are not in use.
