Go Green In Your Home Office
Austin companies large and small are contributing to the effort to go green
, earning Austin the title of MSNs Greenest City in America. In addition to green efforts at the home office, companies recognize that allowing employees to work from home lessens the environmental impact of commuting. But, if your home office isnt environmentally-friendly, then you arent doing your part. To go green in your home office, consider these tips to conserve energy, and to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Use Energy Wisely Compact florescent lights (CFLs) provide high quality energy-efficient lighting. They cost slightly more than incandescent bulbs but last more than five times longer. Also consider task-oriented lighting (i.e. a desk lamp) as opposed to general overhead lighting. Being outside a cubicle has its advantages, and windows are one of themalways take advantage of daylight when you can. Look for energy-efficient office equipment like computers, fax machines, copiers, printers, and more. An ENERGY STAR computer, for example, uses 70% less electricity than other models. If you can, invest in a laptop as they use a lot less energy than desktop computers. If you are not using it, turn it off! It is a common misconception that it takes more energy to turn a piece of equipment back on, but this is an outdated idea. You should also use a power strip for your equipment that can be turned off when not in use. Otherwise, if equipment is plugged directly into an outlet, it will continue to draw energy even when off. These are just a few key ways you can conserve energy; visit AustinEnergy.com for more tips. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Weve heard these three rules over and over again, but it takes a conscious effort to follow them. Before you print or make a copy, stop and think about if you really need a hard copy. You should reuse supplies like file folders, rubber bands, paper clips, etc. If its not a document for distribution, you can even reuse paper in your printer or fax machine - simply turn it over. In addition to recycled paper, there are many other supplies made from post-consumer content including post-its, folders, notebooks, envelopes, and packing material. If and when you do have to throw paper products away, the city of Austin offers recycling so be sure to take advantage. Other items like batteries and even computers can be recycled. The Austin City Connection website can provide more information on how to get started. Another way to recycle is to purchase used office furniture. Austin business furniture can be found by scouring the local paper, but its a better use of your time to choose from an inventory that has been hand-picked and evaluated for quality. Office Furniture Now! offers the largest on-hand selection of used office furniture in Austin. You can help save desks, chairs, filing cabinets, and more from winding up in a landfill. To make your home office greener you should focus on two things: energy-efficiency, and the three Rs: reduce, reuse, recycle. Only use energy-efficient equipment and lighting, and if you are not using it, turn it off. With conscious effort you can reduce waste, and reuse many items in your office. Finally, consider using only recycled paper and other supplies, and give used office furniture a second life in your home office.by: Brigette Botkin. Get Cash For Gold In Canada To Help Pay Bills Work-at-home Business Expenses Good Tips To Improve Your Good Home Security Systems You Can Save Money off Maintenance Bills By Doing One Thing Building Solar Panels - Escape From Energy Bills! Using Social Media To Advance Your Work At Home Business How The History Of E-commerce Evolved To Help Home Businesses Cut Your Heating Bills With Energy Efficient Fireplace Inserts Save Money On Utility Bills With Solar Heating Systems Buy Your New Home In The Beautiful Countryside Of Buford, Georgia Cash Gifting Can Help You Pay Those Medical Bills! Self Managed Super Made Simple Online Shopping Cart Shopping Made Easy