EON helps offices stay environmentally friendly with a large selection of green products and recycling programs. “Greening” your office will not only help the environment, but potentially save money for you and your company. Here are some ideas for cutting down waste and saving energy in your office, as well as suggestions of eco-friendly products from EON.
PAPER
Paper has been around for almost 2,000 years and has revolutionized the way people spread information. Today, the Environmental Protection Agency has calculated that each office employee in the US generates on average over a pound of paper waste per day. This is a huge drain on the environment, from the trees used to create the paper to the chemicals used to treat the paper and the transportation required to ship it around the globe.
To avoid this unnecessary waste, only print when necessary- emails, notes, and forms are easy to store digitally and will keep you more organized as well. Try to never use two sheets of paper where one will do, such as omitting cover sheets for faxes in favor of a small label. Label sheets can also create a lot of waste, so if you end up printing a lot of them you might try a label printing machine that will align text properly the first time and print on a roll which is more economical. Used paper can be used for note taking, or consider using a dry erase board for notes and reminders- it’s reusable and harder to lose than a sheet of paper. When printing is a must, use both sides of the paper and recycle when possible by keeping easily accessible recycle bins at every desk. Paper can also be taken home to be used for composting, lighting fireplaces and grills, wrapping or cushioning packages, and much more around the house.
If you receive a lot of mass marketing by way of catalogs and mailings you can save paper and send a message by taking the time to contact those companies and opt out of their marketing programs. Most catalogs and coupons cannot be recycled because of how heavily coated in ink and plastic they are.
When purchasing office products, consider printers that print on both sides of the sheet automatically and either purchase paper that already has a high post-consumer content or paper that is unbleached and uncoated, which is easier to recycle in future. Some papers are made using toxic materials, so take care to research products that are processed in environmentally friendly ways. With just a few alterations to the ways you use paper in the workplace you can take large strides toward saving money and protecting this amazing resource for generations.
FEATURED PRODUCTS
Domtar EarthChoice Copy & Multipurpose Paper
SKU: DMR1842
EarthChoice 30 is a reliable multipurpose paper containing a high percentage of post-consumer recycled fiber and is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). EarthChoice contains ColorLok Technology for more vivid colors and bolder blacks. Curl control means jam-free performance and less downtime. Recycled, 20 lb. office paper is engineered to run smoothly on a wide variety of printing equipment including all high-speed copiers, laser printers and inkjet printers. Use for everyday copying, high-speed volume applications and more.
Rubbermaid Deskside Recycling Container
SKU: RCP295673BE
The 28-1/8 quart deskside, recycling bin offers an easy, effective way to recycle paper. Ideal for gathering white paper for recycling. One side is marked with the chasing arrows, recycling logo. Sturdy plastic contains post-consumer recycled resin (PCR) exceeding EPA guidelines.
There are a lot of creative ways to conserve or reuse paper in the office. What are your ideas? Our next feature focuses on EON’s specialty- office supplies and furniture. Learn how to shop smart for the environment and your own well-being too!
For more sticky notes on how to Think Green, click on the Think Green category under EON Sticky Notes to see all articles on conservation.
