A Buyers Guide to "Going Green"

Why “Go Green”?

You already know about air pollution, global warming, overflowing landfills, and water contamination, and their toll on our environment, but here a just a few surprising facts.

• Did you know that the U.S. is the #1 trash-producing country in the world?  5% of the world’s population produces 40% of the world’s waste.
• We use more than 80,000,000,000 aluminum soda cans every year. A discarded aluminum can will remain an aluminum can for 500 years. 
• Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours. 
• Each ton of recycled paper can save 17 trees, 380 gallons of oil, 3 cubic yards of landfill space, 4,000 kilowatts of energy, and 7,000 gallons of water.
• The 17 trees saved by recycling can absorb a total of 250 pounds of carbon dioxide from the air each year.

More and more individuals and companies are finding out that it pays to “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle”.   Reducing waste, reusing or recycling items, and conserving energy not only save the planet, but also save money. Read on for tips on how to reduce our impact on the environment.

10 Tips for Going Green in the Home and Workplace

1. Recycle and Buy Recycled Products
   
   
   • Recycle paper, glass, cardboard and other recyclable materials.
   • Set up recycling containers in convenient locations in the workplace and label them.  Click here to shop for recycling containers.
   • Buy recycled office products and furniture with recycled content. Most recycled office products & furniture can be recycled again and again. For a wide selection of recycled paper click here.
2. Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Alternatives
   Eco-friendly cleaning products are better for the planet and for you. They contain non-toxic ingredients. Baking soda and vinegar will do for most cleaning jobs, but there are a number of low priced green cleaners available that smell better.
   
3. A Bright Idea
   Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) use 1/3 the electricity and last up to 10 times as long as incandescent bulbs. Click here to shop for energy saving bulbs.
   
4. Use Energy Efficient Equipment
   Purchase machines that use less energy. Most machines consume energy even when they are not in use. Energy saving paper shredders by Kobra consume zero power in standby mode while the Fellowes Energy Savings System reduces energy consumption by up to 70% (compared to conventional shredders during normal usage).  Energy Star certified equipment meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and the US Department of Energy.
   
5. Replace Your Surge Protector
   An energy saving power strip / surge protector like the EcoStrip 2.0 eliminates vampire power. In other words, when your computer is turned off, the power is shut down to your computer and all peripherals.  Turn your computer off when it is not in use to save power.
   
6. Use Re-manufactured Cartridges
   Buy re-manufactured printer cartridges to save money and reduce waste. They can be used again and again.
   
7. Green Plants
   Green plants reduce indoor pollution as well as provide natural beauty.
   
8. Green Bag Your Lunch
   Bring your lunch in a reusable bag instead of a paper or plastic one.
   
9. Ride Your Bike to Work or Commute
   Save the money you spend on gas and help lower auto-emissions.
   
10. Spread the Green
    Pass along these and your own "GO GREEN" tips.