The Top 10 Ways to Cut Carbon Emissions in Your Office
Carbon Emissions are a real problem for the environment. Higher emissions mean more CO2 in the air. And that leads to an increase in global temperatures, higher sea levels, weird weather patterns and a generally rubbish time for all concerned.
Fortunately though, there are things you can do about your carbon emissions. And the first thing to do is cut emissions in your workplace - because that's where you spend the majority of your productive time in any given week.
The great thing is that cutting your carbon doesn't necessarily mean massive changes to the way you work. Just follow these ten Carbon-Cutting tips and you'll be well on your way to doing your bit for the environment.
1) Think About Printing
Printing documents costs paper (which leads to deforestation) and ink (oil depletion) - so really think about your printing. If you print lots of documents, try reducing the font size. Going from 12 point to 10 point fonts won't ruin readability, but it'll save ink and paper.
2) Or Move to a Print Free Workplace
With emails, mobile devices and Google Docs available for businesses, you don't really need to print anything out. It's the 21st Century, everyone. Time to ditch the 17th Century information technology!
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3) Think About Water
Bottled water has a huge carbon footprint. So start to re-use your bottles. The only differences between bottled and tap are the price and the impact on the environment. So drop the Evian and pick up a cool glass or bottle of tap.
4) But Be Careful With The Watercooler!
One thing. If you do move to tap water or a watercooler, make sure you don't fall into the disposable cup trap. Plastic cups cost carbon to produce, and they only get used once or twice. Far better to invest in a mug.
5) Warm Up In Winter - But Not Too Much!
Central heating can be a carbon killer. So think twice when you set the temperature in the office or at home. For every degree over 19C, you're increasing your energy bills and carbon consumption by 8%!
6) And Keep Cool With Windows
If central heating is bad for the environment, air conditioning is worse. So dress for the weather with light, loose fitting clothing, and open a window. You'll cool down quickly enough! And remember, the alternative means even warmer, more uncomfortable weather!
7) On Your Bike!
Cycling is far more carbon efficient than any other form of transport - and you'll get far fitter into the bargain. So get into the Olympic Spirit for 2012 and set a record time on two wheels!
8) Or Share A Ride
Of course, if you must take a car to work, it's better for the environment and for office morale to set up a carpool scheme. You'll all save on petrol and get to spend more time chatting and making new work friends!
9) Shop Around
Sometimes, the quickest way to cut down on your emissions is to change supplier. Ask if your energy company offer any green energy packages. If they don't, find someone who does!
10) Think About Your Shopping Too
When you shop for your work lunches, pay attention to labels. You'll be amazed how much carbon you can save at the supermarket. Check labels, and make sure you purchase local produce as often as possible €" that way you cut back on freight carbon.
There you have it. Ten quick and easy ways to start cutting back on your carbon emissions.
Fortunately though, there are things you can do about your carbon emissions. And the first thing to do is cut emissions in your workplace - because that's where you spend the majority of your productive time in any given week.
The great thing is that cutting your carbon doesn't necessarily mean massive changes to the way you work. Just follow these ten Carbon-Cutting tips and you'll be well on your way to doing your bit for the environment.
1) Think About Printing
Printing documents costs paper (which leads to deforestation) and ink (oil depletion) - so really think about your printing. If you print lots of documents, try reducing the font size. Going from 12 point to 10 point fonts won't ruin readability, but it'll save ink and paper.
2) Or Move to a Print Free Workplace
With emails, mobile devices and Google Docs available for businesses, you don't really need to print anything out. It's the 21st Century, everyone. Time to ditch the 17th Century information technology!
Ads by Google
3) Think About Water
Bottled water has a huge carbon footprint. So start to re-use your bottles. The only differences between bottled and tap are the price and the impact on the environment. So drop the Evian and pick up a cool glass or bottle of tap.
4) But Be Careful With The Watercooler!
One thing. If you do move to tap water or a watercooler, make sure you don't fall into the disposable cup trap. Plastic cups cost carbon to produce, and they only get used once or twice. Far better to invest in a mug.
5) Warm Up In Winter - But Not Too Much!
Central heating can be a carbon killer. So think twice when you set the temperature in the office or at home. For every degree over 19C, you're increasing your energy bills and carbon consumption by 8%!
6) And Keep Cool With Windows
If central heating is bad for the environment, air conditioning is worse. So dress for the weather with light, loose fitting clothing, and open a window. You'll cool down quickly enough! And remember, the alternative means even warmer, more uncomfortable weather!
7) On Your Bike!
Cycling is far more carbon efficient than any other form of transport - and you'll get far fitter into the bargain. So get into the Olympic Spirit for 2012 and set a record time on two wheels!
8) Or Share A Ride
Of course, if you must take a car to work, it's better for the environment and for office morale to set up a carpool scheme. You'll all save on petrol and get to spend more time chatting and making new work friends!
9) Shop Around
Sometimes, the quickest way to cut down on your emissions is to change supplier. Ask if your energy company offer any green energy packages. If they don't, find someone who does!
10) Think About Your Shopping Too
When you shop for your work lunches, pay attention to labels. You'll be amazed how much carbon you can save at the supermarket. Check labels, and make sure you purchase local produce as often as possible €" that way you cut back on freight carbon.
There you have it. Ten quick and easy ways to start cutting back on your carbon emissions.
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