Save the Green World

A small step by a human being in conserving natural resources leads to a large step by mankind. Understanding various options to save energy and resources can pave the way for small steps to making our workplace cost-effective, greener and environment friendly.

Ways to Go Green at Work: 

1. As a first step towards achieving a greener workplace environment, let us consider our mode of transport. A study revealed that 1/5^th of the greenhouse gases produced worldwide is from the use of cars and other vehicles, which pollute the environment. This results in smog, acid rain and other harmful substances in the environment, which affects the health of humans, causing lung infections, heart diseases and asthma. To reduce the impact of these pollutants entering the atmosphere, we need to take small steps such as,

a. Creating carpools to and from the office.

b. Educating local communities towards the use of fuel efficient vehicles,

c. Maintaining the vehicles in a good condition so as to reduce emissions.

d. Making the maximum use of local transport.

e. Encouraging the need for widened pedestrian and biking areas, so as to create less

congestion and pollution on the roads while paving the way towards a healthier and fit

community.

f. Promote a technological environment through videoconferencing, telecommuting and

other technological solutions thus, reducing employee travel.

2. Avoid wastage of energy.

a. Energy efficient electronic & electrical appliances, CFL bulbs help save power.

b. Ensure that all electrical appliances have been switched off before leaving the office.

c. AC’s should be set at energy efficient temperature settings.

d. Computers on sleep mode save 30% energy than the Screen savers on monitors.

e. Let the sunlight spill into the office in comfortable portions.

f. Do not contribute to e-waste; instead, donate old computers, printers, faxes to

organizations which will revamp them for further use.

g. Develop the habit of reading the e-paper instead of the newspaper. This not only saves

resources but also makes everyone tech-savvy.

h. High-end LED desk lamps use less energy.

3. Renewable energy sources: A few simple acts will take our non-renewable resources a long way.

a. Recycling saves resources, helps to decrease toxic chemicals & curbs global warming.

b. Promote environment friendly purchasing practices. Use recycled paper products for

office use. 

c. Plastic and paper cups in office café counter can be replaced with ceramic mugs. The

paper napkins can be replaced with cloth napkins. This helps us to save our resources

and also brings in a sense of belonging & style to the work environment.

d. Aluminium foils and plastic wraps can be replaced with reusable food containers for

carrying food.

e. Choose an electric utility that uses renewable power resources, such as solar, wind,

low impact hydroelectric, or geothermal energy.

f. Use organic tea/coffee in the office café counters.

g. Save paper by using blank sides of used sheets of paper for note-taking and printing

drafts, making two-sided copies instead on single sided ones.

h. In a techno-savvy environment, replace paper files with electronic files for reference.

i. Set up recycling awareness program in the office. Place recycling bins for different

products at convenient locations within the premises for easy use.

j. Recycle toner and ink cartridges and buy remanufactured ones.

k. Employee manuals can be posted online and upgraded easily.

l. Encourage use of non-toxic and natural cleaning products in the office premises.

m. Plants are a great source of positive energy. One in each cubicle will create a more

healthy office environment and clear indoor pollution.

4. Conserve water.

a. Washrooms can have ultra-low-flush toilets instead of conventional toilets.

 b. Use a water filter to purify tap water instead of buying bottled water.

At Salahkaar Consultants:

Our efforts towards a greener environment and saving energy and resources include:

a. Creating and circulating soft copies of company brochures instead of the hard copies.

b. Our website is complete with the entire company information and marketing materials

available to all.