The use of paper within the office is increasing despite the idea that technology would bring about the paperless office. It is therefore important that the current use of paper changes.
The use of virgin and old growth forests for office paper is destroying habitats and communities in many parts of the world. The majority of these trees are used for low-grade timber and office paper. Added to this impact is the pulp and paper manufacturing process, which is energy intensive and a producer of considerable volumes of polluting waste.
To reduce these significant impacts every home and small office can practice the following:
Paper Purchasing
Purchase paper:
- That has a high-recycled content. With a post-consumer waste content greater than 70%.
- That is totally-chlorine free during production.
- Sold with an accredited environmental or green label that details emission standards and post-consumer waste content.
Added to this, FOE encourage paper-saving techniques such as printing only when necessary, using both sides of the paper and using email or voicemail. Scanning your letterhead into the computer to produce an electronic template copy and retaining documentation on your computer rather than as a hard copy will also reduce the amount you will need to recycle.
For freelancers producing printed material for their clients, FOE recommends that you avoid using varnishes during printing and if adhesive binding is necessary, do not use those containing chlorinated organic compounds.
They also suggest labelling publications with the relevant environmental information about how it was produced since the more readers know about the paper you use and how a document was printed, the more likely it is that they will consider using similar practices.
Energy saving tips
- Enable energy-saving features on all computers and copiers.
- Put the monitor to sleep rather than use screen savers, they often consume more energy.
The UK has the largest potential for renewable energy within Europe. By choosing to purchase green energy, businesses can reduce the environmental impact of traditional energy. Signing up to the green tariff does not guarantee you get direct green electricity down the wire into your office, but that somewhere within the grid the demand for electricity is being matched by an equivalent supply of green electricity.
Recycling
The most obvious place is to start with paper. 70% of office waste is made up of paper. Most of which is high-grade white paper, the most sought after type for recycling.
If you collect ink jet and toner cartridges, put the old cartridge in the box of the new product. This protects the ink jet heads and avoids toner powder being spilled. If damaged these products will not be recycled.
'Hard to recycle' products
Most products are now recyclable. However a few products prove more difficult.
- If possible speak to the original supplier to find out if they have a take back policy or recycling scheme.
- There are now specialist companies that will collect white goods, computers and other IT equipment. Often there is a nominal charge. If equipment is in working order contact local groups and charities to see if they can reuse it or refurbish it for resale.
Green Purchasing
More and more organisations are establishing environmental or green purchasing policies and strategies. Such policies and strategies are important for the following reasons:
- Green procurement of products and services raises environmental awareness, which in turn moves more people to buy more environmentally sound products.
- Green procurement has potentially direct environmental benefits. Fewer emissions, less waste and more efficient resources use.
- An increase in demand for greener products and services improves the market position of suppliers.
- Demand for green products acts as an incentive for technological development towards greener products.
Finally, make sure your recycling schemes get as much publicity as possible.
Our thanks to Friends of the Earth for this guide.
Nov 5, 2009
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