Just because we live in the technology age, doesn’t mean we don’t have a lot of waste. The term “paperless” really just means you’re using “less paper,” and not that trees are free to live their lives in peace. This holds especially true at work. There are just so many ways to help the environment, many relying just on simple changes in your daily routine. Take a look at 14 ways you can make a difference today!

1. Bring a coffee mug – Stop wasting paper cups at the office. We get it. You’re just not with it in the morning until you’ve had the first steaming cup of Joe. We’re the same way! But instead of using up paper cups (or worse, styrofoam!) each morning, go ahead and bring in a mug from home. It’ll taste better and you’ll get to show off your individuality!
2. Turn the lights off – We’re constantly yelling at our kids to shut the lights off when they leave a room, but how many times have you left your office without flicking the switch? Funny how one of the simplest ways to help the environment is often overlooked.
3. Recycle those cans – Set up a large container in the lunchroom for employees to toss their empty soda cans and bottles in. When the container is full, take it to a local supermarket or recycling center and cash them in. Use the money to buy some of those coffee mugs for your coworkers! You’re too kind.
4. Set up carpooling – Transportation is a definite killer, not just on Mother Nature but on your wallet too! Set up a carpool system so employees that live near each other can take turns driving into the office. Think of the amount of money alone you’ll be saving.
5. Use a water filter – Don’t buy plastic water bottles or those huge water jugs that are delivered. Instead, get a large Brita pitcher and just make sure everyone refills it as they use it. This is one of the best ways to help the environment since you’ll be using a natural resource like water, without all that unnecessary plastic!
6. Go green – Add some plants to the office. They won’t just spruce up the joint, they’ll give off that oxygen stuff that us humans tend to enjoy breathing.
7. Really go paperless – Emails are one thing, but what about invoices, contracts, etc.? There are companies that can help you get set up to completely go paperless with electronic signatures and the like. There’s definitely an upfront cost, but you’ll be saving money in the long run by jumping on board one of today’s hottest ways to help the environment.
8. Turn off the computers – No matter what the business, every office has a computer these days. Heck, every employee most likely has one. One of the easiest ways to help the environment is simply to remember to turn off your computer and monitor when you head home each night.
9. Recycle, recycle, recycle – Does your office have a recycling program in place? Many don’t! Set up as efficient of a system as you can to recycle everything from metal to paper to plastic. If the town doesn’t pick up at your office, then set up a schedule among employees to have someone take the items weekly to a local recycling center.
10. Gift a tree – Instead of sending that expensive box of tiny chocolates to your clients at the holiday season, plant a tree in their name. Consider it one of the most giving ways to help the environment.
11. Use an intranet – Instead of printing out dozens of memos regularly, or countless copies of huge company handbooks, store all of that online. Setting up an internal website for your company is not just a handy resource to ensure everyone knows where to find company-specific information, but it’s also one of the better ways to help the environment.
12. Buy recycled toner and ink cartridges – The quality’s the same, the cost is less and you’ll be reducing the amount of plastic containers and cartridges being tossed into landfills.
13. Get a programmable thermostat – For the nights and weekends when most employees aren’t around, using a programmable thermostat will avoid any unnecessary heating bills.
14. Unplug – Over the weekends or holidays, unplug the vending machine or other large machinery that won’t be used. Just don’t try this with the refrigerator, unless you want to come back to some spoiled food!

Did we miss an easy ways to help the environment right from your office? Please let us know!