• Try to avoid using paper when you can. Keep files on computers when possible, read documents on your screen instead of printing them, and send emails instead of letters.
• Use the two-sided printing and copying options whenever possible, if available. If not, ask your employer to consider buying a printer or copier with those options next time. If your printer doesn’t have that option, here’s how to get around that: After selecting print, choose “Print: Odd Page,” and “Send to Printer.” When the pages have printed, replace them in the feed tray so the printer will print on the blank side. Now hit print again, and choose “Print, Even Pages.”
• When shipping packages, reuse boxes and use shredded waste paper as packing material.
• Try bringing your lunch in reusable containers. And if you or your coworkers go through a lot of disposable plates and silverware, go out to a thrift store and buy a bunch of mismatched plates, bowls and utensils to keep at work.
• In that same vein, ask your coworkers to bring a mug from home, and keep some extra for visitors.