• Activate the sleep feature or turn off office equipment when it’s not in use during the day.
• Turn off computers, monitors, power strips, printers and copiers at night and on weekends.
• Shut off ceiling lights if daylight or task lighting is bright enough.
• Take the stairs instead of elevators whenever possible. As an added bonus, you’ll get some exercise.
• Use manual doors rather than the electric ones.

• 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.

According to the website treehugger.com, U.S. workers spend an average of 47 hours a year commuting through rush-hour traffic, which equals 3.7 billion hours and 23 billion gallons of gas wasted in traffic each year.
• If you can walk, bike or take public transportation to work, try it. If you bike or walk, you’ll notice the health benefits. If you take public transportation, you’ll avoid tolls and dealing with traffic, and you’ll get a chance to relax or catch up on sleep or reading.

The state Department of Environmental Services offers an Aspiring Leaders Program: Don’t you think your employer should be a part of it?

According to the guide Greening Your Office, by John Clift and Amanda Cuthbert, using an air conditioning unit adds an average of 50 percent to your annual electricity bill.
Here are some ways to reduce your need for air conditioning:
• Reduce internal heat sources. If you change your light bulbs to compact fluorescents, you’ll reduce the amount of heat they emit, which will help lower the temperature in your office.