Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Al Gore, has probably done more for this planet than he could have as President of the United States. As an advocate for environmental sustainability, he has raised public awareness about the impact of our actions on the environment.
Most of us are familiar with a basic recycling program (Prince Edward Island is the most sophisticated I’ve run into), but there are other, very simple ways your team can be “green”:
- Check your Lights. Switch from using incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs (the swirly kind) and don’t buy the cheap ones; they burn out just like regular light bulbs! Check out Jane Poynter’s Going Green for a great explanation.
- Turn it Off. Don’t forget to turn off the lights and HVAC when your team is not in the room.
- Disposables. Minimize your use of disposable products such as napkins and paper towels by using real plates, glasses and napkins. If you must, use biodegradable, paper-based products. Styrofoam takes forever to break down.
- Drive Together. When going to a meeting together, carpool, use a shuttle service or public transportation.
- Be Bulky. Use bulk dispensers when you can rather than individual servings. For example, use a water pitcher or a liter bottle rather than individual bottles of water or soda.
- Be Water Efficient. Don’t let the tap run if you don’t need water immediately.
- Minimize Printing. Do you really need to print out that email? If not, don’t. If yes, print out on recycled paper (or the unused side of your waste paper!)
- Buy from Local Producers. Not only are you supporting the local economy, but you are reducing energy used to transport the item to your destination.
What is your team doing to minimize your footprint on the world? I’d love to hear your ideas.
