Anyone Have Any Ideas To Go Green At Work? (recycling, bike, recycle bin)

[nsgjdennis]

I just started a new job as a Safety and Environmental manager for a plastic manufacturer. Their is a huge push here for us to become a "Green Company". We got rid of all disposable dishes and created a recylcing program before I stated here. I would like to move towards programs that provide a direct benefit to our company such as energy efficient light bulbs? Does anyone have any ideas for me? I know it may be hard not knowing to much about what we do but if you have any questions go ahead and ask.

[Minathebrat]

Well, it seems like the company has made progress in terms of the staff room for greener choices: the disposables and recycling prgrams.
I think the lightbulbs are a good idea, replace all the ones as they burn out with energy efficient bulbs.
What are the current bathroom facilities like? What could be improved there? Are the toilets wasteful guzzlers? Do you (I mean the company of course, just easier to type) use recycled tissue? Are you using paper or another method to dry hands? Is all the plumbing in good working order. Do the faucets automatically turn off or are there signs reminding people to not waste water and turn the faucets off and/or report drips and leaks?
What about the manufacturing process itself? What are the current wastes? I'm thinking containers and pallets that things come in or on, waste products that are manufactured, waste products that aren't consumed in the actual manufacturing process. If you tell us a bit more about that end we could get some brainstorming!
I love your job by the way!

[babigyrl5]

I think its great what you all are doing. I guess just make it easy for associates to recycle. In my old building there were no recycle bins so I brought in boxes and labeled them for cans, can tops, paper and plastics so people could recycle. Humana in Louisville offers free bike rentals and many employees now ride their bike to and from work. I dont know how you all can do that but anything to encourage people to be more physical like taking the stairs instead of the elevator is good. sorry I dont have better suggestions

[jm24]

Try googling 'go green at work'. That's where I recently found some useful ideas.

[Irishtom29]

Yeah, quit using petroleum resources. Oh wait, then you couldn't make plastic.

Never mind the trivial Green business and spend your time on worker safety, you'll do the world alot more good that way than worrying about lightbulbs and paper plates in the lunchroom. You'll save the company more money too.

[Filet Mignon]

I installed a programmable thermostat - 7 day programmable and 4 modes per day - in the offices. I'm not absolutely sold on the benefits of them, but even if it saves us 5% on our heat bill, that's that much.

Other than that, we're already pretty green. We don't use any disposable dishes or coffee cups, and all used paper that can be used for something else, is.

[perfectcolor]

Make it a habit to turn off the lights when you're leaving any room for 15 minutes or more and utilize natural light when you can.