Energy- and Resource-Saving Tips
Live greener, smarter, with these handy tips from the Stewardship Initiative:
save paper
- make your own routing slips or notepads using scrap paper
- save and reuse shipping peanuts (great for flower pot drainage, among other things!)
- buy recycled-content paper or unbleached, chlorine-free paper through M-Stores
- also consider papers made with tree-free fibers and unbleached paper products
- use plain-paper faxes instead of thermal-paper machines, so the paper can be recycled
- eliminate fax cover sheets: use either reusable fax Post-It notes, or simply write the recipients name on the top sheet
- make double-sided photocopies whenever possible
- make double-sided photocopies on laser printers, too
- scale down mailing lists; better define your target audience and reduce your mailing quantities
- set the fax machine so it doesn't print out a confirmation after each fax
- save copies on the computer instead of printing them out, when possible
- save emails on the computer instead of printing them out
- share telephone booksorder fewer books from UMTEL next year
- route items around the office, or post them in a central location, rather than making copies for everyone
- eliminate unwanted or duplicate mailings by contacting the sender and asking to be removed from their mailing list
reduce use of plastic
- keep a set of silverware in the office to use with take-out food, to avoid using disposable plastic
- use ceramic mugs instead of styrofoam cups
save energy
- turn off your lights and computer monitor when you leave the office
- curtains, blinds, and tinted glass will save energy by reducing air conditioning costs
- use the stairs instead of the elevatorits good exercise, too!
- keep lights in copier rooms, conference rooms, and storage areas off until needed
- make sure your office heating and cooling controls are set for minimum energy use: 68 degrees F/20 C in the winter, 78 degrees F/25.6 C in the summer
- dont open outside windows for more than a few minutes if the outside temperature will trigger heating or cooling
conserve resources
- buy only recyclable toner cartridges for printers and photocopierscall M-Stores at 998-7070 for more information
- minimize use of plastic styrofoamit takes over 500 years for it to break down in a landfill
- clean or replace air conditioning filters once a month
- ask your office cleaning people to use environmentally friendly cleaning products
resources
For more information on recycling and waste management, please call Waste Management Services at 734-763-5539.
Here are some local resources for recycling and waste management:
2420 S. Industrial
Ann Arbor, MI
734-662-6288
2950 E. Ellsworth Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI
981-7400 ext. 4
- Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor
200 S. First St.
Ann Arbor, MI
734-665-0450
581 State Circle
Ann Arbor, MI
734-994-4420
for ink jet and toner cartridge recycling:
- Waste Management Services
2550 Draper
Ann Arbor, MI
763-5539
for packing materials recycling:
- Mail Boxes, Etc.
530 S. State St.
Ann Arbor, MI
- Independent Postal Services
1756 Plymouth Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI
734-747-7900
- Packaging Store
1952 S. Industrial
Ann Arbor, MI
734-995-9570