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 recipient’s 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 books—order 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 elevator—it’s 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
• don’t 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 photocopiers—call M-Stores at 998-7070 for more information
• minimize use of plastic styrofoam—it 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:

• Recycle Ann Arbor Reuse Center
  2420 S. Industrial
  Ann Arbor, MI
  734-662-6288


• City of Ann Arbor Recycling Drop-Off Station
  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


• The Scrap Box
  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