As as part of the Smead Organomics blogging team, this month’s topic was about reducing your carbon footprint, whether at home, outside, in the store, on the road, etc. I wanted to take this and focus on the office. The home office can be one of the most wasteful places on earth….if we let it. It doesn’t have to be, though. What are some ways that you can make your office eco-friendly?

• Ok, so this is a given, but you can use and reuse Smead office supplies, like the TUFF Hanging Folder with Easy Slide Tab. This hanging folder is extraordinary, in that it’s 7 times stronger than your average hanging folder. It has a plastic slide tab that you can move easily into any position you need it to be, making it easier for you to organize your file cabinet. It has reinforced channel rods that keep it strong and durable. This file folder is the best of the best, in my opinion. You can purchase this and other Smead products online or at an office supply store near you. I’ve started to learn that sometimes having stronger, more durable products means saving money and even saving resources in the long run. Sometimes choosing to pay just a few more cents can even be the better choice because you don’t buy as much, thus keeping a simpler lifestyle, as well.
• Have a small plastic tub for recyclables like paper, cardboard, old magazines, catalogs, etc. Don’t just throw those magazines in the trash; recycle them by either putting them into your recycling bin, or donate them to your local library/doctor’s office! I keep a small plastic tote in my closet and then empty it every so often into our larger recycling bin outside. In fact, recycle your printer cartridges, as well; use recycled printer cartridges. According to an article by Smead, The Eco-Friendly Office, “when you buy these products recycled (hanging files, manila folders, printer paper, envelopes, etc.) they require about half the pulpwood- a ton of ‘virgin’ office paper uses 24 trees, while a recycled ton uses 12 trees.” Buy recycled products!
• Try to use more electronic documents; if you must print, recycle your paper by using it more than once. The back side of that “trash” is still clean and fresh, so use that paper again. In fact, keep a tray for your reusable paper, so that you can keep it organized and neat.
• Keep things simple and organized. Clear the clutter, which will help you both mentally and professionally.
• When you’re not using your electronics, shut them down. Same with the lights. Try not to waste electricity, as this’ll save both money and resources. You could even unplug your electronics, chargers, etc.
• Don’t throw office supplies away. Come up with a way to reuse them, thus reducing your trash. For example, use old file folders to make lapbooks for your kids.

(Above picture, slide photo, and thumbnail courtesy of: Earth image from Visible Earth/NASA:  http://www.visibleearth.nasa.gov/)

For more ways to green up your home or office, be sure to check out these articles, Easy Steps to an Eco-Friendly Home and the Reducing Your Carbon Footprint Monthly Checklist. Be sure to Like Smead Organomics on Facebook and follow @SmeadOrganomics on Twitter.

(Disclosure: I received the TUFF Hanging Folder, free of charge, from Smead, for the purposes of this article/review. All views/opinions are my own.)