Jose Bardelas Go Green

Office Recycling – 5 Ways to a Greener Business

Dr. Jose A. Bardelas Jr. MD Office Recycling By Marjorie Jackson

Recycling has become an increasingly popular activity for homeowners all over the world. More and more families are choosing to go green and help save the environment with easy at-home solutions. From recycling and composting to reducing energy and water, keeping the environment healthy has become a huge initiative for homeowners.

What’s surprising is the lack of participation from many companies all over the country. One company (depending on the size) can have the same impact on the environment as a small village of homes. If your company could make the world a greener place, wouldn’t you want to be part of it?

Here are some simple things you can do in the office that will not only make the environment healthier but will cut back on costs as well:

1. Recycling Bins. It’s important to promote recycling within your company. Not only should employees be aware of the initiatives but all measures should be taken to ensure that recycling is as easy as possible. Place the recycle bins close to the garbage cans so employees don’t have to walk further to the bins (they might lose interest if it means more work). You may even want to give each employee a normal waste basket and a recycle one so they don’t have to leave their desks to recycle their products.

2. Water Coolers vs. Water Bottles. Water bottles are not environmentally friendly and they cost significantly more than water coolers. Opt for switching from water bottles to a single (or multiple if you work for a larger company) water cooler instead of countless water bottles.

3. Energy Efficient Dishwashers. Purchasing an energy efficient dishwasher will make a huge difference in the amount of water and energy it takes to wash your dishes every day. There are several types of energy efficient dishwashers to choose from, in a variety of price ranges to suit all budgets.

4. Email vs. Paper. Communication is an integral part of every company. More and more companies are choosing to communicate via email rather than paper. Power Point presentations are becoming increasingly popular and 10-page paper handouts are becoming a thing of the past. Some companies are even opting to do pay stubs via email to cut back on the paper usage every pay period.

5. Carpooling, Public Transportation etc. You can’t force your employees to carpool to work or take the bus instead of driving every day, but you can persuade them. A lot of companies have chosen to promote carpooling and public transportation through reward programs.

Make Provision For Recycling in the Home

Recycling in the Home Dr. Jose A. Bardelas Jr. MD By Martin Miller-Yianni

It can never be stated enough when it comes to recycling things at home. The majority of us have no real control over recycling in the business and commercial world, but we do in our own homes. There are many things you can do that will not only make a difference to the environment, but make you feel good inside as well. It may even save you money, which is another bonus.

Why not try making space next to your bin for a recycling container. It is if handy and close it will be used, this will work if you just get it organized.

Sometimes your local authority will give some sort of recycling scheme which is brought to your doorstep; make the most of it. Find out where your nearest recycling centre or information about local collection schemes that are running. This may save you a trip to dispose of your recyclable collections and save you time, petrol costs. At the same time give the council a good reason to continue this scheme or expand it with more users coming in and using it.

The majority of bottles and cans should be segregated and stored then put in the recycling bins that can be found in many public places now. Make it part of your routine to take these with you if you know you are passing them. 99% of people shop at supermarkets daily, weekly or monthly, they all have recycling facilities. If you don’t go, ask someone, perhaps a neighbour who does and get them involved!

Glass jars are thrown away by most people, they come in all shapes and sizes from spice jars to coffee jars. If you rinse them with the left over washing up water and leave to dry for a day of so on the drainer you can recycle them with all your other glass. Don’t try and waste time and energy by removing the labels,the recycling process will take care of that.

The bathroom is one of the most neglected areas of recycling. Shampoo and shower gel bottles are often just binned without thought. If you simply rinse out the empty bottles whilst you’re in the shower you will also save on water and get the last drop out of the bottle – a double saver! A recycling bin can be put in your bathroom to collect the bottles.