The document provides a comprehensive guide on how to make offices and schools more environmentally friendly through various strategies such as recycling, energy audits, and using eco-friendly products. It suggests actions like setting up supply swap areas, conducting waste audits, and encouraging the use of public transportation and composting. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices to create a greener environment.

1. Tips to GREEN the office & school

2. Write an “ECO GREEN MISSION STATEMENT” “ We care passionately about the environment, and are taking steps to ensure that there is an earth for future generations. Please support us by recycling whenever possible.”

3. Register your school & office @ www.wrwcanada.com

4. Do a “Waste Audit” List all the recyclable material used. See which dept. generates the waste. List what is being recycled now. Figure out how many lbs. is being disposed of, and the best way to recycle it.

5. RECYCLE Everything that can be recycled Paper Cans Cardboard Plastic Bottles Ink cartridges CD’s …etc.

6. Recycling Companies that pick up www.bficanada.com www.calgarycityrecycling.com

7. Buy GREEN office products There are so many choices when it comes to Eco Green Office & School supplies.

8. Companies that sell GREEN office products www.frogfile.com only carries recycled office products, and they deliver. www.staples.ca carries several recycled office products, and they deliver. www.officedepot.com carries some recycled office products. Shop around and ask questions

9. Set up an “Office Supply Swap Area” Encourage everyone that they should use the swap area first, before they order more supplies.

10. Get an Energy Audit done Call 1-800- O-CANADA and find a company that can address all your concerns. A typical Energy Audit will determine where your building is leaking. How efficient your heating and cooling systems are, and where you can conserve.

11. Switch all light bulbs to CFL’s or LED’s

12. Turn off all lights when not in use. Install light motion sensors in boardrooms, and other rooms that are not used often. Over head fluorescent lights that are over 10 years old, should be replaced with T-8 or T-5 tubes. Have a “Master Switch” or “Green Switch” installed, so it is one switch to turn off everything, stopping vampire power.

13. Use Natural Light when possible www.ambiencedore.com

14. Have a “Green Switch” Installed as well as a “Programmable Thermostat”

15. Use Smart Strips for computers, printers, and fax machines. Plug everything in, even things that can not be turned off. The red plug ins, are perfect for anything that can not be turned off.

16. Switch to Lap Top Computers, as they use less energy. Utilize the “Sleep Mode” on the computer, so that you save more energy. Have your website hosted by a company that is earth friendly. www.aiso.net

17. Stop buying bottled water Bisphenol A leaches into everything it comes in contact with. It is used to make water bottles, baby bottles, and pop bottles. It has been tied to breast cancer and prostate cancer.

18. Get a good water filter www.wellnessfilter.com has a great water filter. The website will give you lots of information about what is in your water. Canyon Plumbing, has a water softener with a filter, that removes the chlorine. www.ecoquest.com has various kinds of water filters www.goblue.org will help you with ways to conserve water.

19. Low Flow Toilets & Faucets Low flow toilets and faucets use less water, and help save the environment.

20. Use ceramic dishes and stainless steel cutlery Stop using disposable stuff. An automatic dishwasher would be a wise investment for ease of use, and health reasons.

21. Use a “COMPOSTER” Automatic Composters are available at www.naturemill.com Takes about 2 weeks to turn waste into compost. You can also use the regular composter with worms.

22. Buy “ORGANIC” Food Products Organic food tastes better and is better for the environment. It is good for your body. Just about everything comes organic.

23. What to pack for Lunch Sandwiches or salads in a reusable container Drinks in a reusable container Whole Fruits: bananas, apples, oranges Snacks: nuts, cheese, crackers in a reusable container Cloth napkins and reusable cutlery Take compostable material home, or use a composter on site, if available.

24. What not to include for Lunch Any individually wrapped item Plastic baggies that are not reusable Disposable cutlery Straws, paper napkins, and paper bags.

25. Utilize your computers software Use the email instead of snail mail. Send attachments with regular emails. Use the computer fax instead of regular fax. Scan papers and send as attachments with emails.

26. Institute a “Casual Dress Code” Only wear business suits when necessary. Follow the casual office dress code and use less energy for air conditioning. Can also lead to a happier work place.

27. Use “GREEN POWER” Ask the building manager to use “Green Power” If you own the building, work towards solar or wind power. Getting partially off the grid, will save money.

28. Work from Home According to Environment Canada, employees that work from home are 30% more productive then their co-workers, and much happier. Less money spent on transportation, food, and clothing.

29. Use Public Transportation Use public transportation, ride a bike, walk or carpool to work and school. Sharing a ride to work just 2 days per week, will save approximately 1,590 lbs of carbon dioxide emissions.

30. Use “Cloth Dispensers” in washrooms. Cloth dispensers save trees, energy, money and the environment. If it is not possible, then buy cloth towels and have towel rings installed to hang the towels.

31. Stop the JUNK MAIL www.reddotcampaign.ca or www.junkbusters.com Both websites are good for Canadians, and they will help to eliminate most of your junk mail. Helps to save trees

32. Vending Machines should be unplugged when not in use. Remove the lights from the vending machine. Unplug vending machine in evenings and weekends. Saves energy and money.

33. Company Gyms can switch to Human Powered Electricity Hook stationary bikes & treadmills up to generator and let the humans store energy to power music, lights etc. Green Microgym in Portland, Oregon has done this.

34. SOLAR CHARGERS Purchase some solar chargers for the office. Perfect for charging cell phones, iPods, and other small appliances. Saves energy.

35. LED Light EXIT SIGNS Replace all exit signs with LED lights or CFL’s, as they use less energy.

36. Switch fleet vehicles to more economical cars Switching all fleet vehicles to hybrids, electric, or fuel cell vehicles saves money, and the environment.

37. Have company fleet bikes Purchase bikes for staff to use when going short distances to meetings in another building. Let employees use bikes for running errands at lunch.

38. Create a “GREEN WALL”

39. GREEN WALLS Plants clean the environment of toxic substances and chemicals. By having a “Green Wall” in your school or work place, the environment will be less toxic. Even plants placed throughout the building help the environment. Make sure the plants get enough water and light, and use the compost on them.

40. Be Eco Conscious Use both sides of the paper Buy organic biodegradable cleaners Lower the thermostat to 130 degrees Use video conferencing instead of traveling Purchase biodegradable garbage bags. Ensure new office renovations and furniture are eco green.

41. Art Projects There is a terrific website for making art projects from recyclables. Check out www.replayground.com and you can get directions for various art projects for younger children.

42. Rewards Use the money you save by going eco green, to reward everyone for their hard work. Rewards can be anything, that everyone will enjoy.

43. THANK YOU I would like to thank everyone that helped with this presentation. This presentation has many examples for helping you to become more eco green, there are many more. If you think of more eco green ideas, be sure to share them with others.