Green Daily

And just because you're not paying the bills doesn't mean that your workplace couldn't benefit from some energy saving technologies. Why not use five simple rules to help cut energy use at your workplace?

Manage office equipment energy use better. Turn off lights, computers, and printers when you don't need them. If you do have to leave your computer on for long periods of time make sure to activate its energy-savings settings. If possible, unplug your peripheral equipment. Even though you may only use your scanner once a month, is still draws a small amount of power when it's plugged in. Over time, the small amount adds up to big bucks.

Look for Energy Star qualified products for the office. Qualified products use less energy and so they save money.

Ask your office building manager if your office building has earned the Energy Star. If not lobby for change to earn that star! (Energy Star buildings use 35 percent less energy than regular buildings.)

Use less energy for your commute. If you can, take advantage of public transportation. Or try walking or biking to work. Your waistline and the environment will thank you.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. This includes more than just newspapers or plastic bottles. Electronics and batteries can also be recycled. Try lobbying your office to purchase recycled materials. Copy paper, envelopes, and even pens and pencils come in recycled form.

Sources:

-- "Climate Change: What you can do at the office," EPA Web site. http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/wycd/office.html

-- "How to Green Your Work," Treehugger.com. http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/12/how_to_green_your_work.php

-- "Green Up Your Workplace," Big Green Switch. http://www.biggreenswitch.co.uk/green_projects/green-at-work