Everybody knows that looking after the environment, and trying to cut down on eco-damaging habits is something that will become ever more important as we move further into the 21st Century. Resources are becoming scarcer, and a greater awareness of the environmental impact of our actions means that we must all become more responsible for taking a greener approach to life.

But what can you do to lead a greener lifestyle in the workplace? Here are some top tips on how to build a more environmentally friendly approach to your working life.

Keep everything digital

It seems a little ironic that even though we live in what is commonly known as the ‘digital age’, we still have a high dependency on, and usage of, paper. We generally use each sheet only once, print and/or scribble all over it, and then it is either thrown away or recycled.

The technology now exists to do pretty much everything electronically or online, keeping paper usage to an absolute minimum, so changing habits at work has never been easier. Review documents on screen, rather than printing them out, and send emails rather than letters. All documents can be scanned and stored electronically now, so empty out unnecessary filing cabinets to benefit the environment and give yourself some extra space too.

Check your thermostat

One action that has an almost immediate impact to the energy consumed at work is to check your company thermostat. Most thermostats are set to an automated pattern that does not reflect the fluctuations in temperature day by day.

Remember that each degree warmer you leave the thermostat in summer, and each degree cooler you set it in the winter can save the business between 6 to 8 percent of its energy costs, and keep your green credentials high.

Stand by to end stand bys

Instead of leaving electronic office equipment on stand by, turn off anything that you don’t absolutely need left on when you’re not in the office and, if possible, unplug them too. Every computer left on overnight and every coffee pot left plugged in eats up electricity and costs your company money.

Items that are only used occasionally, such as printers, scanners, and other peripherals, can be unplugged until they’re needed, although make sure to power down inkjet printers before unplugging, as they need to seal their cartridges.

Lighten the load

Everywhere you need artificial light in your office represents an opportunity to reduce your carbon footprint and also your electricity bills. Standard bulbs can be replaced with compact fluorescents, whilst desk lamps can be swapped with a range of LED devices that use tiny amounts of energy to power.

Artificial lighting accounts for approximately 44% of electricity use in office buildings, so remember to turn off any lights not actively being used. Not only is natural daylight a free source of lighting for the office, it has been proven to improve productivity and satisfaction in the workplace, so keep the lights off where possible.

A virtuous re-cycle

Just about everything used in the office these days can be recycled. All types of paper, such as envelopes, fax paper, junk mail and cardboard, can be reused, along with printer cartridges, electronic equipment and even mobile phones.

Try and get some recycling bins placed at strategic positions in your office. It seems like a small thing, but it all adds up. To give you an idea of the impact, office supplier Office Depot estimates that each remanufactured toner cartridge “keeps approximately 2.5 pounds of metal and plastic out of landfills…and conserves about a half gallon of oil.”

Look into flexible working, or telecommuting options

Every commute between home and the office costs you money, time and fossil fuel, not to mention the stress of getting to work at rush hour, a time when everyone else is trying to get in to work too! Speak to your company about flexible working practices that can actually increase productivity, whilst giving you a better work/life balance and helping the environment.

One innovative solution is to consider the possibility of working four ten-hour days per week instead of five eight-hour days. This process alone will cut the energy and time spent on commuting by 20%, intensify the productivity whilst you are working, and give you some lovely three-day weekends.

If you must commute, make it greener

For many of us, a commute to work for at least part of the week is unavoidable, although we can make it greener by looking at the way that we actually get into work. Ideas such as car sharing with local colleagues and greater use of public transport are good places to start, although for a double benefit, why not consider walking or cycling at least part of your journey?

The environment will benefit, and you’ll also feel better in yourself, knowing that you are making yourself fit and avoiding congested and stressful travel routes.

Real Plants

A great way to do your bit for the environment and make your offices look and feel better is to get hold of some real plants. Many businesses use fake greenery to bright up drab workplace surroundings, but try and talk your company into getting more of the real thing.

It may take a bit more maintenance, but real plants add beauty and generate fresh oxygen into the atmosphere, making an office feel literally much more alive.