Reduce waste in the following ways:
• Replace single use paper car seat/floor cover protectors with reusable cloth covers from a laundry service or reusable plastic covers.
• Use refillable and pressurized spray cans (e.g., brake cleaners, lubricants, engine degreasers).
• Buy products in bulk (oil or antifreeze) or that are concentrated, durable, repairable, and/or recyclable, making sure that you need all you are ordering.
• Discourage the printing of emails.
• Set copier/printer defaults to double-sided.
• Use computer fax modems that allow faxing directly from computers without printing.
• Eliminate fax cover sheets by using "sticky" fax directory notes.
• Eliminate unnecessary forms, redesign forms to use less paper, or switch to electronic forms.
• Use a bulletin board or routing lists for memos and journals to reduce printed copies.
• Reduce all unwanted mailings:
- Eliminate duplicates by returning labels requesting all but one be removed.
- Reduce junk mail. Guidance and a PDF kit are at http://stopjunkmail.org Reduce catalogs at www.catalogchoice.org
- Eliminate duplicates in your own mailing lists.
• For new software, order only the number of manuals needed. Do the same with phone books. Encourage employees to share.
• Design marketing materials that require no envelope – simply fold and mail.
• Buy products in returnable or reusable containers.
• Work with vendors to minimize packaging.
• Eliminate the use of non-recyclable packaging, such as Styrofoam.
• In the lunch/break room, replace disposables with permanent items (e.g., mugs, dishes, utensils, towels/rags, coffee filters, etc.) and use refillable containers for sugar, salt & pepper, etc. to avoid individual condiment packets.
• Eliminate single-use plastic water bottles.
• Centralize purchasing to eliminate unnecessary purchases and ensure all waste reduction purchasing policies are followed.
• Use optical scanners, which give more details about inventory, for more precise ordering.
• Lease, rather than purchase, computers and printers.
Reuse materials in the following ways:
• Use reconditioned parts and components.
• Print on previously printed paper, or designate a tray on printers as a “draft” tray.
• Reuse office paper as scratch paper.
• Reuse envelopes by covering old addresses and postage, and affixing new.
• Reuse paper or plastic packaging materials.
• Designate a reuse area for office supplies such as binders, folders and staplers.
• Have your toner cartridges refilled for use.
Recycle the following materials:
• Cardboard
• Newspapers, office/mixed paper, junk mail
• Glass bottles and jars
• Metal cans
• Plastic bottles, jugs and jars
• Car seat cover and floor mats
• Empty aerosol cans
• Tires
• Metal drums
• Plastic buckets
• Scrap metal
• Pallets
Buy the following items with recycled content:
Purchasing products made from recycled materials conserves resources and is essential to support the recycling market.
• Copier/printer paper
• Folders or other paper products
• Envelopes
• Letterhead
• Business cards
• Paper towels
• Tissues
• Toilet paper
• Toilet seat covers
• Garbage bags
• Boxes or bags for retail use or shipping
• Retreaded tires
• Tire flaps
• Recycled or remanufactured laser and copier toner cartridges
• Carpet, carpet undercushion or floor mats
• Remodeling/construction materials: cabinets, fixtures, ceramic and ceiling tiles, drywall, insulation, interior paneling, composite lumber/wood, roofing, concrete, etc.