At work
There is a tremendous amount that can be done in the workplace to combat the greenhouse effect.
In most cases, improvements will also mean financial savings in the long term, so your employer should be enthusiastic.
Workplaces can be wasteful places. Because it's not our electricity bill, our stationery, our machinery, we may become careless. How many times have you walked past office buildings where the lights are blazing long after everyone has gone home?
Energy saving is the main area for action — industrial energy use contributes about a third of carbon dioxide emissions — but recycling and reducing waste of all forms are also important.
Point out areas where energy savings could be made. The company you work for may not be aware of the very good quality recycled papers that are now available. Why not send for some samples?
If your employer is interested in finding out as much as possible, suggest the commissioning of an environmental audit of the company's business practices. Perhaps a proportion of annual profits could be directed towards projects or organisations concerned with environmental protection.
Many firms are eager to promote a green image. You should find fertile ground for your suggestions.
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Reduce energy consumption |
Because it's not our money that is being spent — at least not directly — we tend to be more wasteful at work than we would be at home. Remember to turn off lights, avoid excessive heating, don't leave electrical equipment on when unnecessary — just as you would at home. Suggest that your employer conducts an energy audit to identify where energy savings can be made, or a greenhouse audit, which would identify where greenhouse gas emissions in general can be reduced. Many fire extinguishers, for example, contain halons where are powerful greenhouse gases.
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Recycle and avoid waste |
Unnecessary waste consumes energy, as more raw materials have to be processed, and it leads to faster depletion of resources. Offices use vast amounts of paper and very significant gains could be made by using recycled paper wherever possible.
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Ensure your employer is actively seeking improved access by public transport |
Local authorities tend to listen very carefully when approached by the business community. Encourage your employer to take the necessary action to ensure that the local public transport system caters for your needs.
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Ask your employer to organise a car sharing scheme |
This is by far the most efficient way to set up a car-pool. Make use of the office computer to establish a network. See if the car-pool can be extended to neighbouring offices, factories or shops.
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If your company has dealings with the Third World, check that they re not exploitative and suggest means of ensuring fairer play |
The fact that the world's economic system tends to benefit the rich at the expense of the poor is one of the factors accelerating the degradation of the Third World environment and hastening deforestation. By dealing fairly with third World producers — paying realistic prices - this process can be slowed down.
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Buy responsibly |
If you're involved in the purchase of office equipment, check its environmental credentials first. Don't throw out discarded equipment or furniture — see if you can recycle it through local outlets or organisations. Buying second-hand is very "green."
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Suggest that your company sponsors environmental initiatives in the local community |
Businesses like to project a caring and involved attitude. Suggest ways in which your employer can enhance the company's image and benefit the environment — by sponsoring tree-planting, recycling schemes, and so on.
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Ensure that your trade union or professional organisation adopts environmentally-sound policies |
This can extend from policies affecting the workplace environment to measures which can be proposed by these organisations at national level