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There are more companies than ever paying attention to what they are doing to help out the environment. They are finding that they not only have a commitment to the world around them, but that there is a lot to be gained financially by putting in place the proper green initiatives. While some businesses have gone completely green from the ground up, others are taking simple steps to creating a workplace they can be proud of. 

No matter what kind of business you have, there are ways that you can make changes which will benefit the world around you as well as your bottom line. Take some steps today and you will see just how easy it is to create a green office.

Upgrade Your Office Equipment

Modern office equipment like office copiers are designed to use far less energy than their predecessors. These are labeled with an Energy Star sticker to show that they have made the grade. By buying the equipment which will use less energy, you will be able to not only use less power. You will also be able to extend the life of the equipment that you purchase.

Another thing to look for in office equipment is versatility. This saves space and energy by not having to use different pieces of equipment. When buying digital copiers, make sure they will be able to be used for a scanner, copier, printer and possibly even a fax machine. This will help to transform three pieces of equipment into one piece of equipment which will not take up very much space at all.

Go Paperless

Many offices have been using document management software so that they can get rid of the files that they have used for decades now. This is made possible by simply scanning all documents and saving them as PDF files or other kinds of files. This will make it easier to pull documents when you need them as well as making sure that many people will have access to the same file all at once. This is especially useful in a work environment which already uses on server for all of the office computing needs.

Upgrade the Bathroom

There are many great things you can do in the bathroom to reduce energy and water usage. Installing automatic flushing devices and water controls at the sink will reduce water waste. This is because they will only be used as needed. Motion sensors on the light fixtures will also alleviate the problem of people not turning off the light when they leave the bathroom. Replacing the paper towel dispenser with a high powered cold jet air dryer will help to dry hands in seconds and without wasting any paper to do so.

These are just a few of the innovations which you can take advantage of in your office. There are many more which will help you to have a better recycling program as well as other green initiatives.



 


This Business article was written by Shannon Suetos on 9/29/2010

Shannon Suetos is the online editor at Resource Nation. She writes expert advice for small businesses and entrepreneurs.