Making institutions green

cougar_3

It's quite easy to make changes to how we live and make improvements to save energy, but most of us are part of organisations - businesses, government offices, schools or hospitals.

I'm sure that we all see a lot of waste there, but what can you do? Has anyone made a difference at work to protect the environment? What's the best ways of suggesting changes?

Linda32

In some organisations, say a small office, you could suggest using mugs instead of plastic cups.

lewt

i try but its like banging my head agaisted a brick wall.

woollyjumper

lewt - you banged your head so hard.. you can't type correctly ! LOL..
How many times I come into the office in the morning and PCs , printers and lights have been left on. It was part of a departments budget I am sure it would make people think.

martinpike

Surely most PC's have power management capabilities these days? Why not ask your IT manager, or perhaps finance director, whether it's policy to configure new PC's so they power down after an hour of non-use?

I know it's still 'standby', but it's something.

SnowyOwl_2

i enquired recently about getting an additional paper recycling bin to be placed beside a much used photocopier. I was told that there wasn't one available and that one wouldn't be obtained because the maintenance of them, ie the payment to whoever comes and emptys them, was too much. It's a public sector organisation - a college of FE - they even have an annual exhibition about "saving the environment" to encourage awareness. What hypocrites.

arkonite_babe

If someone told them how much they could save each year by recycling, being more energy conscious, would they listen then?

Carbon Trust has some very practical advice, they can also provide grants and loans to help and encourage businesses to reduce resources. Point them in the direction of the website or send off for some info then plonk it on your boss' desk and say "look how I can save you money"

Might get you a payrise, you never know