Today’s guest post is a good one that deals with how your company and HR department can implement green practices to everyday business standards. This is something that can be simple to do and yet have far ranging impact if we all set it up in the way we do daily business.
A large multitude of human resource management departments across the world are opting with practices that promote going green. Going green is an excellent way to be environmentally friendly, while at the same time increasing the satisfaction of employees. Many HR staff members have testified they enjoy going to work for a company that utilizes green practices. Let’s take a look at several ways HR departments are being Mother Earth friendly; these very same practices can be utilized in your HR office.
Purchase Green Office Products
There is a large range of green office products available on today’s market that are equal in performance of traditional products, but these products help lower waste, lower energy usage, and use a lesser amount of chemicals than traditional products. Utilizing green office products often times means an HR department will endure cost savings in addition to being environmentally friendly.
Recycle Ink & Toner Cartridges
There are several retail stores that offer consumers with the ability to purchase re manufactured ink and toner cartridges. These ink and toner cartridges cost up to 15% less than traditional cartridges, so always remember to recycle used cartridges and buy re manufactured ones.
Purchase PCR Paper
Buying PCR paper means an HR department is buying paper made of Post-Consumer Recycled content; these types of paper are just as high in quality as non-recycled paper.
Store Paperwork Using Electronic Methods
HR departments most certainly use a lot of paperwork to conduct business; however, there is a large amount of paperwork that does not have to be printed. Storing paperwork in electronic methods extremely cuts down on the amount of paper being wasted in an office. HR workers are most times familiar with email methods, so instead of printing a piece of paper to show the worker next door, email it. Any paper that does get printed should always go into a paper recycling trash can.
Make Sure Electronic Products are Energy Star Labeled
Office electronics, ranging from computers to fax machines, can be bought with Energy Star labels. These types of electronics automatically shut down if they are not in use; this helps HR departments use up to 75% less energy when compared to using products that are not Energy Star labeled.
Go Fluorescent
An additional 75% of energy can be saved in HR departments by using Energy Star fluorescent light bulbs. These bulbs last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs, which also helps reduce maintenance costs associated with hiring someone to switch out light bulbs within an HR department.
Always Hook up Electronics on a Power Strip
Another additional 75% of energy can be conserved when HR departments use power strips to power their electronics. Plugging all electronics up to a power strip that can be turned off and on on a daily basis may be one of the simplest ways to go green.