Photo courtesy of Mark Taylor Photoimages

Resource Conservation and Waste Reduction

• Recycle paper, toner, cans, glass, newspaper, batteries

• Use recycled and recyclable copier and printer paper, toner, notepads and memo pads

• Seek higher post-consumer content in recycled paper

• Install recycled carpets and tile

• Institute a "green" purchasing policy that incorporates waste reduction into purchasing decisions

• Donate old binders, magazines and equipment, rather than disposing of them

• Recycle old electronic equipment (some computer manufacturers, among others, will accept and recycle electronics, thus keeping them out of landfills)

• Use duplex (two-sided) copying and printing (RCDM has posted reminder signs in our copy rooms)

• Use "print preview" before printing out documents, to reduce multiple drafts

• Use spell-check before printing out documents

• Encourage responsible transit by taking advantage of tax-subsidized mass transit employee programs (each month RCDM does a monthly drawing for the employees to win a gas card)

• Provide reusable food & beverage supplies such as mugs

• Increase alternatives to paper communication (electronic client and in-house newsletters and memos)

• Provide recycle boxes in individual offices, conference rooms and common areas

• Set forth an appropriate conservation message or directive in your employee orientation manual

• Reduce use of attachments and other documents as feasible

• Consider video-conferencing in place of some out-of-town meetings

Energy Efficiency

• Use screensavers on computers

• Power down equipment when not in use after specified time periods

• Shut off office equipment when not needed, such as at night and on weekends

• Turn off unneeded lights

• Use electronic ballasts and energy-efficient fluorescents in your lighting

• Consider electronic filing where feasible