Summertown Interiors

Here are some of our top tips that we are implementing, that you can consider for your organisation too:

Reduce Energy Consumption
• Make it a habit to turn off the lights when you're leaving any room for 15 minutes or more and utilise natural light when you can.
• Make it a habit to turn off your computer and appliances when you leave for the day.
• Remove your phone charger from the power point when not in use, as it continues to consume up to 40 percent of the current used to charge your phones.
• During the day, setting your computer to go to sleep automatically during short breaks can cut energy use by 70 percent. Remember, screen savers don't save energy.
• Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent ones. They use less energy and last longer, too.
• When buying new appliances, look for Energy Star models.

Reduce & Reuse
• Think before you print
• Make it a habit to print on both sides or use the back side of old documents for faxes, scrap paper, or drafts. Avoid color printing and print in draft mode whenever feasible.
• Keep your own mug and dishware for those meals you eat at the office.
• Bring your own lunch to work in a reusable container to reduce packaging waste.

Recycle
• Buy recycled when possible. Toner cartridges, paper goods, plastics and more are available recycled now.
• Keep a paper recycling tray in addition to your waste bin.
• Do not throw electric appliances in the trash but recycle your old cell phone or PDA

Support Green Companies
• Support vendors who have green policies in place. From your bank to your office supply company to your Interior fit out company. Ask and find out who has good practices and give those companies your business.

Rethink your travel
• Make it a habit to carpool or take the metro or bus when feasible.
• Make it a policy to invest in videoconferencing and other technological solutions that can reduce the amount of employee travel.

Create a healthy office environment
• Make it a habit to use nontoxic cleaning products. And Make it a policy to buy furniture, carpeting, and paint that are free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)  that do not give off-gas toxic chemicals.
• Write a company green policy. Distribute to employees and customers. Post it on your website, too. Join the environmental or sustainable committee in your workplace. If one does not exist, take the initiative and form a green task force.

Want to learn more about going green?  Register to attend one of our FREE ‘Green in Action’ workshops.