Many years ago, our company introduced an Environmental Awareness Program that, ever since, has been detailed in our employee handbook. Basically, it commits our company to minimizing the amount of non-renewable resources consumed in our day-to-day operations and, whenever possible, to recycle the waste that occurs as part of the normal conduct of business.

Over the years, not only have these green practices become second nature for our staff, they’ve also produced real savings for our organization. If your organization is looking for ways to increase its green quotient, here are several simple tips courtesy of the Web site techsoup.org:

• Don’t print or photocopy e-mails, forms and other documents unless absolutely necessary. Instead, publish documents electronically, post one copy at a central bulletin board or distribute them as attachments via e-mail. Eliminate fax cover sheets by using a label on the first page of a fax. Print only as many copies as you really need. With meeting handouts, ask staff members to share.

• Use double-sided printing and copying. Many printers and photocopiers allow you to set double-sided or “duplex” printing as the default setting.

• Lay out your association’s publications with as little white space as possible. Reduce margin widths and font sizes, and use single-spacing if possible.

• Most word-processing programs include a tool to add tracked comments to pages on your computer. When preparing documents that will require multiple versions, get accustomed to exchanging “soft drafts” with your comments embedded, rather than editing hard copies by hand.

• Use the spell-check and print-preview features before printing any document.

• Use the back sides of old photocopies, printed sheets and outdated letterhead for scratch paper. Pages can be used in full sheets, or cut in half or quarters. Stack the pages in trays or have them bound into notepads and store them near printers, along with used envelopes that can be used to route internal communications.

• Keep the lights off in rooms that are used infrequently, such as conference rooms and low-traffic bathrooms, server rooms and storage rooms. Make use of natural light whenever possible.

• Utilize the power-save feature on computers and photocopiers.

• Turn off computers and other office equipment at the end of the day.

• Eliminate the use of paper, plastic and Styrofoam kitchenware. Provide staff with reusable coffee mugs and dishes.

• Post clear instructions as to what is recyclable on or near recycling and trash bins. Place these containers in highly trafficked, easy-to-access locations.

• Encourage staff members to join the recycling and reuse effort. Recognize employees who exemplify best environmental practices.

By combining environmental awareness with a measure of creativity, you can help make your association’s headquarters greener. Do you have other ways of being green?

Tim Schneider
Schneider Publishing Company

Hagit Worona is the Art Director for Schneider Publishing. Hagit joined the company in October 2006 and brings a wide range of creative talents to our staff.

In addition to working in the publishing industry for more than twenty-five years and earning several fine art degrees, Hagit has been invited by several galleries and venues to exhibit her art. Her previous experience includes working in the art departments of Entrepreneur magazine, Teleflora, Cannon Communications and 101 Communications.

She can be reached by e-mail at Hagit.Worona@SchneiderPublishing.com or toll-free at (877) 577-3700.