Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011

Go green by telecommuting

Lindsay Milbourne

 

If your employer is flexible, work from home a few days a week.

It will save you money on gas and reduce your environmental impact in a number of other ways. As a bonus, you'll also likely save on dry cleaning work attire because you'll spend more time in comfy clothes.

You'll need a work space so can be just as productive at home as you are in the office. Opt for somewhere with good lighting and take advantage of natural light, if possible. For good overhead, environmentally-friendly lighting switch your incandescent bulbs to CFLS. If a desk is ideal, shop around at antique or thrift stores to get a bargain. A desk at these places may be cheaper and more fashionable than a wood or plastic desk you assemble in parts. Some desks are made with reclaimed wood or recycled metal and are other green options.

A computer is likely a necessity if you work from home. If your computer is on its last leg take advantage of sales this holiday season. Read the fine print and pick a laptop or desktop that meets Energy Star standards and is EPEAT certified, meaning it's made with less hazardous waste. If you're torn between a desktop and laptop pick the greener option: the laptop.

Set the computer to sleep mode when you are away from your desk for a certain amount of time.

Also, don't forget to power down your computer and other office gadgets at the end of the day.

Keep printing to a minimum. Reuse paper to jot down notes and recycle paper that's not reusable.

Search the house for pens, paper clips and other office supplies before you run to the store to buy new ones.

Lindsay Milbourne, weekend meteorologist/Living Green reporter for WBTW, is passionate about all things green, from eco-chic clothing to organic vegetables, ecotourism and sustainability. Contact her at lmilbourne@wbtw.com.