Create a Green Office

Energy

Shut Down or Hibernate all computers when not in use and when leaving for the evening.
Enable sleep mode on all copiers and printers after five minutes or more of inactivity and turn them off at night.
Turn all lights off when not in use (Don't forget the conference rooms, storage clostes, and bathrooms!) and utilize natural lighting when possible.
Shut blinds or curtains at the end of the day.
Turn off all appliances and office equipment (chargers, fax machines, coffee makers, scanners, etc.) when not in use.
Use power strips. Electronic devices draw power even then turned off. This vampire power can account for up to 10% of energy use (US EPA). Plug electronic devices into power strips and shut the strips off at the end of the day.
When rooms are being heated or cooled, ensure that windows are tightly closed.

Kitchen/Pantry Area

Encourage the use of reusable mugs and cups.
If paper products are supplied, purchase napkins and paper towels made of at least 30 percent recycled content.
Purchase environmentally preferrable dishwashing soap.
Use bulk containers (sugar, salt, condiments, etc.) when possible to reduce waste.

Recycling

Make sure that recycling bins are available. Contact the Office of Facilities Services if you need a bin.
Contact the Office of Facilities Services when you need to dispose of office furniture and equipment.
Recycle used toners by contacting NYU Mail Services at 212-998-1010.

Events

When serving beverages at meetings, ask attendees to bring their own mug.
Confirm that recylcing bins are available at your location. If not, please contact the Office of Facilities Services to request one.
Use bulk containers (sugar, salt, condiments, etc.) when possible to reduce waste.

Publications

Purchasing

Purchase paper containing at least 30 percent recycled content.
Purchase Staples EcoEasy office supplies
Before purchasing office furniture (file cabinets, desks, chairs, etc.), check to see what is avaialble through NYU Purchasing Surplus.
When purchasing office furniture, consider sustainable options.
Purchase energy Star or EPEAT certified appliances and equipment.

Reduce Waste

Set the default on your printer to print double-sided.
Remind members of your office to print double-sided, when possible, when using the copier.
When possible, reuse paper that has text only on one side.
Reduce paper margins in order to decrease the documents you print.
Reduce the amount of junk mail your office receives.
Use inter-office envelopes whenever possible.
Contact the Office of Facilities Services to report a dripping faucet.

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