I recently attended some very interesting workshops about green practices in business and realised that even small companies can do lots of things to help the environment. So I thought it might be useful to share with my visitors some of the tips I picked up. They might seem like small things, but every bit helps. If you have any useful suggestions of your own on this topic, please feel free to contact me with the details and I'll be happy to review them for possible inclusion here.

10 top tips (and so easy to do!)

1. Print documents double-sided and set your printer on draft quality to cut down on the amount of ink cartridges used.

2. Buy recycled paper.

3. Only print documents when absolutely necessary (good office practice is that each person should only use seven reams of paper per year!)

4. Buy refillable pens and markers rather than single use ones.

5. Save energy by not leaving equipment on standby and switch off lights when rooms are not in use and at the end of the working day. Monitor energy usage by checking bills and cutting down wherever possible.

6. Use paper or reusable bags instead of plastic bags.

7. Use crockery, glasses and mugs instead of disposable equivalents.

8. Cut down on packaging waste by using large containers for coffee, sugar, etc. instead of buying single sachets.

9. Use tap water instead of bottled water. If you prefer filtered water, the mains can be fitted with a filter.

10. Recycle...glass, cans, paper, plastic bottles and cardboard, ink cartridges, mobile phones, computers, and office furniture.

Useful resources

Business Link
Green business information.

Donate a PC
Computer recycling.

Environwise
Environmental information.

Greencare H20
Plumbed-in water coolers.

Living Space
Community learning centre & social enterprise based in the heart of London's Waterloo.

London Remade
Waste management, recycling, green procurement.

Waste Online
Information on waste.

green business practices    useful links