Many of us use tons of resources when we're at our jobs.

If you work in a big office, it's easy to think that's someone else's problem. But imagine the impact of convincing your workplace to take even a few steps toward reducing waste!

There are many simple steps you can take to make your office greener. But one of the most effective--and easiest to implement--is to reduce paper waste. If the United States cut office paper use by just 10 percent, it would prevent the emissions of 1.6 million tons of greenhouse gases. That's the equivalent of taking 280,000 cars off

the road for a year! 

Begin by replacing paper with easy alternatives. Pay bills online, print double-sided, and use

free online document sharing programs, like Google Documents.

When you can't live without a hard copy, use office products made with recycled paper. Manufacturing paper products with 100% recycled content consumes 44% less energy, generates 38% less greenhouse gases and produces 50% less wastewater than making supplies from virgin wood.

A few local companies can help you green your office's supply cabinet. Seattle's Sustainable Group, for example, produces distinctive looking binders, folders, labels and more from 100% recycled cardboard and chipboard (rather than relying on virgin wood or vinyl). And the products are made here in Washington state.

"By going out of their way to use environmentally friendly products, companies can send a powerful message about what's important to them," says Sustainable Group's Samantha Lawton. 

There are plenty of other ways to stop unnecessary paper waste around the office. Try reducing your junk mail, and switch to electric hand dryers in the restrooms. And stock the kitchen with reusable plates and cups.

Find other locally made green office supplies at Frogfile, One Earth One Design, and Goods for the Planet. And for more ideas, check out Mayor Nickels' PaperCuts campaign. And stay tuned for more ways to green up your working life ... like Bike to Work Month, coming up in May!

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