The unnecessary consumption of materials in the workplace and schools results in unnecessary purchasing, labor, and waste disposal costs. Pollution from the refining, manufacturing, transportation, and disposal of materials has considerable environmental costs.

Why Reduce Waste?

• To lower general office expenditures

• To lower waste hauling costs

• To improve the environment

How Can I Help Reduce Waste?

• Reuse products.

• Purchase durable products and products with less packaging.

• Decrease consumption.

• Recycle.

• Use e-mail, computerized memo boards, and bulletin boards to eliminate needless paper.

• Plan a central filing system so each individual does not need to keep copies of all documents.

• Know how to use all functions of your copy machine.

• Reuse paper, file folders, interoffice memos.

• Purchase paper and materials that contain a high percentage of "post consumer" recycled content.

• Printing documents on both sides saves paper, filing space and mailing costs.

• Remove your name from unnecessary mailing lists.

• Purchase items in bulk and in simple, recyclable packaging.

• Use durable mugs for coffee and tea.

• Eliminate the use of colored or chemically treated paper that cannot be included in your office paper recycling program.

• Purchase durable equipment that is easy to repair or sell/donate old office equipment to someone who can use it.

• Share your newspapers and magazines with others and cancel subscriptions for those that don't get read.

• Use recycled laser printer toner cartridges.