Green Office

The Green Office Checklist

Used with permission from www.corporatekindness.org/EPICS.html

Environmental Process Implementation Cheat Sheet (EPICS)

The documents current state of completion is 32% as of October 3rd, 2008.

Please feel free to make use of it, link to it, or even distribute it electronically. For the sake of our planet, we hope this document ends up in wide free circulation.

Purpose: The EPICS document is intended to be used as the reference guide for GECKO staff members during the Green Change Implementation Assistance stage of the GECKO Methodology. Suggestions for change may be submitted via email to president@corporatekindness.org.

'''EPICS. Document Categories''': EPICS document categories are organized in direct relation to their appearance in the Environmental Business Practice Assessment stage of the GECKO methodology. They are: ‘Office Supplies’, ‘Energy Consumption’, ‘Reduce + Re-use + Recycle’, ‘Infrastructure & Construction’, ‘Vendors & Business Partners’, and ‘Corporate Kindness’.

All items on the checklist have environmental impact.

OFFICE SUPPLIES

1.       Who is your office supply company?

Why is this question asked?         Who your company uses as an office supplier can say a great deal about your company’s environmental impact. Given the wide range of office supply products that most businesses use; it is of fundamental importance to select an office supply company that not only delivers goods cheaply and on time, but that also shares your values.

'''What is our general recommendation? '''        Gradually phase out your existing office supply company and gradually phase in a ‘green office supply’ company. Some possible suggestions are: GreenOfficeStore.com (of NJ), TheGreenOffice.com (of CA), Green Earth Office Supply (of CA), GreenLine Paper Company (of PA), Dolphin Blue (of TX) and TreeCycle (of OR).

'''Why do we make that recommendation? '''        These companies were selected against environmental impact criteria such as: earth damaging products such as virgin paper without remorse. What is the contact info to help implement? http://www.greenofficestore.com/ http://www.greenlinepaper.com/ http://www.thegreenoffice.com/ http://greenearthofficesupply.stores.yahoo.net/index.html http://www.dolphinblue.com/ http://www.treecycle.com/
 *        Percentage of recycled materials in the products they offer
 *        Reduced chemically dependent processes
 *        Perhaps most importantly they are unlike chain stores that sell enormous amounts of

2.       What sort of paper do you use?

Why is this question asked?         Paper is the lifeblood of many businesses and given the fact that the process of creating it is one of the most ecologically harmful things in industry, it is easy to see why paper is so high up on our list. Few items in the standard office have the environmental impact of paper. The average U.S. office worker is responsible for an entire tree per year in paper use. Paper waste accounts for over 40% of the total waste currently being land-filled in the United States.

What is our general recommendation?         Purchasing 100% post consumer recycled fiber papers which are also chlorine free. There is an extremely large selection available so feel free to select at will based on price. We particularly like: Cascades Enviro100 Copy or ASPEN 100 Recycled Copy/Laser Paper. '''Why do we make that recommendation? '''     Compared to using virgin wood, paper made with 100% recycled content uses 44% less energy, produces 38% less greenhouse gas emissions, 41% less particulate emissions, 50% less wastewater, 49% less solid waste and -- of course -- 100% less wood. Chlorine-free paper is an environmentally preferable alternative to paper bleached with chlorine. Chlorine and its derivatives (such as chlorine dioxide)—the most common bleaching agents used by the pulp and paper industry—are quite harmful to the environment, particularly the aquatic environment. Why specifically do we recommend: Cascades Enviro100 Copy '''What is the contact info to help implement? '''      The majority of office suppliers offer recycled paper of some type. Businesses need to be made aware of the gimmick of slapping a recycled label on the paper product when that could mean as little as 5% recycled content is used. Chlorine free adds yet another layer of complexity. The office suppliers we have found that offer 100% recycled chlorine free paper are: http://www.greenofficestore.com/ http://www.greenlinepaper.com/ http://www.thegreenoffice.com/ http://greenearthofficesupply.stores.yahoo.net/index.html http://www.dolphinblue.com/ http://www.treecycle.com/
 *        100% Post Consumer Recycled Fibers (exceeding EPA standards)
 *        100% Processed Chlorine Free (PCF), certified by CFPA
 *        Made with biogas energy
 *        Excellent quality and performance
 *        Standard Paper Brightness (90 bright)
 *        We recommend this paper: performs as well as virgin (non-recycled) paper.

3.       What sort of pens and pencils do you use?

'''Why is this question asked? '''      Americans buy more than 5.1 Billion pens every year, and most are the disposable type, thrown in the trash once the ink runs dry. That adds up to about 770 tons more of unnecessary plastic waste in landfills each year. Many pens are made from PVC plastic which releases dangerous dioxins (the active ingredient in Agent Orange) during production. Enough wood pencils are produced each year to circle the planet 62 times. '''What is our general recommendation? '''              Use only refillable low or non toxic ink pens and refillable mechanical pencils which are made from recycled materials or sustainable biodegradable materials. If absolutely necessary, at least purchase pens that are manufactured from recycled plastic and pencils from sustainably harvested timber or wood substitutes such as recycled paper, old plastic cups, wood offcuts, and reclaimed denim. 2 specific pens we recommend are ‘Woody Pens’ and the ‘Triggerwood Pen’. '''Why do we make that recommendation? '''     Refillable pens cut down on waste. Non toxic inks are recommended to reduce the amount of toxins ending up in the water table. Refillable mechanical pencils do not use trees and need to be replaced far less often. Pens and mechanical pencils made from recycled or sustainable biodegradable materials reduce energy & resource utilization and decrease landfill stress.

Why specifically do we recommend: Woody Pens Why specifically do we recommend: the Triggerwood Pen
 *        Refillable
 *        Made from sustainable materials
 *        Non toxic
 *        No animal by-products
 *        Refillable
 *        Made from sustainable materials
 *        Non toxic
 *        No animal by-products

What is the contact info to help implement? http://greenearthofficesupply.stores.yahoo.net/index.html http://www.thegreenoffice.com/ http://www.treecycle.com/

4.       What sort of paper binders (or clips) do you use?

'''Why is this question asked? '''             Countless paper binders and paper clips are used by businesses daily. Tremendous amounts of raw materials and energy are used in their creation. What is our general recommendation? Use paper binders and paper clips made from 100% recycled materials.

Why do we make that recommendation?       By selecting paper binders and clips made from 100% recycled materials you eliminate most of the need for mining raw materials, cut down on international shipping of raw or refined materials, and decrease chemical and energy usage during the production cycle of some of the most prevalent products on earth. Additionally you decrease landfill stress, and increase demand for recycled aluminum and plastic creating a causal loop wherein recycling at the ground level becomes more prized economically and socially.

What is the contact info to help implement? http://www.greenofficestore.com/ http://www.greenlinepaper.com/ http://www.thegreenoffice.com/ http://greenearthofficesupply.stores.yahoo.net/index.html http://www.treecycle.com/

'''5.       What sort of calculators does the office use? Can we see one?'''

Why is this question asked?         Virtually every employee in the United States has a calculator. The ecological impact of these devices from pre-cradle to grave is truly enormous. What is our general recommendation? Solar calculators for now but…Believe it or not: The only manufacturer of calculators created from recycled materials at this point is Cannon. These products are not for sale yet. However, the product names will be LS-63TG, LS-154TG, HS-20TG, HS-1000TG and TS-1200TG. All will be solar powered.

Why do we make that recommendation? Solar calculators decrease the need for disposable batteries. By decreasing the need for disposable batteries you decrease the need for mining raw materials, cut down on international shipping of raw or refined materials, and decrease chemical and energy usage during the production cycle of calculator batteries. Additionally you decrease landfill stress and water table poisoning.

Why specifically do we recommend: Not yet in production - Cannon  LS-63TG, LS- 154TG, HS-20TG, HS-1000TG and TS-1200TG series of calculators hence avoiding utilization of new resources. paper, making this product a wholly recycled unit.
 *        Discarded machines are recycled and the material is used to manufacture this new
 *        Even the packaging, labels and manuals for these series are derived from recycled
 *        Solar cells offset the need to purchase disposable batteries.

What is the contact info to help implement? Solar calculators can be purchased anywhere. We will update when the Canon products hit mass production.

6.       What sort of envelopes do you use?

'''Why is this question asked? '''       Envelopes are made of paper. The average U.S. office worker is responsible for an entire tree per year in paper use. Paper waste accounts for over 40% of the total waste currently being land-filled in the United States.

What is our general recommendation?         Purchasing envelopes made of 100% post consumer recycled material and that are Certified Process Chlorine Free. There is an extremely large selection available so feel free to select at will based on price. If you are feeling extra green you may also want to evaluate: http://www.ecoenvelopes.com/html/home.html http://www.actionenvelope.com/ae/control/earthFriendly '''Why do we make that recommendation? '''      Compared to using virgin wood, envelope paper made with 100% recycled content uses 44% less energy, produces 38% less greenhouse gas emissions, 41% less particulate emissions, 50% less wastewater, 49% less solid waste and -- of course -- 100% less wood. Chlorine-free envelope paper is an environmentally preferable alternative to envelope paper bleached with chlorine. Chlorine and its derivatives (such as chlorine dioxide)—the most common bleaching agents used by the pulp and paper industry—are quite harmful to the environment, particularly the aquatic environment.

What is the contact info to help implement?
 * http://www.greenofficestore.com/
 * http://www.greenlinepaper.com/
 * http://www.thegreenoffice.com/
 * http://greenearthofficesupply.stores.yahoo.net/index.html
 * http://www.dolphinblue.com/
 * http://www.treecycle.com/

'''7.       Are your rubber bands made from recycled materials? '''

'''Why is this question asked? '''              While a product as simple as the rubber band may seem below environmental notice, consider that the rubber industry is actually classified by most nations as a ‘chemical industry’. The production processes of rubber become particularly chemically intensive when increasing the ‘strength’ and ‘elasticity’ of rubber. Those are 2 of the defining characteristics of the rubber band. What is our general recommendation? Rubber bands made from recycled materials such as tire inner tubes.

Why do we make that recommendation?                 Rubber recycling is less chemically & resource intensive than rubber production. Arguably more important, it is difficult to imagine just how environmentally damaging tires are to our world. 70% of Ontario Canada’s old tires are exported to the United States for incineration. Because landfilling tires is so space intensive & poses severe environmental issues itself, incineration is extremely widespread. Incinerating rubber is a carbon and chemical releasing nightmare. Many of the carbon release mitigation methods (when they are employed) themselves have the ring of ecological disasters waiting to happen. Anything that consumers can do to support the recycling of rubber should be strongly considered.

What is the contact info to help implement? http://greenearthofficesupply.stores.yahoo.net/index.html

'''8.       What sort of adhesives like glue do you use? '''

Why is this question asked?        Originally all glue manufacturers obtained bones and tissues of animals from slaughterhouses, tanneries, and meat packing companies; it is no coincidence that the world's largest glue manufacturer is the dairy called Borden Company. Similarly, manufacturers of fish glue obtain remains from canneries and other processing plants. All that being said, animal based glues were probably still better for the environment than what came later. Animal derived glues need to be kept heated in order to be applied. Now white glue (Elmer's) and the similar yellow glue used in woodworking are made of polyvinyl acetate (or PVA). PVA is part of the vinyl family of plastics.

'''What is our general recommendation? '''
 * For office use: Please avoid or cut down on glue use at your business.  When you need paper

glue then use reusable glue pens with non-toxic PVA glue. For woodwork: EcoGlue.
 * For construction & industrial use: Please make use of the wide variety of bioadhesives.

Why do we make that recommendation?
 * For office use: Glue in general is chemically and/or energy intensive to make.  Refillable glue

pens need to be replaced far less often. *Unfortunately we were unable to find a commercially viable plant based glue alternative to PVA glue for standard ‘white glue’ uses. Because animal derived glues need to be kept heated in order to be applied, they are not viable for office use. The scientific research on bio alternatives is very exciting. For woodwork why specifically do we recommend: Amazing EcoGlue™ For builders & industrial use: Builders & industrial operations have the amazing power to dictate change. From soy protein based adhesives to Caulobacter crescentus there is an amazing array of ‘bioadhesives’ and ‘biocomponents for use in making adhesives’. Anytime you can replace harsh chemicals with plants, algae etc… you are almost certainly making a positive change. What is the contact info to help implement?
 *        Water-based adhesive.
 *        Less than 1% VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
 *        Virtually no hazardous air pollutants (less than 0.165 by weight)
 *        100% recyclable packaging
 * Reusable Glue Pens with non-toxic PVA glue (www.thegreenoffice.com)
 * EcoGlue. http://www.eclecticproducts.com/ecoglue/
 * Bioadhesives http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bioadhesives

'''9.       What sort of correction fluids or tapes do you use? '''

Why is this question asked?               Whiteout correction fluids contain large quantities of straight and branched chain hydrocarbons. They contribute to ozone depletion, global warming, and sick office syndrome. Correction tapes are almost always made of some form of plastic, have plastic dispensers, and are usually excessively packaged. Further, the adhesives on correction tape bring up the environmental issues associated with adhesives. What is our general recommendation? We recommend recyclable, non-toxic, and ozone friendly correction fluids. We specifically like Planet Pleaser correction fluid or as a close second Opti. Why do we make that recommendation?       Planning your product to be recycled by you before you even ship it is a sign of environmental stewardship. Products that are listed as non toxic are supposed to conform to strict health criteria. Ozone friendly designations lead us to believe that a company is at least mitigating the issues during their manufacturing process. Why specifically do we recommend:       Planet Pleaser correction fluid included, so that you may return the empty bottles to the manufacturer, who will recycle the residual fluid and bottle. Although you will bear the cost of the postage, this fluid is usually priced well enough that it is still very economical. layer. What is the contact info to help implement?
 *        Entirely recyclable when returned to the manufacturer. A pre-addressed envelope is
 *        The fluid is non-toxic (complies with Proposition 65) and does not deplete the ozone
 *        This product is not tested on animals, and does not contain any animal by-products.
 * http://greenearthofficesupply.stores.yahoo.net/index.html

'''10.       What kinds of clipboards are used? '''

Why is this question asked?        Most common, inexpensive clipboards are made of Masonite or particleboard. Masonite is formed using the Mason method, using wooden chips and blasting them into long fibers with steam and then forming them into boards. Particle board, or particleboard, (called "chipboard" in some countries) is an engineered wood product manufactured from wood particles, such as wood chips, sawmill shavings, or even saw dust, and a synthetic resin or other suitable binder, which is pressed and extruded.

What is our general recommendation? Clipboards made of 100% recycled materials of which at least 60% is post consumer recycled material.

Why do we make that recommendation? Both Masonite and particleboard are generally created from ‘pre-consumer recycled material’. ‘Pre-consumer recycled material’ is a bit of a misnomer. In the case of making Masonite and particleboard (and many other products) it is OK legally to label the use of sawmill shavings and other sawmill byproducts as ‘recycled’. Post consumer recycled materials are the better metric because additional demand for cutting down new trees is not created. Therefore we ask you to be conscious of the distinction. Please select products with as much post consumer recycled material as possible.

What is the contact info to help implement?
 * http://www.greenofficestore.com/
 * http://greenearthofficesupply.stores.yahoo.net

'''11.       What kinds of desk pads are used? '''

'''Why is this question asked? '''              The most important environmental impact one can make with regard to office products is stopping the unnecessary use of them.

What is our general recommendation? Desk pad calendars are virtually obsolete. Any employee with a computer should not need a desk pad calendar. If an employee does not have a computer then please be creative in alternatives. One nice trick is to ask the employee if they can use their cell phone to keep track of their schedule. If a desk pad is absolutely necessary please try to purchase ones made of 100% post consumer recycled materials.

Why do we make that recommendation? Unnecessary office supplies increase business administrative expenses and have an unnecessary negative impact on the environment. What is the contact info to help implement?
 * http://www.dolphinblue.com/
 * http://www.treecycle.com/
 * http://www.thegreenoffice.com/

12.       What kinds of filing supplies are you using?

Why is this question asked?       Many businesses have enormous amounts of paper filed away. In order to store paper files you need costly space (which is usually lighted and air conditioned), filing cabinets, files, plastic tabs, & labels. All of these requirements cost money and have a negative impact on the environment.

What is our general recommendation?       If at all possible, businesses should look to scan originals, store them electronically, and recycle the originals. For storing those documents that simply must be originals, please select recycled filing cabinets, files, tabs, & labels.

Why do we make that recommendation? ROI analysis is absolutely clear:  A terabyte of disk storage is commercially available on a KBOOK storage drive at $199 from Best Buy. Ten Terabytes could hold the printed collection of the Library of Congress. Environmental analysis is also absolutely clear: Think in terms of the environmental impact of the space, filing infrastructure, catalog draws, etc… of the library of congress vs. under 30 lbs of electronic storage drives.

What is the contact info to help implement?       Your best bet is to contact the people you usually rely on for computer assistance. If you are a small business & do not have a resource in that area, KBOOKs which are available at Best Buy are great storage devices & the scanner you select should be the type that can scan multiple pages at once.

For recycled office filing supplies:
 * http://www.dolphinblue.com/
 * http://www.treecycle.com/

'''13.       What kinds of notebooks or pads are supplied? '''

'''Why is this question asked? '''      These items are made of paper. The average U.S. office worker is responsible for an entire tree per year in paper use. Paper waste accounts for over 40% of the total waste currently being land-filled in the United States.

What is our general recommendation? Encourage employees to keep notes electronically & when necessary use notepads which are made of 100% recycled materials at least 50% of which should be post consumer recycled material. If possible please also select paper products that are processed chlorine free.

Why do we make that recommendation?       Compared to using virgin wood, notepad paper made with 100% recycled content uses 44% less energy, produces 38% less greenhouse gas emissions, 41% less particulate emissions, 50% less wastewater, 49% less solid waste and -- of course -- 100% less wood. -free notepad paper is an environmentally preferable alternative to envelope paper bleached with chlorine. Chlorine and its derivatives (such as )—the most common bleaching agents used by the pulp and paper industry—are quite harmful to the environment, particularly the aquatic environment. What is the contact info to help implement?
 * http://www.greenofficestore.com/
 * http://www.greenlinepaper.com/
 * http://www.thegreenoffice.com/
 * http://greenearthofficesupply.stores.yahoo.net/index.html
 * http://www.dolphinblue.com/
 * http://www.treecycle.com/

14.       What card stock do you use if any?

Why is this question asked?       Cardstock is made of paper. The average U.S. office worker is responsible for an entire tree per year in paper use. Paper waste accounts for over 40% of the total waste currently being land-filled in the United States.

What is our general recommendation?       Stand out from the crowd. Consider using cardstock made from novel sources like sugarcane etc…. If regular material is a must, go with cardstock made from 100% recycled materials of which at least 50% is post consumer recycled material.

Why do we make that recommendation? As the world's number one crop, sugar cane is one of the most readily available non-tree fibers. Bagasse is a by-product of the sugar-making process and would otherwise just be trashed.

What is the contact info to help implement? There are enough alternative fiber materials to suit any need.

For sugar cane based bagasse cardstock: For recycled cardstock:
 * http://www.greenlinepaper.com/
 * http://www.greenofficestore.com/
 * http://www.greenlinepaper.com/
 * http://www.thegreenoffice.com/
 * http://greenearthofficesupply.stores.yahoo.net/index.html
 * http://www.dolphinblue.com/
 * http://www.treecycle.com/

15.       Do you use desk caddies to reuse paper clips and such?

Why is this question asked? Desk caddies are usually made from plastic. Desk caddies can be useful in both organizing space and extending service use of items such as paper clips, rubber bands, pens, etc…

What is our general recommendation? Use them but buy ones made from post consumer recycled materials.

'''Why do we make that recommendation? '''      Desk caddies generally make up for their environmental impact by encouraging reuse of items. By using recycled ones you further offset the initial environmental impact of the purchase.

What is the contact info to help implement? http://www.thegreenoffice.com/

'''16.       What kind of labels do you use? '''

'''Why is this question asked? '''      Labels are made of paper. The average U.S. office worker is responsible for an entire tree per year in paper use. Paper waste accounts for over 40% of the total waste currently being land-filled in the United States

What is our general recommendation?        Purchasing labels made of recycled material.

Why do we make that recommendation?       Compared to using virgin wood, labels made with 100% recycled content uses 44% less energy, produces 38% less greenhouse gas emissions, 41% less particulate emissions, 50% less wastewater, 49% less solid waste and -- of course -- 100% less wood.

What is the contact info to help implement?
 * http://greenearthofficesupply.stores.yahoo.net/index.html

'''17.       Do you issue award certificates or gift certificates to your employees, customers or suppliers? If so what are they printed on? '''

Why is this question asked?       Award certificates are made of paper. The average U.S. office worker is responsible for an entire tree per year in paper use. Paper waste accounts for over 40% of the total waste currently being land-filled in the United States

'''What is our general recommendation? '''      For awards to your employees: consider sending electronic versions of awards or posting electronic copies on the company intranet. At a minimum use award papers made of 100% recycled materials. Give customers the option of using gift certificates on printed receipts with a “we support using less paper to conserve trees” or something similar printed on the receipt. If your customer wants a paper certificate use smaller certificates printed on 100% recycled materials. For suppliers: A nicely worded letter to the effect of what is being awarded is often sufficient. Consider replacing the large expensive framed award certificate with a more reasonably priced framed letter.

Why do we make that recommendation?       From an ROI perspective, ‘doing more with less’ usually makes sense. From an environmental perspective doing more with less always makes sense.

What is the contact info to help implement?

Electronic templates for employees and others:
 * http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/CT101043001033.aspx

'''18.       Any chalkboards around? What sort of chalk? '''

'''Why is this question asked? '''     Chalkboards or blackboards have disadvantages: A) they are large items that eventually are landfilled & B) they produce dust, the amount depending on the quality of chalk used. Some people find this uncomfortable or may be allergic to it, and there has been speculation about links between chalk dust and respiratory problems. The dust also precludes the use of chalk in areas shared with dust-sensitive equipment such as computers.

What is our general recommendation?       If possible please purchase used chalkboards. Also, use non-toxic chalk that is classified as low dust or no dust.

'''Why do we make that recommendation? '''             We are pro-chalkboards because they often displace the use of paper posted announcements. Also the long product life expectancy of chalkboards ensures that they will not be disposed of quickly. By purchasing used chalkboards you completely replace the need for a new product lifecycle. Non-toxic + low dust or no dust chalk spares company employees from toxic allergens and company equipment from dust.

What is the contact info to help implement? For chalk:
 * http://greenearthofficesupply.stores.yahoo.net/index.html

'''19.       Any whiteboards around? What sort of markers?'''

'''Why is this question asked? '''      Given the shear number of whiteboards and markers used in office environments around the globe, the environmental impact of these products is staggering. In the educational field alone the potential exists for some 700 million whiteboard markers to be discarded each year, just in Canada and USA.

What is our general recommendation?       Please select whiteboards where the trim is recyclable and made from recycled material & most importantly - select refillable whiteboard markers.

Why do we make that recommendation?  We are pro-whiteboards because they often displace the use of paper posted announcements. Also the long product life expectancy of whiteboards ensures that they will not be disposed of quickly. We searched for fully recycled whiteboards and they did not seem to be available. We did find whiteboards where the trim is recyclable and made from recycled material. Refillable whiteboard markers are preferable to disposable ones in that they result in less waste.

What is the contact info to help implement?

For whiteboard: http://www.worthingtondirect. com/school_furniture/new_for_2008/flexi_color_trim_markerboards.htm

For markers:
 * http://www.ecostationery.com/

'''20.       Who supplies your drinking water? Their disposal methods of containers'''

Why is this question asked?       The United States is the world’s leading consumer of bottled water. In 2006, bottled water consumption in the US reached a record 8.3 billion gallons, 185 million gallons of which was imported. The total amount spent on bottled water was over $11 billion. It costs more money to drink bottled water than to put gas in your car-- up to five times more--due mainly to its packaging and transportation. 86 percent of plastic water bottles used in the United States become garbage or litter. Buried water bottles can take up to 1,000 years to biodegrade. Many businesses use large plastic water jugs thereby contributing significantly to the environmental issue.

What is our general recommendation? Replace delivered water jugs with a water cooling filtration system that employs energy saving measures when idle.

Why do we make that recommendation?       From an ROI perspective the issue is clear cut: A one time purchase of a water-cooling filtration system & associated periodic filter changes more than offsets delivery of bottled water hands down. From a health & environmental perspective the issue is more than clear cut- it is remarkable. water and concluded that bottled water is not necessarily any purer or any safer than city tap water. water as being safer than tap water are defrauding the American public." water is allowed a certain amount of these bacteria. In addition, most cities' tap water must be tested for Cryptosporidium or Giardia, common water pathogens that can cause intestinal problems, including diarrhea. In contrast, bottled water companies are not required to conduct these tests. infrastructure, transporting bottled water long distances involves burning massive quantities of fossil fuels. million barrels of oil annually, enough to fuel some 100,000 U.S. cars for a year. What is the contact info to help implement? http://www.aquamarklx.com/
 *        In 1999, NRDC conducted 1,000 separate tests of more than 100 brands of bottled
 *        The FDA, who regulates bottled water, states that "Companies that market bottled
 *        A city's tap water cannot have any E. coli or fecal coliform bacteria, while bottled
 *        In contrast to tap water, which is distributed through an energy-efficient
 *        Making bottles to meet Americans’ demand for bottled water requires more than 1.5

21.       What sort of coffee does the office use?

'''Why is this question asked? '''      Coffee is an important export commodity. In 2004, coffee was the top agricultural export for 12 countries, and in 2005, it was the world's seventh largest legal agricultural export by value. It is a massive industry and a cultural staple across the world. It’s environmental impact is difficult to overestimate.

What is our general recommendation?       Forest shade-grown coffee.

Why do we make that recommendation?       Originally, coffee farming was done in the shade of trees, which provided habitat for many animals and insects. This method is commonly referred to as the traditional shaded method. Many farmers (but not all) have decided to modernize their production methods and switch to a method where farmers would now use sun cultivation, in which coffee is grown in rows under full sun with little or no forest canopy. This causes berries to ripen more rapidly and bushes to produce higher yields but requires the clearing of trees and increased use of fertilizer and pesticides. Traditional coffee production, on the other hand, caused berries to ripen more slowly and it produced lower yields compared to the modernized method but the quality of the coffee is allegedly superior. In addition, the traditional shaded method is environmentally friendly and serves as a habitat for many species. Opponents of sun cultivation say environmental problems such as deforestation, pesticide pollution, habitat destruction, and soil and water degradation are the side effects of these practices. The American Birding Association has led a campaign for "shade-grown" and organic coffees, which it says are sustainably harvested. However, while certain types of shaded coffee cultivation systems show greater biodiversity than full-sun systems, they still compare poorly to native forest in terms of habitat value.

What is the contact info to help implement?
 * http://www.defenders.org/support_us/marketplace/java_forest/

'''22.       Do you have milk & cream delivered? Who delivers it?'''

'''Why is this question asked? '''      Milk & cream products have an unbelievably large environmental impact. Consider just these few points:
 * A) the production of milk is a massive source of water pollution.
 * B) A small farm of 200 cows will produce as much nitrogen as in the sewage from a community of 5,000 to 10,000 people, according to a U.S. Senate report on animal waste.
 * C) The fossil fuel energy humans use simply to transport milk and cream is absolutely enormous.

What is our general recommendation?       Please order your milk & cream from providers that market local organic milk, organic cream, & organic soy milk in reusable glass containers. Add organic soy milk to your orders and post a notice on the fridge that says “For our environmentally conscious & our lactose intolerant employees we have begun adding organic soy milk to our orders”.

Why do we make that recommendation?       Purchasing locally derived dairy products lessens the environmental impact of transporting it. Organic milk & cream come from cows whose milk production was not prompted by artificial growth hormone, whose feed was not grown with pesticides and which had access to pasture. Organic soy milk is considered to be even more environmentally friendly than organic milk. The soybean plant is a legume, it replenishes the nitrogen content of the soil in which it is grown thereby revitalizing fields and decreasing dependence on chemical fertilizers. The soy plant (unlike cows that take in enormous amounts of oxygen and release contributing to global warming) takes in CO2 and releases oxygen. Reusable glass containers are far better for the environment than disposable plastic ones. What is the contact info to help implement? Contact local vendors.

23.       What kinds of cups are provided?

Why is this question asked?       Most businesses provide disposable cups for cold and hot drinks. The environmental impact is enormous. Consider these facts: If you drink coffee from a disposable cup every day of the week, you are contributing about 23 pounds to the waste stream over the course of a year. Currently, 25 BILLION Styrofoam cups alone are thrown away annually. Think about how high that number would climb if disposable paper and plastic cups were added. Styrofoam and plastic cups are produced from petroleum, are not biodegradable, and have the potential to contaminate water supplies and to cause negative health impacts. Paper cups, though biodegradable, use lots of energy and natural resources to produce.

What is our general recommendation?       Provide each employee with one reusable coffee mug made from recycled material. Make sure you give each employee a note with the cup that says something to the effect of ‘Please keep this cup at the office. Disposable cups will no longer be provided due to the negative impact of disposable plastic and disposable Styrofoam cups on the environment’. If you simply cannot make this change then please consider something along the lines of cups made from biodegradable plastic alternatives.

Why do we make that recommendation?       From an ROI perspective the matter is clear cut: One reusable cup per employee per year along with associated cleaning liquid is far less expensive than providing that same employee 2 or 3 disposable cups per day. From an environmental perspective the impact of this change is significant even on its’ smallest scale of one person. Complete lifecycle analysis shows that a reusable cup over its average life of 3000 uses is responsible for 30 times less solid waste and 60 times less air pollution than any disposable alternative.

What is the contact info to help implement?
 * http://www.impression.ca/templates/Search.cfm?TeamID=149&TeamMainID=13
 * http://www.excellentpackaging.com/pages/1/EPSNature.htm
 * http://www.thegreenoffice.com/

'''24.       Are utensils or plates provided? If so what kind'''

'''Why is this question asked? '''      Most offices have paper plates and plastic utensils around for employee use. The environmental impact is tremendous. '''What is our general recommendation? '''      If your office has a means for employees to clean dishes then we suggest providing real plates and real utensils. If not, we suggest switching to Spudware for utensils and Bagasseware for plates etc... '''Why do we make that recommendation? '''              Spudware and Bagasseware are biodegradable and commercially viable. The fact that they are not plastic or Styrofoam based products means you offset much of the environmental impact.

What is the contact info to help implement?
 * http://www.excellentpackaging.com/pages/1/EPSNature.htm
 * http://www.greenlinepaper.com/
 * http://www.thegreenoffice.com/
 * http://greenearthofficesupply.stores.yahoo.net/index.html
 * http://www.treecycle.com/

25.       What sort of napkins are you ordering?

'''Why is this question asked? '''      Disposable napkins are almost always made of paper. The average U.S. office worker is responsible for an entire tree per year in paper use. Paper waste accounts for over 40% of the total waste currently being land-filled in the United States What is our general recommendation?       If possible please switch to providing reusable napkins. Given that reusable napkins may be difficult or impossible for many businesses to implement, as the alternative - purchase non-bleached napkins that are made from 100% recycled material of which at least 80% is post consumer recycled material. Why do we make that recommendation? Reusable cloth napkins in general have a lifecycle that is far less environmentally damaging than constantly using and disposing of paper napkins that cannot be recycled. Alternatively, non-bleached napkins that are made from 100% recycled material of which at least 80% is post consumer recycled material are less chemically intensive than virgin paper disposable napkins and reduce both landfill stress and demand for new tree cutting.

What is the contact info to help implement?
 * http://www.greenlinepaper.com/
 * http://www.thegreenoffice.com/
 * http://greenearthofficesupply.stores.yahoo.net/index.html
 * http://www.treecycle.com/

'''26.       Who handles janitorial duties for your business? What sort of cleaners are they using? '''

Why is this question asked?       Cleaning products can be among the most hazardous and environmentally damaging chemicals in your office. These products create hazardous waste - threatening human health and the natural environment. There are many green products available that are just as effective as traditional ones. What is our general recommendation?       If janitorial duties are handled in-house then switch to organic cleaners & eco-friendly supplies. If an outside contractor is used, then let them know that you require organic cleaners & eco-friendly supplies be used in your office. We are in favor of 7th Generation products. '''Why do we make that recommendation? '''      Whenever you can replace harsh chemicals with plant based cleaners you are almost certainly helping to limit the damage to the natural world. Why specifically do we recommend?       7th Generation products These folks by all appearances 'get it'. The highest bar of criteria that we could think of was to select only a company that offered a 100% plant based all purpose cleaner with recycled packaging. 7th Generation reached that bar. There packaging is recyclable but we would like to see a greater commitment from them on the amount of post consumer recycled material in their packaging. The bottles we have seen post a minimum commitment of 25% post consumer recycled material. We think they can do better - but for right now they are the market leader.

What is the contact info to help implement?
 * http://www.seventhgeneration.com
 * http://www.thegreenoffice.com/
 * http://greenearthofficesupply.stores.yahoo.net/index.html

27.       What kind of paper towels are you ordering?

Why is this question asked?               The U.S. has just 4% of its forests left. What is our general recommendation?       To the greatest extent possible offices should cut down on their use of paper towels. Paper towels once used cannot be recycled. Posting a sign near the paper towels that says: ‘The use of paper towels increases demand to cut down trees – please use them sparingly’ doubles as both an earth friendly measure and a clever way to cut costs. We recommend using paper towels that are made from post consumer recycled material & that are processed chlorine free. Why do we make that recommendation?       With regard to the reduction of use recommendation – it just makes good sense – if posting a sign decreases the use of paper towels by 25% then you have done both the environment and the company checking account some good. With regard to using paper towels that are made from post consumer recycled material that are processed chlorine free: Compared to using virgin wood, paper products made with 100% recycled content uses 44% less energy, produces 38% less greenhouse gas emissions, 41% less particulate emissions, 50% less wastewater, 49% less solid waste and -- of course -- 100% less wood. Chlorine-free paper towels are an environmentally preferable alternative to paper towels bleached with chlorine. Chlorine and its derivatives (such as chlorine dioxide)—the most common bleaching agents used by the pulp and paper industry—are quite harmful to the environment, particularly the aquatic environment.

What is the contact info to help implement? browse/category_id,68116/Itemid,10/
 * http://www.greenofficestore.com/results.asp?Keyword=towel
 * http://www.greenlinepaper.com/tissue-towel/paper-towels/cat_31.html
 * http://www.thegreenoffice.com/component/option,com_virtuemart/page,shop.
 * http://greenearthofficesupply.stores.yahoo.net/recpapnaptow.html

28.       What sort of hand soap do you provide?

Why is this question asked?       The ingredient lists of most soaps these days read off like a chemistry lesson and unfortunately much of what goes down our drains ends up in the environment. Soaps contain fragrances and chemicals that stress the already heavily damaged aquatic environment and have been proven to cause birth & liver defects in animals. What is our general recommendation? Avoid antibacterial soap completely unless you work in the medical or related field. Replace chemical based soaps with equally effective plant based soaps packaged in recycled materials. Why do we make that recommendation? In general soap & water is 90% effective in killing or removing bacteria from our hands if we wash for 15 seconds. Antibacterial soap is somewhat more effective at killing bad bacteria but it is also extremely good at killing the 'good' bacteria that we couldn't live without. The ingredients in many antibacterial soaps are environmentally damaging & often toxic with repeated use. They should be avoided in general. Whenever you can replace harsh chemicals with plant based alternatives you are almost certainly making a positive change for the environment.

What is the contact info to help implement? html browse/category_id,68195/Itemid,10/
 * http://www.greenofficestore.com/details.asp?id=OFL-10-HS-8-RTU
 * http://www.greenlinepaper.com/cleaning-products/cleaning-products/vermont-soap/prod_233.
 * http://www.thegreenoffice.com/component/option,com_virtuemart/page,shop.

'''29.       What sort of hand towels or dryer do you have? '''

Why is this question asked?      Hand towels are made of paper. In the U.S. each year we use more than 2.5 million tons of paper towels, a product that takes energy to manufacture, transport to the end user, and haul away afterward. What is our general recommendation? Install hand dryers that are rated highly for energy efficiency. At a minimum use hand towels that are made from post consumer recycled material that are processed chlorine free. Why do we make that recommendation?      At first there may seem to be some great debate here - paper towels vs. hand dryers. There isn't. Hand dryers win hands down. From a ROI perspective hand dryers only need maintenance about once per year. Paper towels need to be changed frequently. Constantly paying for paper towels adds up. Energy efficient hand dryers cost next to nothing to operate. From an environmental perspective: Many studies claim to show that paper towels made from virgin material are an energy sink. Data developed by Franklin Associates shows that using recycled paper towels requires about 62 percent of the energy expended on virgin towels, standard hand dryers need about 30 percent, and one model of high-efficiency hand dryer required only about 10 percent. When you consider further that electricity can often be ordered from green sources & that millions of plastic bags get filled up with paper towel waste every day - it becomes clear. Also the much maligned energy grid is in fact a far more efficient energy distribution system than the product delivery system of trucks carting paper towels around. What is the contact info to help implement? http://www.exceldryer.com/?gclid=CKSzoIKu95UCFQVxFQodo2xf4w www.greenofficestore.com/results.asp?Keyword=towel http://www.greenlinepaper.com/tissue-towel/paper-towels/cat_31.html http://www.thegreenoffice.com/component/option,com_virtuemart/page,shop. browse/category_id,68116/Itemid,10/ http://greenearthofficesupply.stores.yahoo.net/recpapnaptow.html

30.       What kind of toilet paper does the office have?

'''Why is this question asked? '''              Every day about 270,000 trees are effectively flushed down the toilet or end up as garbage. What is our general recommendation?       Purchase process chlorine free toilet paper that is 100% recycled of which at least 40% is post consumer waste. We specifically recommend 7th Generation bathroom tissue. Why do we make that recommendation?       Compared to using virgin wood, paper products made with 100% recycled content uses 44% less energy, produces 38% less greenhouse gas emissions, 41% less particulate emissions, 50% less wastewater, 49% less solid waste and -- of course -- 100% less wood. Chlorine-free bathroom tissue is an environmentally preferable alternative to toilet paper bleached with chlorine. Chlorine and its derivatives (such as chlorine dioxide)—the most common bleaching agents used by the pulp and paper industry—are quite harmful to the environment, particularly the aquatic environment.

Why do we specifically recommend: 7th Generation bathroom tissue
 *        100% recycled paper of which 80% is post consumer
 *        Hypoallergenic
 *        Whitened by an environmentally safe process
 *        Packaged with recycled material

Quote from 7th Generation: “If every household were to replace just one roll of 500 sheet virgin fiber toilet paper with 7th Generation we would collectively save 448,000 trees, over 1,000,000 cubic feet of landfill space, and 161,000,000 gallons of, 10,752 tons of  a year, 13,440 tons of air pollution per year, 19,200 barrels (806,400 gallons) of oil, 111,360,000,000 btus of energy, 18,560/3 tons of wood, $24,150,000.00 in water, gain almost 58,240 tons of  per year.”

Now imagine the positive impact that businesses could create by making the change.

What is the contact info to help implement? http://www.seventhgeneration.com http://greenearthofficesupply.stores.yahoo.net/index.html http://www.treecycle.com/ http://www.greenofficestore.com/ http://www.greenlinepaper.com/

'''31.       Is hand sanitizer provided by the company? '''

Why is this question asked?       All of those plastic bottles of chemicals being handed around for what? Study after study is being generated showing that the net health impact of hand sanitizers in general circulation is potentially negative. What is our general recommendation?       Don't offer hand sanitizer unless your profession specifically calls for it. Soap and water is sufficient for most applications. If you do need to use hand sanitizer then Clean Well seems to be the most environmentally friendly option. Why do we make that recommendation?       Good old soap with water is very effective at removing most forms of bacteria without the adverse health effects and additional environmental effects (if you buy hand sanitizer you are not going to stop buying soap right?). Why do we specifically recommend: Clean Well hand sanitizer Clean Well claims on its website that its product is 100% poison free and 100% green. Please visit the Clean Well website listed below to evaluate its' efficacy for your application. What is the contact info to help implement? http://www.cleanwelltoday.com/ http://www.target.com http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/ http://www.amazon.com

'''32.       What sort of trash bags do you use? '''

Why is this question asked?       It takes a normal plastic bag over 1000 years to degrade in a landfill and less than 3% of plastic bags actually get recycled. Processing crude petroleum into virgin plastics creates many dangerous chemicals. The 436 plastic facilities in the U.S. emit over 37 million pounds of toxic air emissions & create over 2.5 billion pounds of production related waste each year.

one plastic facility in the USA emit over 4,625/109 tons of toxic air emissions & create over 312,500/109 tons of production related waste each year

What is our general recommendation?       Use 100% biodegradable and compostable trash bags. Why do we make that recommendation?       While recycled bags are better environmentally than normal trash bags, our take is that by purchasing biodegradable bags you are breaking the ‘disposable plastic cycle’. The plastic that is being recycled is better utilized by making durable items instead of disposable ones. An example is plastic resin lumber being used to make park benches and decking. What is the contact info to help implement? http://www.greenofficestore.com/ http://www.greenlinepaper.com/ http://greenearthofficesupply.stores.yahoo.net/index.html http://www.treecycle.com/

'''33.       Do sales people here have marketing materials? Printed on recycled materials?'''

'''Why is this question asked? '''      Brochures, business presentation folders, handouts, corporate gifts for customers & leads, trade show materials… the never ending list of marketing materials goes on and on. The environmental impact of these countless items is limited only by the lack of creativity of our most creative gurus. What is our general recommendation?       First and foremost:  STOP THE PRESSES! Take stock of the materials you have now before ordering more. Also, send an email that says if your sales people have any marketing materials hoarded in their cars – please return it to a central collection table. When you do need more marketing items then please opt for printing on recycled materials & become 'green creative'. Why do we make that recommendation?       No business owner is going to like these statistics: The collateral produced by marketing almost never gets used in the field ... 50% to 80% according to the American Marketing Association is wasted and the figure is up to 90% wasted according to Frost & Sullivan. When you really do need more marketing materials then there are a tremendous number of ways to limit your environmental impact: Printing on recycled paper, recycled mugs, organic cotton T-Shirts, & other ideas like Environmentally friendly corporate gifts - such as trees planted in someone’s name, etc… Get creative & take credit for it! What is the contact info to help implement? http://www.epromos.com/category/20403.html http://www.greenmarketing.net/ http://www.greenofficestore.com/ http://www.greenlinepaper.com/ http://www.thegreenoffice.com/ http://greenearthofficesupply.stores.yahoo.net/index.html http://www.dolphinblue.com/ http://www.treecycle.com/

34.       Do any of your people work outside? Sunscreens provided? Bug repellents? Types.

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

Energy Consumption

35.       Who supplies your electric power?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

36.       Do your computers all enter a power save mode after a period of inactivity?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

37.       What temperature do you set the thermostats at? Can employees change these themselves?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

38.       Do you have signs posted to turn off lights in unused rooms?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

39.       Do you have signs posted to close doors of unused rooms?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

40.       Do you have signs posted to lower thermostats in unused rooms?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

41.       What sort of lights do you use?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

42.       What sort of hand towels or dryer do you have?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

43.       Do your doors shut automatically?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

44.       Is non-essential electrical equipment switched off at night or when not in use?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

45.       Do you have programmable thermostats?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

46.       Do you have motion sensors for lighting? What about timers?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

47.       Do you have light dimmers installed in work areas? Also can increase production

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

48.       Ever heard of blackle.com? Reroute on servers for google -> blackle

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

49.       How old are your exit signs? They burn 24 hours.

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

50.       Does your company offer telecommuting? 96% of IT staff would like telecommuting to be offered and 36% of them would be willing to accept reduced wages to get it. Needs to be the right employees. Reduces emissions from commuting etc

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

51.       A leaky faucet drips 20 gallons of water per day. Any leaky faucets

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

52.       Do you use teleconferencing or face to face meetings?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

53.       Do you have a stand alone fax machine? Energy Star compliant.

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

Reduce + Re-use + Recycle

54.       Which Company handles your trash disposal? Any message you would like them to hear?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

55.       Do you recycle paper?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

56.       Do you recycle plastic?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

57.       Do you supply compost bins?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

58.       Do you recycle cardboard or other packaging materials?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

59.       Is it a paper intensive business?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

60.       Are there any documents or forms used internally that are paper based today?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

61.       Does your business rely on batteries for anything? If so what kind are they? Disposal methods?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

62.       Do your printers and copiers have the ability to work 2 sided? Do people here use that functionality?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

63.       What do you do with your old electronics like computers?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

64.       Do you recycle print cartridges?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

65.       Do you refill print cartridges?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

66.       Do you encourage employees to bring coffee mugs to work? Life cycle analysis shows this produces 30x less solid waste and 60x less air pollution/

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

Infrastructure & Construction

67.       Do you own the building or rent?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

68.       Any construction projects planned?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

69.       Roofing materials?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

70.       Where does the buildings water run off flow to?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

71.       Is the office well insulated?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

72.       Any plans to repaint any rooms?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

73.       What sort of flooring do you have? Any plans to replace?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

74.       What are your carpets made of? How old are they?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

75.       How efficient are your windows? Any plans to replace? Are they caulked or taped at all?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

76.       Is your office furniture made of recycled materials? Any plans to replace, upgrade it? Add staff?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

77.       Do you make use of solar shading in any rooms? Are there any rooms that might make sense in?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

78.       Is your company responsible for the landscaping here?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

79.       Are there deciduous trees planted to the south and west of your office? This is good because they shade in summer and lose their leaves in winter.

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

80.       Are your parking lots shaded? Deciduous trees are best. Cars use energy to cool with AC.

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

81.       Are your break rooms or open spaces for employees green areas?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

82.       Know anything about your heating and air conditioning system? Mind if we look? Any plans to replace?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

83.       What kind of urinals and toilets? Age, any plans to replace?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

84.       Are there any company vehicles? What type – make model- any plans to replace? Do the existing ones use recycled oil?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

85.       Do you have office plants? Cleans air of particulates.

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

86.       What brand of copier? How old or new is it.


 * Why is this question asked?
 * What is our general recommendation?
 * Why do we make that recommendation?
 * What is the contact info to help implement?

87.       Is there an office refrigerator? What kind? How old?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

88.       Are there vending machines here? Do you own them? They are stealing your electricity – Do they have “Vending Misers” installed to reduce electrical drain?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

Vendors & Business Partners

89.       Who handles your pest control?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

90.       Do you have events catered? Insist on organic foods

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

91.       Do you receive raw or component materials from anyone?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

92.       Does your company issue uniforms or have promotional items like T-Shirts printed? Insist on Organic materials?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

93.       Do you have a green partners business development program?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

Corporate Kindness

94.       Any parking problems here? Does your company operate a green transport plan? Do they support and promote public transportation, walking, cycling, car pooling to and at work? Do you have reserved parking spots for employees who car pool?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

95.       Has your company ever held an employee contest to find the best way to improve the bottom line while helping the environment?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

96.       Does your company support carbon offsetting?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

97.       Donate to any environmental non-profits?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

98.       Does your company volunteer any man hours for environmental cleanups for tax right offs? Possible to get a tax write off for cleaning up around your own grounds or surrounding area.

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

99.       Does your company have cash reserves that are invested? Is any of that money in sustainable funds?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

100.       Do you have a sustainable investing option in your 401K plan?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

101.       Does your company report on environmental and social profits as well as financials when it reports?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

102.       Do you ever hold company trips? If so do you fly or do you charter a bus? Local venues reduce emissions. Consider eco-tourism locally.

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

103.       Do you currently offer any green products or services?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

104.       Do you currently label products or services with “A portion of the proceeds supports ______________ an environmental non-profit”/?

Why is this question asked? What is our general recommendation? Why do we make that recommendation? What is the contact info to help implement?

The average office worker could save 475 sheets of paper per year by reducing their margins from the default setting of 1 in to 0.50 in

475 sheets of paper could save 969/100 gallons of, 133/916 gallons of oil, 399/200 pounds of , 57/1,000 trees, a 997,500/229 cubic meter lake and 133/229 acres of soil from being polluted, enough energy to power over 6783/40,000,000 cars for a year, one car to travel 1,995/916 miles, 2,109/340,000 tons of wood, enough energy to power 2,997/1,700 homes for a year, 1,898,100/17 btu's of energy, 171/50 pounds of air pollution per year, gain almost 741/50 pounds of oxygen per year (Over 57/1,000 trees could provide new wildlife habitat and shade in almost 19/320 Places, And absorb almost 475/4 pounds of co2 over the course of their lives)

475 sheets of A4 paper, could save 10,931,414/8,709 gallons of water, 589/8,000 trees, enough water to fill 70/37,843 olympic sized swimming pools, 1,767/400 pounds of air pollution per year, over 589/4 pounds of, 147,250/1,341 kwh of energy, gain almost 7,657/800,000 tons of per year (Over 589/8,000 trees could provide new wildlife habitat and shade in almost 589/7,680 Places, And absorb almost 589/7,680 tons of co2 over the course of their lives.)

475 sheets of paper could save 1,425 gallons of water, $213.75