Checklist: Reusing and Recycling Office Supplies

Office supplies are one of the best areas to begin your greening process. Whenever possible, purchase supplies that are biodegradable or recyclable, or those that can be composted. Other ideas include the following:

-- Use the product until you can’t use it anymore.

-- Don’t buy it unless you absolutely need it.

-- Ship packages with reused boxes from the grocery store; they’re free and they get one more use before they’re recycled.

-- Move toward going 100 percent paperless in your business.

-- Use your own mug or glass for beverages to save paper products.

-- Buy used office furniture and refurbished appliances, computers, and calculators.

-- Purchase recycled copy paper, refillable pens, recycled binders, and other office supplies from the Green Office.