Green Office Program

Jump to: energy, the kitchen, office supplies, paper, take the pledge, recycling, transportation, events, publications

Energy

• Shut down computers at the end of the day
• Turn off computer monitors when not in use
• Enable sleep mode on printers and copiers after five minutes of inactivity
• Turn lights off when leaving a room (i.e., kitchen, bathroom)
• Turn off power strips at the end of the day
• Unplug microwaves, coffee makers, and other small appliances at night or program them to shut off through a timer
• Close blinds at night during cold weather
• Send emails to fellow staff before holidays and breaks containing an energy-saving checklist

The Kitchen

Provide reusable silverware/dishes

• Purchase paper napkins and towels with at least 30 percent recycled content
• Use reusable coffee travel mugs
• Use a reusable stainless steel or BPA-free water bottle
• Purchase Energy Star/EPEAT appliances
• Use environmentally friendly dishwashing soap
• Keep reusable bags on hand in kitchen for staff to use instead of disposable bags when shopping or buying lunch

Office Supplies

• Check for surplus office supplies and furniture before purchasing new ones
• If getting rid of office furniture, see if it can be used elsewhere
• Reuse interoffice envelopes
• Reuse office supplies (file folders, binders, paper clips, etc.)
• When purchasing supplies for your office, buy green!

Paper

• Use 30 percent recycled paper for copiers and printers
• Purchase Energy Star/EPEAT printers/copiers
• Use scrap paper
• Make double-sided printing the default setting on your computer
• Contact news media and catalog distributors to receive fewer publications in your office
• Don't print emails

Take the Pledge

• Nominate a Green Leader for your office
• Take the UM Go Green Pledge

Recycling

Make sure you have a desk-side paper recycling bin

• Request paper and plastic/glass/steel/aluminum recycling bins: if your office area needs them, call 6-7570
• Post recycling signs for what can and cannot be recycled
• Provide recycling bins at meetings and events
• Review recycling rules with your office
• Post unwanted furniture and supplies before trashing
• Recycle your ink cartridges: Contact Connie Mitchell for more information
• Recycle your computers, laptops, printers, A/V, office phones: call 6-7570

Transportation

• Bike or walk across campus
• Use Parking and Transportation Services' alternative commuting options
  • CarPool Program and CarPool ZONE
  • Guaranteed Ride Home
  • Bicycle cage
  • MTA bus passes
  • Car Share Program
  • Charm City Circulator
  • Low Emissions Fuel Efficient parking
  • Campus transportation options

Events

• Provide recycling bins at all events
• Use reusable or recyclable containers, cups, and utensils
• Provide reusable mugs, dishware, and silverware for staff and visitor use in kitchen or break room
• Reduce waste: use bulk containers of sugar, salt, condiments, and beverages (including water)