We are all becoming progressively more aware of the steps we can take to make our working environments more ‘eco friendly’ ie switching off lights, when leaving rooms not in use, by not leaving electrical appliances on standby, recycling appropriately and ditching disposable cups in favour of china or ceramic items.

In addition to these, there are other  actions we can take towards making our working lives even more eco aware. 

A plethora of products are now available for use in our offices and homes which are readily available to order simply and safely on line. This shopping method, saving both our time, and our most precious commodity, fuel.

A simple method of making a difference is by using recycled paper, perfect for office use and made from 100% household waste. Great for the environment, accredited by Greenpeace and guaranteed for use in inkjet and laser printers alike and also good for photocopiers.

Continuing with the paper theme, why not use recycled notepads? These are available in various  sizes and styles  and may have been tyres, juice cartons, cardboard boxes or packaging in a previous life.

When we write on our eco friendly notepads and paper, we can use recycled pencils and pens. These products may have been made from items such as car parts, games consoles or crisp packets which might have ended up in a land fill site. A full range is available from ballpoint and roller ball pens, permanent and whiteboard markers, pens with extra fine tips to colouring pencils. All work just as well as their non recycled counterparts.

An innovation is the stapler that doesn’t need staples!  How much metal could be saved each year with one of those?  It’s handheld and will clip up to three pages together by utilising a clever folding and cutting action.

Another great idea – the water powered calculator. Unlike the solar powered variety, it will function regardless of light supply. It is powered by an H20 battery, which will last two to three years with perpetual use and all it’s components are recyclable. A constant energy supply is maintained by refilling the battery as the water evaporates. If stored in it’s dry state, it will last indefinitely.

Did you know that most padded envelopes are not recyclable?  It makes sense therefore, to re use them as much as possible. There’s a handy sticky label dispenser available which sits well on your office desks.It’s  produced from 100% recycled cardboard and dispenses sticky labels cleanly and efficiently.

Becoming ‘eco aware’ is becoming easier.