EcoGreenOffice Toner Cartridges Produce 70% Less Carbon Dioxide

Bryan Beckett - EcoGreenOffice

By the advice of the EPA, EcoGreenOffice has a fully certified return and remanufacture printer cartridge program helping to reduce carbon dioxide green gases.  Our partners in the remanufacturing of toner cartridges estimate some incredible eco benefits.

Eco-Facts about EcoGreenOffice Remanufactured Cartridge Program
3.4 Million Gallons of Oil Conserved- This is the annual volume of oil saved predicted by our manufacture partners.

46,072 Tons of Cartridge Waste- Our manufacture partners take the strain off already full landfills.

EcoGreenOffice Remanufactured Cartridge Program will preserve as much oil in 3 years that was spilled in the Exxon Valdez accident.

In one year, our program will prevent enough green house gases equal to that of 638 passenger vehicles.

According to ReCharger Magazine, 300 million plastic printer cartridges end up in landfills worldwide.  EcoGreenOffice remanufactured cartridge program significantly reduces these environmental hazards. Over one pound of plastics is withheld from the waste system for every printer cartridge that is remanufactured.  Contact EcoGreenOffice to setup a free printer cartridge recycling account and to obtain custom cost saving toner programs.

Return on Investment - Going Green

Bryan Beckett - EcoGreenOffice
Return on Investment for green business is starting to see some traction.  Even in a lagging economy, companies are starting to recover and see payoff in the green investment.  The Boulder County Business Report (BCBR) released this video from local Boulder Green Leaders discussing greenwashing, ROI and measuring green efforts. Click to watch video

Wausau Exact Eco Paper

According to the Dartmouth Sustainability Initiative, the production of recycled paper creates 5 times more jobs, reduces air pollution by 74% and 35% less water pollution.  Wausau Paper is making some incredible efforts when it comes to sustainability practices.  Check out wausaupaper.com to learn more about the company and how each facility minimizes waste and emissions by adhering to reduce, reuse, recycle and recover philosophies.

Our Friends at Recycled-Papers have an incredible offer for free Wausau paper. Yes, Free!
Check it out!

Daily Office Green Tip - Sourcing Certified Products

Sustainable Forestry Initiative-
There are a number of credible forest certification programs which encourage responsible forestry.  The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) is one organization helping to create more demand for responsible forestry.  Only 10% of the world's forests are certified, so when buying or researching products, look for the SFI label. Sourcing wisely increases the demand for responsible forestry and people can make a difference.  Products that carry the SFI label include, paper, packaging and wood products.

Daily Office Green Tip - Paper 101

Paper 101
How do you choose paper that is good for the environment and meets your needs? Some things to keep in mind: First things first, when looking to make an environmentally responsible paper purchase, you're looking for more than the recycled symbol. Post-Consumer Waste Content (PCW): The single most important factor to consider is the percentage of post-consumer waste content. Paper with post-consumer content contains recycled fiber from paper which has already been used by the consumer and then collected for recycling. The higher the level of post-consumer content the better. Today, more and more products are available with post-consumer recycled content including: file pocket portfolios, hanging file folders, report covers, various storage boxes, file holders, file covers and three-ring binders. By using recycled post-consumer content paper, we save trees, water and prevent the air and water pollution, soil erosion and destruction of wildlife habitats associated with harvesting.

 

Daily Office Green Tip - Sitting Pretty

Sitting Pretty
Making environmentally savvy choices in office furniture is getting easier and easier. Whether a piece of furniture is made from wood, cloth, metal or plastic, there are earth-friendly options. 
- Opt for modular office suites. These component-based systems let you reconfigure workspaces and mix and match as your needs change, helping to eliminate the need to buy new.
- Use flexible interior features, such as movable walls to help reduce waste associated with renovations.
Don't overlook the fact that, even if it's initially more expensive, buying quality furniture that's durable and can be readily repaired could easily save money in the long run, plus, lessen the chance that it'll end up in the landfill.

Daily Office Green Tip - Breathe Easy

Breathe Easy
Here's what the air in any office setting can potentially contain: ozone generated by photocopiers, dust, allergens, outdoor fumes brought in by the central air conditioning; gaseous chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from furniture, paint and carpeting. And then there's the stuff dragged in on our shoes: oil, antifreeze, particulate pollution, pollen, etc. All combine to create unsafe air quality and contribute to Sick Building Syndrome. What can you do to clean up the air in your workplace?

- Look for low VOC alternatives in carpets, adhesives, paints, even furniture.
- Help keep what's on the sidewalk out with quality doormats or entryway track-off systems.
Remember, less dirt also means less sweeping, mopping and vacuuming, which means less work, water, energy and fewer chemicals.
 
 

Daily Office Green Tip - Clean Conscience Cleaning

Clean Conscience Cleaning
Five billion pounds of chemicals are used annually for institutional cleaning. The good news is that the risk of injury from chemicals and environmental damage can be dramatically reduced by replacing the most dangerous cleaning products with safer ones.

 - Opt for solutions that are non-toxic, non-VOC (volatile organic compound), water-based, biodegradable, phosphate-, chlorine- and ammonia-free and those with ingredients derived from renewable resources, not petroleum.
- Buy in concentrate and bulk so that shipping and packaging waste is reduced.

Daily Office Green Tip - Use and Re-use

Use and Re-use
Reusing products delays or avoids altogether their entry into the waste stream, so think refillable, rechargeable, not disposable, whenever possible.
- Challenge your associates to think of ways to give new life to used items, for instance, shredded waste paper makes great packing material.
- Set up an area to store and exchange reusable office supplies such as binders. If you can't reuse a product, there are usually others who can. Go to www.kab.org (Keep America Beautiful) for suggestions on exchange programs and other reuse strategies.  

Daily Office Green Tip - Get the Green Light

Get the Green Light
Making green choices when it comes to lighting not only provides energy efficiency and savings, it also adds to the comfort, productivity and ambiance of your workplace.
- Replace regular incandescent bulbs and fixtures with Energy Star-qualified compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). CFLs cast a warmer, soft white glow. Although initially more expensive than regular bulbs, they use between 60% and 80% less energy and last much longer (between 6,000 and 15,000 hours compared with about 1,000 hours with incandescents).
- Use task lighting.
- Install dimmers and timers to extend bulb life.
- Don't underestimate the power of natural daylight, it's free, it's pleasant and has been proven to improve worker productivity and customer satisfaction. Also, be sure that walls are painted in a light color to enhance the advantage of that natural light.
- Lighting accounts for up to 50% of a building's energy consumption. By simply turning off unnecessary lights, you can reduce the amount of energy used for lighting by up to 45%.

Daily Office Green Tip - Be a Star-Buy Energy Star

Be a Star-Buy Energy Star

The next time your office is in the market for computer equipment, printers, fax machines, kitchen appliances or even light bulbs, look for the Energy Star certification. Energy Star products are among the top energy performers on the market. One example of why is that some Energy Star products power down automatically when not in use-conserving up to 75% of electricity compared to standard models. They reduce pollution, lower energy bills, generate less heat and have a longer life span than other equipment. See www.energystar.gov for more information.

Daily Green Tip for the Office

Leave a Big Mark-Not a Big Footprint

Living and working green means knowing your carbon footprint and taking steps to balance its impact. Offsetting your company's carbon footprint is the fastest and most economical way to help protect critical forests worldwide, which is one of the most effective solutions to climate change. One way to offset your carbon footprint is to support renewable energy (energy generated from renewable sources such as wind, solar and geothermal) by buying renewable energy credits (RECs). Additionally, utility companies may work with industrial and commercial consumers to implement on-site energy-efficiency measures which can decrease usage or shift a portion of it to off-peak hours and rates. 

Daily Office Greening Tip

Spend Smart on Green

The purchase and use of environmentally-friendly products can have a big impact, and not just on the environment. Buying green affects everything from worker safety to the bottom line.

- Products that are reusable, refillable, more durable or repairable create less waste and are more cost-effective in the long run than disposable or single-use products.
- Manufacturing recycled products uses less energy than goods made from virgin materials. Buying recycled products keeps recycling programs going and saves natural resources.
- Using energy-efficient and water-conserving products saves money and resources. When making purchasing decisions, it pays to do a little homework. Consider the following:
- Is the product less hazardous?
- Is it reusable or more durable?
- Is it made from recycled materials? Do we really need to buy a virgin product when the recycled version is just as good?
- What happens to the product at the end of its life? Can it be recycled? Will the manufacturer take the product back? Will it need special disposal?
- Does it conserve energy or water?
- Is it made from renewable plant-based raw materials?  

Going Green with Your Gadgets? 6 Popular Myths Debunked!

You recycle paper, turn off lights, and use your own bags - all great ways to go green. But when it comes to electronics, many of us reach for the latest, mega-featured gadget with little concern about the long-term effect it will have on the environment. And that's too bad, because for each new gizmo that comes along another one - or more - becomes outdated and ends up in the landfill, along with 80 percent of the other old electronics.

Computers, cell phones, and hand-held devices will continue to have a big impact on our daily lives, but they don't have to make a big impact on our environment if we're smart about how we buy, use and dispose of them. Unfortunately there are a few firmly-held misconceptions stopping some of us from going green with our electronics. Here we clear them up.

Myth #1 - Buying green electronics is just marketing hype.
NOT TRUE! When purchasing a new computer or device compare the most eco-friendly model with their regular counterparts point by point. You will find green electronics have been specifically developed to reduce energy consumption and use fewer natural resources.

Myth #2 - Green electronics cost more.
FALSE. If you consider the total cost of ownership like long-term energy savings and potential trade-in value, green electronics are actually less expensive to own.

Myth #3 - Green gadgets don't perform as well.
NO WAY. The opposite is true. As more attention has turned to environmentally-friendly products, electronics manufacturers have responded by developing new technologies that boost performance, increase productivity, and extend the overall life of the product.

Myth #4 - The Energy Star logo doesn't really matter.
NOT SO! Products with the Energy Star logo have earned that status. They provide the same performance and features as conventional models but use less energy, so you save money while also conserving the world's resources.

Myth #5 - Green designs look dull.
UNTRUE. While that's a common criticism about certain hybrid vehicles, it's not true of green electronics which have the same sleek, attractive design as other electronics.

Myth #6 - The image quality on the monitor or screen is not as clear on eco-friendly devices.
INCORRECT. Newer manufacturing techniques have improved the screen resolution so you can see the finest of images, all with the added benefit of consuming less energy and being easier on the environment.

Easy Tips for Greening Your Gadgets and More
When looking for a new computer or other electronic device, consider buying used or recycled equipment, and be sure to make full use of all the features. For example, most cell phones feature alarm clocks, calculators, cameras, and music and video players. That's five devices in one. And while it's tempting to be first in line when a new product's released, use your electronics as long as possible. Before buying ask yourself if you really need it or just want bragging rights. Finally, when your device has reached the end of its life, recycle through the manufacturer, community programs or sell it online.

Box Tops for Education Partners with Boise

A paper manufacturer that continues to be an industry leader in green initiatives and innovation is Boise.  Starting this month, Boise will be making a difference in children's futures through a partnership with Box Tops.  The follow Boise brands with the new Box Top packaging include Boise® X-9®, Boise^® FIREWORX^®, and Boise^®™ Premier Print HD:P.

Boise products with Box Tops coupons provides us with a unique way to help our customers support a cause that we both believe in--giving back to your community and providing much needed financial support for education.  More information on Box Tops can be found at www.boxtops4education.com/Default.aspx.  Participating Boise products can be found at www.ecogreenoffice.com

 

Eco Friendly Storage and Container Ideas

BANKERS BOX - Earth Series Offers Green Alternative for Storage


Storing paperwork, memories, important notes and photographs is critical for any home or business.  But how do you do it in a eco-friendly fashion?  One solution is from Bankers Box, Earth Series R-Kive storage boxes.  At Bankers Box, green storage alternatives continue to develop with 100% post-consumer options.  These eco-storage ideas also come with certification from Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI).  SFI certification demonstrates commitment to using sustainable materials to manufacture products in addition to sourcing from responsible managed forests.



Quick Eco-Facts About the Use of Earth Series Boxes (Annual Savings)
- 399,852 Trees
- Energy to Power 1,700 Homes
- 40,000 LBS of C02
- 949 Garbage Truck Loads
- 169,258,077 Gallons of Waste Water

Drive a Leaf, You're #1

Top 10 Green Cars: #1 by Kelley Blue Book

 

 With a groundbreaking combination of range, room and price, the Nissan Leaf is the first all-electric car for the masses. The EPA says the Leaf will deliver 73 miles per charge and the equivalent of 99 miles per gallon. But that's not the only thing green about the Leaf: recycled materials made from home appliances, old car parts and plastic bottles are used extensively throughout the vehicle. The limited range disqualifies the Leaf as an option for some drivers, but for those who can swing it, the Nissan Leaf is the real deal.

New EcoGreenOffice Partner - Covert Innovations

Covert Innovations has over 10 years of cloud computing, project management and consulting experience. Our focus is to bring the latest technology, implement simply and smoothly to meet the needs of your business.  The Cloud is not a new idea, web-based software has been in place for over a decade, but today’s solutions allow businesses to obtain the latest functionality with predictable, scheduled costs and almost no compromise. Let Covert Innovations help you realize the full potential of the cloud.

Green Business Networking: Setting Standards and Strengthening Commitments

by Jocelyn Broyles via EcoGreenOffice

Eco-friendly business is turning into big business and the companies who play well with others at this early stage in the game will come out as the industry leaders: focused, stronger and better positioned than their counterparts who try to go it alone.

"The more you include others, the more smoothly things flow and the more easily things come to you. In order to attract success, you need to welcome it wherever you see it" - Eckhart Tolle, "A New Earth".

The same thing goes for networking with other green businesses. Collaboration; peer and competitor support and esteem; and future returns on current relationship-building all are essential to maintaining your company's green presence, success and goals.

According to Freedonia Group, Inc., as of January 2011, "US green packaging demand [is projected] to top $42 billion in 2014 [and] US demand for recycled content, reusable and biodegradable packaging is projected to exceed $42 billion in 2014."

Those are big numbers, suitable to one of the fastest growing industries in the United States. According to a survey in the office supply industry of 2,500 business professionals, half were interested in greening their office's practices; but price points, and an understanding of what green choices are available and how to
implement them, are stumbling blocks.

Taking into account the billion-dollar potential of just the green packaging industry, and the fact that half of the surveyed office professionals were interested in eco-office measures, but didn't have the tools to affect change within their companies; green businesses need to assert their presence, build strong relationships and become the resource for those looking for answers.

General outreach practices including industry-specific tradeshows and directly contacting a peer or competitor are both excellent ways to grow your businesses network and create industry standards and resources. They provide a face-to-face or voice-to-voice experience that is still necessary in this age of technology, and can generate new ideas, jump-start an initiative, or simply lay groundwork for a future relationship. Tradeshows in particular are wellsprings of innovation and collaboration. Attending a green and sustainable tradeshow often increases enthusiasm and propels your green commitment to the next level. Introductions made at tradeshows can result in instantaneous recognition of like-minded goals and can start a partnership or idea-sharing and growth-promotion between two companies. A direct email or phone call, executed with consideration for the company's achievements and detailing potential collaborative or revenue-producing ideas is often the start of a long-term business relationship. Both these methods of inter-industry contact provide the community and support necessary to continue your company's green goals with renewed and often enhanced zeal.

The technological methods of networking, while not always as instantaneously supportive as direct contact with a like-minded company or person, play a significant role in business relationships today. Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn can be exceptionally beneficial in growing your businesses network; for innovation of new ideas and products; and for receiving necessary feedback and support needed to stay in tune with your original green commitment.

Twitter, while often seen as a flighty site for the pop culture generation, when used strategically as a marketing tool, wields great results within a niche market such as green. Greennii.com, a green and sustainable resource database and partner of EcoGreenOffice, increased its Twitter following 290% in two months, by subscribing to TweetBig, a Twitter management service. Greennii now receives approximately 15% of its users directly from Twitter, due to its daily, industry-specific tweets.

Bing and Google confirmed in December that links shared through Twitter and Facebook effect Search Engine Optimization (SEO) rankings. Facebook can not only provide a portal and voice to a company, it can be used as a platform for client interaction and can drive interest and revenue to new heights, as in the case of Sprinkles, a cupcake company, who's owner, through perseverance and clever marketing uses his Facebook page to engage his customers in a daily free cupcake game. Facebook utilization such as this gained Sprinkles 70,000 followers as early as 2009.

While Twitter and Facebook are the social darlings of social media, LinkedIn is the professional player, but don't discount it - or the others - for that reason. LinkedIn is an excellent meeting place for industry networking, as it excels in providing a space where personal relationships can be shifted into professional relationships; and professionals who are strangers can reach out to industry peers in an effort to promote collaboration, idea sharing and profitable ventures. Kevin L. Nichols used LinkedIn to launch his consulting venture. According to Nichols on LinkedIn, "[He] uses his affiliations in various LinkedIn Groups to create warm leads. He uses LinkedIn Events to organize professional mixers so he can introduce his target market to his services. Nichols has been successful at using his LinkedIn Status Updates to draw traffic to his Website and allow potential clients to find him on the internet, avoiding paying for expensive CRM software.

All of the networking methods, from direct, personal, face-to-face meetings to online relationships created through a series of introductions, provide a space for like-minded individuals to come together and share a dialogue on current and important industry news, information and events. Networking provides a sense of cohesiveness, teamwork and camaraderie, and building and maintaining relationships throughout the green industry helps us all realize this is a collaborative undertaking, and that your green goals, commitments and energies are part of a collective whole.

That type of industry strength, brought about by the solid networking of green industry players, paints a
picture for other businesses and industries seeking to go green. It is the foundation we as green businesses need to create - to maintain, build and strengthen our own green commitment and to set the standard for all other businesses in the future.

Welcome to Bigger than Business...It's Your Life! Featuring Green Power!

EcoGreenOffice is one of twelve spotlight businesses that will be appearing at this years Bigger Than Business event. Registration is free and some keynote speakers include Ed Perlmutter, Michele Weingarden and Mayor Bob Murphy.

Learn about sustainable practices, smart solutions, and environmentally-friendly products and services that will ensure your company thinks big, lives healthy and celebrates success during the Front Range shift to a “Global Center.” Gather information and discuss ideas with leading companies from around the Front Range on topics such as recycling, energy and water conservation, renewable energy, solar power, architecture, education and technology.

For more information, please visit http://www.biggerthanbiz.com/page/page/4764152.htm