1. Use a Laptop - a laptop computer uses approx. one quarter of the energy than that used by traditional energy guzzling desktop computers.

2. Use Recycled Paper - You can do your bit to save trees, energy AND water plus prevent more air pollution because recycled paper uses less energy in production. One whole tree only provides the equivalent of just under 2 cartons of paper... in large offices, it doesn't take long for just one person to use up the equivalent of one tree just with their own use.

3. Use both sides of the paper! These days modern computers do double-sided printing, and if your's doesn't, check if your printer will do alternating page printing - then you can print both sides manually. Most modern photocopiers also provide for double-sided printing and there is no excuse not to use this function if it exists.

4. Choose other recycled and environmentally friendly office supplies - these days, it's not just paper that is recycled - you can get pencils, pens, mouse pads, notebooks, and biodegradable cups, to name some, that have been produced from recycled product. Ask your stationery supplier for a list of eco-friendly office supplies and make the switch. Ask your cleaners to use "green" products. Purchase "green" eco-friendly cleaning products for office use, too. Consider also the use of cloths like Enjo that use only water to clean.

5. Recycle your Ink and Toner Cartridges - in these more eco-friendly times, many stationery supply stores will accept your empty cartridges and sometimes offer something in return for them. These can be recycled and if you buy recycled cartridges you will be helping the environment and saving money. You can also take your empty cartridges to stores who specialize in refilling them.

6. Turn your computers off when not in use - you will not only save money on electricity bills, but you can prevent tons of unnecessary carbon dioxide emissions. When you leave the office at night, turn it off. During the day if you are not going to be using your computer for a while, put it in "sleep" mode, which is a great little energy-saving mode!

7. Switch to Energy-Saving Power Strips - Even when you turn your computer off, it is still drawing on power from the socket. The same applies to printers and scanners. These days you can buy power boards (power strips) that include built in energy-saving features that switch off the strip if the appliance goes into standby or off mode. You can also use these at home with your TV and home entertainment appliances. This reduces the use of power that is otherwise wasted by equipment that's still drawing on power even though not in use and will save energy AND money.

8. Use Recycle Bins. In your kitchen area and strategic points around the office, provide separate recycle bins so staff can 'bin' their cans, paper and plastic appropriately, and other rubbish that can't be recycled can have its own bin. Not only does this help the recycling process but it educates your staff who may eventually adopt the practice in their own homes.

Buy from companies that actively promote environmentally friendly products and practices. In many instances you will be able to buy eco-friendly and recycled product from them at cheaper prices than other stores.

At the end of the day, we only have one planet and we are all responsible for it, and moreso if we are among those using up its resources!

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Donna Eliassen is a Virtual Assistant and writer (an ex corporate PA with 25+ years experience) who works out of her home office in Western Australia. She is always surrounded by pets of some kind, a husband and a beautiful and talented daughter. You can find out more about her at http://a1VikingVirtualServices.com

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