Tips for your Workplace
Be an advocate for energy efficiency to your employer or purchasing department. That's OneThing.
If your office has a window, use the shades to let in more sun in the winter and block out the sun during the summer, so climate systems don't have to work so hard. That's OneThing.
If you're lucky enough to have that office with the window, turn off your lights and 'Let the Sunshine in!' That’s OneThing.
Just like at home, don’t leave windows or outside doors open when the cooling or heating system is on. That's OneThing.
Be mindful of the heating and cooling system in your place of work. Close drapes, doors and windows so it doesn't have to work harder. That's OneThing.
Bike to work every once in a while. Using a bicycle to commute four days a week for four miles saves 54 gallons of gas annually. That’s OneThing.
Clean the refrigerator in the breakroom, even if it's not your job, especially the coils on the back. Dust and dirt can strain the compressor and waste energy. That’s OneThing.
Don't fight over the thermostat with fellow employees. Frequent temperature changes use more energy. That's OneThing.
Dress in layers so you can "self cool" or "self warm" without having to hit the thermostat every few minutes. That's OneThing.
ENERGY STAR products work the same or better than regular appliances but use less energy. A lot less. Always choose the star when available. That’s OneThing.
For business trips, take a train or a bus instead of a plane if you can. They use less fuel. That’s OneThing.
If people are done drinking coffee, make sure the coffee pot is turned off. That's OneThing.
If you experience uneven temperatures during the day, tell your employer or building manager. It may be a sign that the HVAC system isn't running efficiently. That's OneThing.
If you have a choice of tools to get a job done, always choose the most efficient one. Hey, a rhyming OneThing.
If you have a window office, shut off the lights and let the sun shine in. That's OneThing.
If you want several cups of coffee, reuse the same cup. That's OneThing.
In places where all the decisions aren’t up to you, like where you work, shop or go to school, urge those in leadership positions to do OneThing. That’s OneThing.
Install motion sensors so lights are on only when they’re needed. That’s OneThing.
Make sure all the lights are off when you leave work. That's OneThing.
Make sure the last person to leave every night knows how to turn the heating or cooling system down or off. That's OneThing.
Make sure the last person to leave every night turns off all copiers and printers. That's OneThing.
Make sure you turn off all the lights in your area before you leave at night, and encourage your coworkers to do the same. That's OneThing.
Make sure your employer or the purchasing department knows to always look for the ENERGY STAR on new equipment.
Printing multiple copies of a document. For more than 3 copies, print a master and use the copier to be more efficient. Then, duplicate that effort every time. That’s OneThing.
Put your car on a diet. Limit yourself to a certain amount of gas each week and use alternative forms of transportation when you run out. That’s OneThing.
Rather than turning up the heat, put on an extra sweater. That’s OneThing.
Recycle. Recycle. Then, recycle some more. Reusing everything from cloth diapers to ink cartridges means less energy is being used to create more. That’s OneThing.
Reuse paper, pens, pads and other office supplies as much as possible. That's OneThing.
Ride your bike, moped or scooter more often to work. They use less gas. Or no gas! That’s OneThing.
Send emails, text messages and I.M.’s instead of using regular mail or courier services when possible. It doesn’t take any gas to click "send." That’s OneThing.
Spread the word to coworkers about shutting off their computers. That's OneThing.
Switch off and unplug appliances and electronics in the office and break room when they are not in use. That’s OneThing.
Take a bus, a taxi or the train to work. Public transportation uses less gas and oil. That’s OneThing.
Take the stairs. It's good exercise for you and less energy for the building. That’s OneThing.
Talk to your coworkers about carpooling to work or to lunch at least a few times per week. That's OneThing.
Talk to your employer or building manager to make sure the HVAC system is on a timer so it can go off or reduce energy use at night. That's OneThing.
Talk to your utility company about green or clean energy options. That’s OneThing.
Tell your coworkers to shut off their computers when they leave. Or do it for them. That’s OneThing.
Think about your workplace the same way you think about your home. That's OneThing.
Treat your office like you treat your home. Look for ways to save in everything you do. That's OneThing.
Try carpooling to work once or twice a week. You might like it. And you’ll definitely like the impact on your fuel costs and the environment. That’s OneThing.
Turn off all the lights in your area before you leave at night, and encourage your coworkers to do the same. That's OneThing.
Turn off your computer rather than putting it to sleep for long periods of time. That's OneThing.
Unplug coffee makers and other small appliances in the kitchen when they're not in use. That's OneThing.
Unplug your personal electronic equipment in your office if you're going to be out on vacation. That's OneThing.
Urge your boss to replace older appliances with new, more efficient ENERGY STAR models. Show them how much the company will save and you might get a promotion. That's OneThing.
Use cold water when you wash your hands. It saves energy. That's OneThing
Use recycled paper. Every ton saves trees, water and the energy equivalent of 380 gallons of oil. That’s OneThing.
Use smaller task lighting over desks, tables and workbenches instead of lighting the whole room. That’s OneThing.
Use the right tool for the job. Choose your electric power tool with the lowest horsepower or amps adequate for the work you want to do. That’s OneThing.
When you leave common rooms like bathrooms, kitchens and storage rooms, be sure to turn off the lights. That's OneThing
When you leave your office or desk for lunch, turn off the lights until you return. That's OneThing.