Earth Day is observed each year to celebrate nature and remind everyone of the importance of protecting the environment. In 1970, the year Earth Day was established, 20 million Americans demonstrated in cities across the country, lending support to such important milestones as the establishment of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Clean Air Act. Over the years, Earth Day has grown into a global movement, celebrated in 192 countries. Over one billion people participate in Earth Day activities, making it the largest civic observance in the world, according to the Earth Day Network.

Ten Ways to Make Your Workplace Greener

The following is a list of 10 things you can do this Earth Day—and every day—to conserve water and energy, reduce waste, and lower emissions:

  1. Use sleep mode. Enable the power management settings on your computers and office equipment so they go to sleep (low power mode) when you are not working, and wake up with just a key stroke.
  2. Shine a light. Replace older lights with high-efficiency fluorescent T8s, T5s, or compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). Open window treatments and let the sun shine in, turning off lights whenever possible.
  3. Power down. Computers and electronics continue to use power after they are turned off. You can save energy by using power switches to shut these devices off when not in use.
  4. Make an adjustment. Adjust the thermostat up or down at night and on weekends when your facility is unoccupied to avoid wasting heating and cooling energy.
  5. Think before you print. Do you really need to print out that memo? Office workers generate nearly 40 pounds of paper each year. Before you hit the print button, think about whether that item is necessary. If you must print, use both sides of the paper and recycle it whenever possible. 
  6. Eat green. Bringing food to work in reusable containers reduces cafeteria and restaurant waste, making it one of the greenest and healthiest ways to eat. Provide employees with reusable dishes, silverware, and cups.
  7. Travel light. Employee commuting and business travel uses energy and pollutes the air. Encourage staff to carpool, use public transportation, walk, or bicycle to work. Use video conferencing or other online tools for meetings or presentations, instead of travel by car or airplane.
  8. Conserve water. Look for ways to conserve water around the workplace. Use a sweeper instead of a hose to clean sidewalks and parking lots. Water landscaping at night when it is more effective and consider using weather- or moisture-sensing controls.
  9. Join the loop. Encourage recycling throughout your facility; place clearly marked recycling bins in accessible places. Close the loop by purchasing office supplies, packaging, and other products made from recycled materials.
  10. Team up. No one can do it alone. Start a Green Team to reduce waste and increase energy efficiency. For more information, see Bring Your Green to Work from the U.S. EPA

Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22nd. 

Source: http://members.questline.com/Article.aspx?articleID=18244&accountID=3032.  “This article previously appeared in the Duke Energy Business Services Newsline newsletter, and is used with permission.”