1. I’m able to write with both hands
   At the age of 10 I decided that writing with my right hand “only” was not enough. I taught myself how to write with the left one. Today I regularly switch the mouse’s side, together with the primary and secondary buttons. I don’t notice differences anymore while working with image editing software.
2. I’ve got a green thumb
   Plants just don’t die around me
3. I dream in 3 languages (at least)
   French, German and English are all mixed up: people in my dreams are very skilled and change their language in the middle of a sentence. It becomes funny when old french friends can speak german perfectly at once.
4. My favorite drink is water
   Plain water, without bubbles. I’m not afraid of asking for water from the tap, regardless of where I am.
5. I like reading before going to sleep
   I enjoy the experience a lot but I just wish my fingers wouldn’t always get that cold during the winter.

Current control
Do you switch off the lights when leaving your room for lunch? Shut down your PC before the week-end? Less obviously, could you use more daylight by moving your desk – thus avoiding to turn on the lamp?
And what about heating, or opening and closing windows at defined times, when your roommates agree, during the winter?…

Waste separation
Depending on where you live, you may be aware of the local waste separation guidelines. The workplace is an ideal location to apply them, since you might have more container space available there than at home, and habits are easier to form due to the amount of time spent there.

The appropriate medium
Choose your method of communication according to the desired outcome: personal contact or eMail can sometimes replace lengthy printed letters and phone calls. A waste of time, for example by trying to write down a complicated concept rather than explaining it to your colleague face-to-face, may lead to higher energy consumption (i.e. doing overtime in the evening with the light on).

Use paper wisely
For my part, I use a lot of paper to sketch and to brainstorm in my work. I’ve made a habit of collecting the misprinted sheets that are always laying near the printer. They mostly are still usable, at least on one side, which I draw on.
I also think twice before sending a job to the printer. Sometimes it’s enough to quickly scan the document on screen to know if its contents are worth printing.

Nourish the green flame
Ask your colleagues at the IT department what’s the best way to save energy with the hardware they provide you with. Keep your ears and eyes open for new possibilities in the domain of environment-friendliness. Be a positive example and more people will follow you.

Here are few keywords to inspire you on your green journey in the workplace:

• Rechargeable batteries
• Bikes, public transports, car sharing, working from home
• Fair-trade coffee
• Recycled furniture
• Shared office supplies

How do you “green up” your workplace? Let us know!