GM FYI Blog

By John Bradburn
Senior Environmental Project Engineer, Worldwide Facilities Group

Editor’s Note: We Asked John Bradburn, part of GM’s Environmental Services, to offer some ideas to help make a green impact in your office as the spring season kicks into full swing. Take a look at what he had to say.

At General Motors, we understand that a small action — multiplied when many people take it — can make a big difference. This is never more true than in making an office more environmentally friendly.

These office programs can help promote office environmentalism, no matter where you work.

Form an office enthusiasm group that focuses on environmental-themed activities. These could focus on community and family stewardship. They can be formed around periodic business meetings to give additional flavor to the meeting, or by encouraging participation to a common goal, one of environmental improvement.

Establish an “Energy Cops” system that can give energy tickets. If a person leaves their computer or desk light on, leave them a ticket. Share the cop responsibility and soon it will become a funny way of reminding others to be energy wise.

Create office paper recycling programs. This is one of the largest office solid waste streams. Local recyclers can be consulted for specific recycling needs in paper collection. Encouraging electronic communications, reports and presentations are sure ways to accomplish goals. Even little things, like taking notes taken on back of handouts, also helps eliminate waste.

Cell phone collections are special in that they offer a recycling option to people who otherwise might not know what to do with them. They can be made available to seniors and local shelters for use in emergency communications. Additional phones can be recycled to recover the individual components. And in many cases a nominal amount of money can be received for the phones and given to a charity of choice by the office participants.

Canned good drives. Try asking co-workers to bring in a canned good at the next office meeting. This provides benefits to those in a less advantaged environment and at the same time, promotes office worker enthusiasm. Pick a local food shelter and deliver the goods.

Consider a drive for the recycling of gently used coats, boots, hats and gloves. This is a good activity for early winter.

Check back tomorrow to FYI for more ideas on how to keep your office green.