First of all, ask staff what they can do to make your workplace greener. You’ll probably find a few individuals who are really passionate about the subject and will help to drive the initiative through the business. You could even reward your staff when they hit set targets – how about providing a picnic area and organising an organic events for the company to keep it in theme? Introduce a recycling initiative into your workplace. Place recycling bins in every department – separate cans, plastic, glass and paper – and talk to your local Council about the recycling collection service they offer. Also, look to use scrap paper for note-pads and replace the vast volume of post-it notes we use on a daily basis. Instead of using a vending machine that dispenses a polystyrene cup with every drink, use a kettle and bring in your own mugs. This reduces the amount of rubbish you produce and means that you can get a bigger cup of tea – just don’t forget the biscuits! Buy a good quality fan rather than using an air conditioning unit on hot days. Keeping blinds and windows shut is a simple way to stop the office heating up. On cold days shut doors to keep the heat in. Ensure your building has sufficient insulation. Consider using email instead of writing memos and sending faxes. You’ll save paper and ink and it’s much more reliable. Seton invests in an electronic catalogue http://www.setoncatalogue.co.uk and participates in a recycling scheme – we encourage all of our customers to do as much as they can help to reduce their environmental impact. Encourage employees to reduce their reliance on their car to get to work. Offering improved facilities for cyclists such as cycle shelters, a shower and locker room could make a real difference. The Government is also offering a number of incentives for employers such as tax free bicycles and tax incentives for ‘cycle-to-work’ days – full information can be found at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/pdfs/ir176.htm#i Save electricity – it’s the biggest contributor to global warming! Buy energy efficient electrical appliances and light bulbs, and actively encourage staff to turn off lights and computers when they leave in the evening – signs placed near the door are a great reminder. The average business spends £6,000 a year by leaving the electricity on over the weekend and Bank Holidays (source: http://www.carbontrust.co.uk/energy/startsaving/top_tips.htm) For further ideas and information on going green and saving energy Seton recommends the following sites: Carbon Trust – Dedicated site to reducing the impact of businesses on climate change Environment Agency – Public body dedicated to protecting the environment   Visit our website for further tips and products The Seton website is your ultimate guide to facilities management and safety, with over 40,000 solutions for your workplace. All orders over 100 qualify for a FREE GIFT. Visit: www.seton.co.uk

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Seton is a division of the Brady Corporation Ltd. Registered Office: Brady Corporation Ltd, Wildmere Industrial Estate, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 3JU. Brady Corporation Limited is a company registered in England and Wales. Company No. 04201763