As you enter the workforce, you won’t just join it; you’ll help to revolutionize it with a new outlook and fresh ideas. One thing you have that the old guard doesn’t? A greater understanding of sustainable living. You can bring your values to the workplace by starting with these tips for reducing your e-waste.
You’ve grown up with electronics the way other generations grew up with blocks and baseball cards. Think about how many devices you’ve already used and abandoned: smartphones, gaming consoles, tablets, laptops, desktops, printers and that old LeapFrog that’s still in your closet. Still, that’s nothing compared to what companies use to store data, communicate and operate. If your business doesn’t minimize e-waste, lead the charge.
Consolidating Equipment
We no longer need one machine for every action. Bulky phone systems, single-purpose computers and hard drives can all be traded for multifunction electronics that’ll cut down on office equipment. These efficient tools will save energy, too. Even if you can’t make the changes immediately, you can put this swap on the company’s radar for when your tech needs an upgrade.
Prolonging Lifespans
To discard or to repair? If a piece of equipment can be fixed, it’ll cut down on business expenses and waste. You can take care of your devices by protecting them with covers and regular cleaning. Learn how to maximize battery life and shut down electronics at night.
Contracting With Recyclers
Different electronics require different types of responsible disposal. Rather than researching how to recycle, resell and wipe data from them, you can partner with an e-waste company that handles these steps all for you. The company experts can also share more planet-saving strategies with you.
Buying Strategically
Just like household appliances, office equipment is getting more energy efficient. Look into machines labeled “Energy Star” or certified by the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool.
Eliminating Paper
Do it in stages if necessary, but the more records you can store in the cloud, the fewer physical documents you’ll need. Having only physical files is inefficient, archaic and unprofessional. You can at least reduce the number of printers to one.
Sharing Your Knowledge
Most businesses aren’t recklessly tossing electronics because they don’t care. In most cases, they don’t know any other way to handle electronics. You can help motivate your higher-ups by telling them about all the benefits of these tips for reducing your e-waste. Proper disposal will protect proprietary information and your accounts’ data. There are tax incentives for companies going greener. Plus, a commitment to the environment improves your reputation and can even get the attention of environmentally friendly clients. Ultimately, helping to save the planet also helps your boss’s business.
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