While we all know that 'going green' is the right thing to do, as freelance linguistic services providers we might not think of ourselves as being part of a dirty industry. So are many of us overlooking some simple steps to reducing our carbon footprint?
Although it's true that we can give ourselves a pat on the back for working from home (no nasty emissions from the daily commute), there is no call for complacency and every small change we make for the better has a cumulative effect. Here are my top 5, easy-to-do steps towards more ecologically friendly freelancing:
1.) Recycle
While the energy benefits of recycling are the subject of much debate, making sure that bottle, ink cartridge or cardboard box doesn't go straight into landfill will certainly have a positive impact on the local environment. Make the call to your local authority today to ask about recycling options for small businesses.
2.) Get rid of the fax machine
If you still have a fax machine, did you realise that all those fax-spam documents asking if you have back pain or would like air conditioning constitute a huge wastage of paper and ink? Move to an on-line fax system (such as eFax) which has the benefit of letting you select which faxes to print and is also accessible from any internet connection.
3.) Turn off the standby
One measly LED won't make a difference, I hear you cry. But over thousand of hours per year, multiplied by the numerous gadgets you have - yes, turning off the standby WILL give you that warm feeling of being a good boy or girl; just like when you ate up all your peas as a kid.
4.) Insulate
Invest in some insulation for your premises. Living and working from home makes it doubly worthwhile. Plus you may be eligible for a grant to help with the costs. Did I mention it will cut you heating bill?
5.) Grow something
This is an oldie but a goodie. Plants act as carbon sinks, sucking in the carbon from emissions and storing it until they eventually decompose. Long-lived plants (trees etc.) therefore have the longest lasting effect but if you don't have room for an oak in your office (!), rest safe in the knowledge that any plant you grow will not only be doing good for the atmosphere but also, it will be good for you and your business. Various studies have shown that greenery is good for productivity and relaxes the mind.
Although it's true that we can give ourselves a pat on the back for working from home (no nasty emissions from the daily commute), there is no call for complacency and every small change we make for the better has a cumulative effect. Here are my top 5, easy-to-do steps towards more ecologically friendly freelancing:
1.) Recycle
While the energy benefits of recycling are the subject of much debate, making sure that bottle, ink cartridge or cardboard box doesn't go straight into landfill will certainly have a positive impact on the local environment. Make the call to your local authority today to ask about recycling options for small businesses.
2.) Get rid of the fax machine
If you still have a fax machine, did you realise that all those fax-spam documents asking if you have back pain or would like air conditioning constitute a huge wastage of paper and ink? Move to an on-line fax system (such as eFax) which has the benefit of letting you select which faxes to print and is also accessible from any internet connection.
3.) Turn off the standby
One measly LED won't make a difference, I hear you cry. But over thousand of hours per year, multiplied by the numerous gadgets you have - yes, turning off the standby WILL give you that warm feeling of being a good boy or girl; just like when you ate up all your peas as a kid.
4.) Insulate
Invest in some insulation for your premises. Living and working from home makes it doubly worthwhile. Plus you may be eligible for a grant to help with the costs. Did I mention it will cut you heating bill?
5.) Grow something
This is an oldie but a goodie. Plants act as carbon sinks, sucking in the carbon from emissions and storing it until they eventually decompose. Long-lived plants (trees etc.) therefore have the longest lasting effect but if you don't have room for an oak in your office (!), rest safe in the knowledge that any plant you grow will not only be doing good for the atmosphere but also, it will be good for you and your business. Various studies have shown that greenery is good for productivity and relaxes the mind.
