Into Motivation

As people are becoming more eco-conscious in many aspects of their lives, one place that has been affected is the office. Due to the large amounts of office workers, the number of office products that are manufactured and purchased each year is astounding. People are beginning to realize that every little bit counts and that includes looking into office furniture and products that are environmentally friendly.

Accessibility to these eco-friendly products has increased, especially since health facilities, government agencies, schools and corporations are asking for them. Although it has taken awhile for the “green” theory to become reality to many people, it is becoming more and more evident that definite changes need to take place. With office furniture alone, the glues, stains and polishes of manufacturing the furniture is anything but healthy for workers. This is in addition to the fact that when the furniture is discarded, the by-products are unable to be recycled and used again.

Choosing green office products requires having an idea of what you want. There may be some eco-friendly specification that you are more interested in. Because there are so many different ideas about what makes something ‘green,’ you need to decide exactly what you are looking for. In most areas, being “green” has not been much regulated, so make sure that the products you are considering are indeed friendlier for the environment. As time goes on, the regulations and specifications for exactly what is “green” will become clearer and people will be able to trust labels more. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to make sure that the ‘green’ label does indeed mean what it says.

While it’s commendable to be environmentally friendly, it makes even more sense to find products that are friendly to the body. Called ergonomics, these products reduce strain on the body by providing the support that is needed. In other words, computer

ergonomics would apply to people who work at a computer all day, using their hands, arms and fingers most of the day. These workers will often strain their muscles day by day with no relief. These ergonomic products help workers by giving them the support they need to get their work done, and also be more productive because they are not hurting their bodies in the process.

Another popular eco-friendly idea is recycling. While many people recycle their paper, glass, and aluminum cans, not many stop to consider recycling their office furniture. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has estimated that businesses throw away about three million tons of furniture every year, paying disposal costs of about one hundred million dollars.

There are several ways that you can use recycled office products. One of these ways is to buy furniture that has been made from solid waste, rebuilt and put on the market to be sold to the public. Re-used, refurbished and re-manufactured products all fall within the category of recycled products. Re-used office furniture has been recycled and returned to the market to sell, without repairing or improving the furniture. Refurbished office furniture is recycled, “touched up” to improve the look, and then put back on the market. Re-manufactured office products are ones that have been disassembled completely, then inspected, cleaned, repaired, put back together and refinished. Only then will this “like new” product be put back on the market to sell.

It’s never been easier to go green. Rather it’s an ergonomic office chair, paper products, or light bulbs, anything that we do to help make people and the environment healthier is worth the time and effort. Soon, being ‘green’ will become a way of life for more people, especially as they realize the long lasting benefits of saving energy and natural resources.