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Welcome to the 14th "Green" Tips Message. This message is sent to all subscribing users on a weekly basis providing simple tips on becoming more Green! This article is part of Earth911’s “Green Eight” series, where they showcase eight ways to green your life in various areas.This week's message provides simple tips on:

8 Ways to Green Your Office

1. Check Out Soy-Based Ink

Ink made from soybeans is not only better for the environment but better for your company’s bottom line, as well. Soy-based ink benefits:

1. Lower levels of volatile organic compounds than ink made from petroleum meaning less harmful toxins emitted 
2. Produces brighter and sharper colors because of the innate clearness of the soybean oil 
3. Makes paper easier to recycle because it’s easier to remove in the de-inking process 
4. Prices are comparable to those for petroleum-based ink, but less soy-based ink is needed per print job and it reduces paper waste, so you are actually saving money 
5. Soy-based ink supports American crops

Soy-based ink is currently only available for commercial printers, not your office printers or ballpoint pens.

Quick Stats

• Soybeans only use about 0.5 percent of the total energy that is needed to create the ink.
• About 90 percent of the country’s daily newspapers with circulations of more than 1500 use soy ink.
• About one quarter of commercial printers in the United States operate using soy ink.
• When soy ink reaches its full potential, it will consume 457 million pounds of soybean oil a year.

2. Eliminate Vending Machine Waste

Coffee-making vending machines may save you from caffeine-withdrawal headaches in the morning, but they don’t help out the environment. If your office vending machine dispenses its own cups, make sure they are recyclable or see if the machine allows you to use your own reusable mug instead of dispensing a plastic cup each time it makes a beverage.

Other options:

1. Provide machines that allow employees to make their own beverages. 
2. Ask the machine provider to de-lamp the machine. 
3. Add an occupancy sensor on the machine that reduces the vending machine’s power requirements during periods of inactivity.

Quick Stats

• A typical refrigerated vending machine consumes 400 Watts—at a rate of 6.39 cents per kWh, that’s an annual operating cost of $225.
• De-lamping vending machines can save $100 every year.

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