Save Energy and Resources

• Put your computer on Sleep Mode when you head to a meeting or leave your office for the day. Also, change your Control Panel settings to automatically turn off your computer's monitor after a set period of inactivity (say, 15 minutes). Remember that running a screensaver does not save energy!
• Save energy by unplugging appliances when they're not in use. For example, your toaster, coffeemaker, and blender probably don't require quick access 24/7. 40% of all electricity used to power such products is consumed when the products are not in use, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• Open the blinds in your home or office to take advantage of the sun's natural heat, and close them when the sun goes down to keep the heat in.
• Use less paper when you print documents. Make double-sided printing the default setting on your home and work printers. You can also reduce your paper consumption by decreasing the margins in Word. To do so, simply go to File — Page Setup.
• Try to limit your consumption of paper towels and napkins. Use a hand towel or kitchen towel to dry your hands after washing them. At a fast food restaurant or café, try to resist grabbing a huge handful of paper napkins when one or two will suffice.
• Air dry your clothes by hanging them on a wooden clothes rack or outside on a clothes line. You'll save the electricity and cost that goes towards operating a dryer, plus you can bet your clothes won't shrink!