Going green is not just a hype. This movement is making real changes and real differences in our world. And it doesn’t take much. Bad and good habits are learned and can be unlearned.

We at Management Advisory Systems have made a decision to learn some good, environmentally responsible habits. And we encourage others to follow.

Terri Melle-Johnson from Greenwise Bankcard has developed some simple easy steps that anyone can follow to make a difference.

Buy smarter

Try finding gently used secondhand products instead of buying new, particularly for items like office furniture, equipment, appliances, clothes, etc.   Borrow books and videos from the library. You can also buy in bulk to save money.   Do not buy bottled water or canned beverages.  Get a water filter for the tap water and use refillable bottles.

Meet Smarter

Reduce all business travel to web-meetings, Skype, etc.  Bundle up all phone services for best rates to reduce long distance call charges. If you have to travel look for green hotels at the Green Lodging Association.

Print Smarter

Save money on ink and paper by checking to see if you really need a paper copy of a particular document before hitting the print button. Use the draft mode for printing which will use less ink and save you money in the long run. Get a recycling company to pick up your office paper waste.  Put bins next to the printer exclusively for printer paper.  Save and refill ink cartridges for a fraction of the cost.

Carry Smarter

No more plastic bags.  Use cloth shopping bags.  Put them in the car so you don’t forget them for your next trip to office depot.

Save Energy

Set your office or home thermostat down a few degrees in the winter and up a few degrees in the summer will waste less energy. Changing to compact fluorescent light bulbs will save energy and put fewer light bulbs in landfills. Use green power strips to control office equipment usage.  Always turn the lights off at closing.

Brew Smarter

Use reusable coffee filters and never have to buy a filter again. Use ceramic mugs instead of disposable cups.

Clean Up Smarter

Use cloth rags instead of paper towels for cleaning.  Mix vinegar and water, put in a spray bottle and use as non-toxic cleaner.

Save Fuel

Have staff car pool or telecommute or even use the public transportation.

Save Time, Food, and Calories

Have staff eat healthier by brown-bagging.  Offer a no-heat required pot-luck type lunch one day a week and eat-in the office.  Build a sub and build morale!  This builds a better office morale, is healthier and saves money.

You will see some real differences in how we do business.