Brook Design Services

"Green Your Office" Top Ten List

1. Use recycled and/or environmentally sustainable certified papers. Learn more on our “Sustainable Paper Overview” and “Sustainable Papers List” pages.

2. Consider biodegradable window envelopes.
Plastic-based windows in envelopes stay intact indefinitely and will not compost or degrade. New options include; Glassine made from wood pulp, Polyactic Acid (made from soy, corn or potatoes) and Biodegradable or Compostable Plastics which dissolve without toxic residue. More online at National Envelope Co.

3. Insist on Soy-Based inks.
Using non-toxic soybean oil primarily grown in the US. Much lower VOCs than petroleum inks (volatile organic compounds). Safer and made from a sustainable, renewable resource.

4. Toner is more green than ink.
Undesirable VOCs can be released into the air by many of the processes used for offset printing. Used chemicals are discarded into sewage systems or landfills. Contaminated rags are trashed or washed, sometimes releasing toxins. VOCs are released by heat drying systems. Toner-based and digital printing or copier options can decrease these types of pollution.

5. Avoid disposable plastic water bottles in your office and company events.
Instead of plastic water bottles, why not reusable containers/cups/glasses or recyclable paper cups? By the way, the tap water in the Northwest tastes better and is better for you than bottled water.

6. Avoid plastic bags! Use reclaimed or recyclable packaging materials.

7. Use Signs and Banners made from recycled plastic bottles. Contact us to learn more and get an estimate.

8. Recycle your office paper and other materials.
Chances are paper gets recycled. How about plastic, glass and metal? Toner cartridges? Old computers?

9. Avoid disposable food packaging in your office and company events.
Every choice you make confirms your commitments. Instead of disposable plates and utensils at the meeting, why not recyclable corn-based products?

10. Advertise your Commitments.
Add the appropriate logos to your printed materials where feasible. Advertise other company policies such as using Carbon Credits, Wind Power or local vendors.

Showing your commitment to the environment and your community speaks volumes to your customers and encourages others to follow your example and “go green."

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