Quick Tip

 

The other day I was coming to work on the el and saw these ads. It’s an interesting idea for an advertising campaign. On the surface, it seems like an obvious hint. Kind of like your mom telling you to zip your coat on those wintery cold days as a child. But the creative graphics make this simple message more eye-catching. I know there are lots of people who don’t like the look of CFLs, but I was browsing the aisle of my neighborhood home improvement store and was surprised to see CFLs that have a bulb around them so you can’t see the curly-cue. I picked up a couple of these for my dining room table overhead light. I also have been using them in other rooms for about 2 years, and have yet to replace one. Meanwhile, my remaining incandescent bulbs keep burning out.  And, my Christmas tree is filled with LEDs for the first time ever. While the colors have improved, they still aren’t as warm as incandescent lights, but I feel like it’s a worthwhile swap since I’m saving on my electric bill, and helping the future of the planet!

For more energy saving tips, take a look at ComEd's Energy Saving Tips.

Bike to Work Week – June 9-15!

Eire will be celebrating Chicago’s annual Bike to Work Week by participating in Active Transportation Alliance’s Bike Commuter Challenge. This will be the 5th year we have participated. Oh wait we didn’t participate last year because I was on maternity leave and no one covered for me. I’m back! So let’s get excited and bike to work!

We challenge you to compete too.
The Bike Commuter Challenge is the best way to celebrate Chicago Bike to Work Week, June 9–15, 2012.

Just sign up your company and be a Team Leader or join an existing team and start logging your trips during Chicago Bike to Work Week. Any bike trip to work counts – even partway. You can bike to the train, bus, or carpool location and lock up there.

It’s easy, free, and most of all, fun! There is even help you get ready for the Challenge with tips and tricks on how to ride to work.

The Bike Commuter Challenge is brought to you by the Active Transportation Alliance. Active Trans is a non-profit advocacy organization that works throughout Chicagoland to improve conditions for bicycling, walking and transit while engaging people in healthy and active ways to get around.

"Green Tips" for your office.

You spend most of your time at work, so help make sure your office is green by following these tips.

Tip #1: Be bright about light.
Artificial lighting accounts for nearly half of the electricity use in office buildings, so turn off the lights whenever you leave any room -- and invite in natural light wherever possible. Make it a policy, too, to buy Energy Star-rated lightbulbs and fixtures, which use at least two-thirds less energy than regular lighting, and install timers or motion sensors that automatically shut off lights when they're not needed.

Tip #2: Maximize computer efficiency.
Computers in the business sector waste $1 billion worth of electricity per year, so make it a habit to turn off your computer -- and the power strip it's plugged into -- when you leave work for the day. Otherwise you'll still be burning energy even if you're not burning the midnight oil. During the day, setting your computer to go to sleep during short breaks can cut energy use 70%. Remember, screen savers don't save energy.

Tip #3: Print smarter (or not at all).
The average U.S. office worker can use 10,000 pieces of copy paper per year. To reduce your number, print double-sided whenever possible. Avoid color printing (hues are more likely to be toxic) and consider downloading Ecofont to save ink. Better yet, really think about whether you need that information down on sheets of dead trees, or whether having it on your computer is good enough.

Tip #4: Chew on this.
Much of your munching happens at the office, so keep your own mug, dishware, and flatware at your desk. This will fend off the temptation to use the paper and plastic disposables that are easy to grab in the lunchroom. If you're a workplace manager, provide reusable dishes, silverware, and glasses. Switch to eco-friendly coffees and teas, and buy organic and local food for parties and other events. And remember: Water fountains are always better than bottled water.