10 R’s to Eco Organise

An Organised space not only improves productivity it reduces waste, energy, improves our work/life balance we are also giving Mother Nature a bit of a hand.

What are the 10 R’s?

1. RESEARCH

When considering purchasing new or second hand items a little RESEARCH can save a lot of headaches, save time, money and energy. Research

•       What is its energy rating?
•       Can it be serviced locally?
•       What are the costs of consumables?
•       What’s included and not included in the warranty?
•       What’s the reputation of manufacturer?
•       Does it fit into our current footprint or do I need to rework it?
•       Caring and storing your clothes increases their lifespan.
•       Choose natural fibres over man- made fibres:    Cotton, wool, linen, silk and bamboo

Did you know: Traditional dry cleaning uses PERC (perchloroethylene) is classified by the EPA as a toxic air contaminant?

2. REFUSE

•       Add a water filter to your home or office rather than buying water.
•       Make concerted effort to ban the plastic water bottle.
•       Learn to say NO to junk mail
•       Learn to say No to plastic bags

3. REUSE

Once you have opened your mail, REUSE the envelope.

•       Small envelopes can be used for shopping lists.
•       Large post packs can be relabelled and used again.

•       Use ceramic cups instead of disposable ones

•       Reuse packaging to store business cards

4. REORGANISE

Re-organise your current footprint to accommodate changes such as a new addition to the house hold or office, as an alternative to moving or building a larger home; it will certainly save time, money and energy.

5. RESTYLE

• Consider RESTYLING existing features with a fresh coat of VOC free paints
• Reupholster existing furniture rather than purchasing new.

How can I improve the lighting and reduce our energy consumption?

• Open the curtains and blinds and let some light in
• Look at window treatments which will keep the heat in for winter and out for summer. This will help reduce your energy costs and give the space a new look and feel.
• Restyle existing pieces of clothing with a new hemline or buttons

6. RETHINK 

Rethink what you bring into your space Ask yourself

• Do I need it?
• Do I want it?
• How will it make me feel?
• Will it accommodate my plans?
• Is it made locally or overseas?

7. REDUCE

• Reduce clutter
• Clearing clutter                 creates space; clarity saves time, money and the environment.
• Reduce our dependence on cars by car-pooling.
• Switch off lights and computers when not in use
• Unplug any devise on stand by
• Set photocopiers and screens to energy saving modes.
• Set printers to double side print
• To reduce your clothes carbon footprint, invest in good quality clothing in colours and styles that suit you

Tip: Check out www.goget.com.au and www.letscarpool.com.au

8. REINVENT/RENEW Reinvent old baking dishes into draw dividers. Recycled glass jars are filled with herbs and stored upside down, this enables you to see the contents and how much you have. It also saves a label and save times.

9. REFILL

• Consider refilling consumables such as ink cartridges and detergents
• Investigate buying in bulk and refilling
• Share the bulk buying with other to improve your buying power
• Make your own eco-friendly cleaning products

• Boil the kettle once a day, and fill a thermos this reduces energy costs.

10.   REFRESH

REFRESH your space by opening windows instead of using artificial scent. Bring fresh flowers into the space, they add natural smells, add colour and interest.  

Don’t forget to Recycle

Recycling is great but we still need to be aware of the energy it takes to recycle our STUFF.

• Learn to recycle as much as you can at home  
• Add a compost bin to the kitchen, food scrapes could be used feed a garden.
• And REWARD your team for making the effort to reduce their consumption