Join Linette at the Chicago Green Festival at McCormick Place on May 15, 3 - 4 p.m. She'll share tips on how to Take Back Your Desk!

If your workday is spent looking for important documents that have been swallowed by your desk, join Linette George, founder of Get Organized by George, Inc., as she gives tips for the overwhelmed eco-preneur. Learn how to get more done, in less time, and with less stress.

Download your free ticket here »

Kermit had it all wrong. Bein' green IS easy once you know how. With a little effort you can 'green-up' your office from the bathroom to the boardroom. Here are 15 easy things you can start doing today (recycled from last year):

• Power down computers and other electronic equipment at the end of each day.
• Utilize the power save mode on computers, printers, and photocopiers.
• Use double-sided printing and copying.
• Cut up already-used-on-one-side paper for reuse as scratch pads.
• Recycle used ink-jet cartridges.
• Avoid chemical-based air fresheners in the bathroom.
• Introduce Fair Trade Certified™ and organic coffee and tea into your workplace.
• Stock the break room cabinets with reusable dishware.
• Wherever there is a garbage can, place a larger recycling container.
• Donate excess supplies, computers, office equipment to local nonprofits and schools.
• Use Blackle.com, powered by Google, to perform your Internet searches. It saves energy by using a black screen, which requires less monitor power than Google's white screen.
• Choose to use non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning products.
• Thoroughly use or creatively repurpose office supplies you already have before purchasing new ones.
• Buy recycled content paper, envelopes, and stationery.
• Strive for 100% post-consumer content and zero chlorine bleaching whenever possible.
• Establish a company Green Team to help implement these and future changes.

It doesn't matter where you begin making changes, only that you begin. Once a program is established, the momentum can drive more areas of improvement. In the end you will have a healthier working environment and the satisfaction of doing your part to improve the sustainability of our planet. You will also realize increased profitability for the company. It's a win-win-win!

Kermit had it all wrong. Bein' green IS easy once you know how. With a little effort you can 'green-up' your office from the bathroom to the boardroom. In honor of Earth Day's 40th Anniversary, here are 15 easy things you can start doing today.

• Power down computers and other electronic equipment at the end of each day. 
• Utilize the power save mode on computers, printers, and photocopiers.
• Use double-sided printing and copying.
• Cut up already-used-on-one-side paper for reuse as scratch pads. 
• Recycle used ink-jet cartridges.
• Avoid chemical-based air fresheners in the bathroom.
• Introduce Fair Trade Certified™ and organic coffee and tea into your workplace.
• Stock the break room cabinets with reusable dishware.
• Wherever there is a garbage can, place a larger recycling container.
• Donate excess supplies, computers, office equipment to local nonprofits and schools.
• Use Blackle.com, powered by Google, to perform your Internet searches. It saves energy by using a black screen, which requires less monitor power than Google's white screen.
• Choose to use non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning products.
• Thoroughly use or creatively repurpose office supplies you already have before purchasing new ones.
• Buy recycled content paper, envelopes, and stationery. Strive for 100% post consumer content and zero chlorine bleaching whenever possible.
• Establish a company Green Team to help implement these and future changes.

It doesn't matter where you begin making changes, only that you begin. Once a program is established, the momentum can drive more areas of improvement. In the end you will have a healthier working environment and the satisfaction of doing your part to improve the sustainability of our planet. You will also realize increased profitability for the company. It's a win-win-win!