Set up a green team of diverse staff who will investigate, document and motivate change in your business. Your green team should develop a waste reduction policy outlining the direction and specific commitment for improvements.

Use a travel mug, thermos and resealable containers when packing food.

Recycle more by making it easy. Place well-labeled bins throughout the office including in lunchrooms, coffee stations, meeting rooms and at each desk.

Do double-sided photocopying and encourage staff to use one-sided paper for scrap paper notepads.

Bring old magazines and books into work for others to enjoy.

Register with one of many charities that accept cell phones, rechargeable batteries and ink cartridges. Such as www.rbrc.org/call2recycle.

Buy paper products with post-consumer recycled content.

Develop a purchasing policy that supports purchasing products and services that lessen environmental impact.

When hiring a catering company for meetings, use one that supplies reusable plates, cups, napkins and cutlery.

Cut down on paper use by networking computers and sharing files electronically. Use e-mail and voice-mail.

Switch to energy-efficient fluorescent or halogen lights.

Turn off all unnecessary lights, computers and equipment after hours. Where appropriate, use stickers to remind staff to do this.

Install a thermostat system to turn down heating and minimize air-conditioning during off-hours.

Install motion light sensors. Buy energy efficient appliances. Plant windbreaks and shade trees around your business.

Target Zero Canada has documented the efforts of companies that have reduced their waste to almost nothing.