Green Alternatives Now in the Workplace
By creating a “Greener Office” companies can act in a more environmentally sensitive way
MODESTO, CA April, 2009– Did you know that each year the U.S. consumes enough office paper to build a 10-foot-high wall 6,815 miles long? This creates a huge disposal problem, and an urgent need for companies to "buy green" -- meaning products with recycled content, easily recycled themselves, which have used minimal resources and packaging.
Cut-sheet paper is just one of many essential office-product categories that now offer cost-effective "green" alternatives to the traditional products. Some others:
• envelopes, forms, labels, calendars and "daytimers"
• filing, storage and binding supplies
• breakroom, cleaning and safety supplies
• desktop organizers and accessories
• ink and toner cartridges
• light bulbs and batteries
• writing instruments
• office furniture
How can a company buying for its offices learn about their "green products" options? In the Central Valley they can contact Warden's Office Products. "That's where we come in," says Chris Peterson, President. "We can advise the customer about smart choices that reduce waste, save money and deliver product satisfaction. We are the customer’s resource for learning about new products as they come onto the market, or for ordering the products they have grown accustomed to over the years. We can address all of these customer needs.”
Office workers can do a lot to help the environment: they can buy recycled products (ranging from 10% to 100% recycled paper, metal, plastic, etc.), and they can recycle many products they consume (paper, ink cartridges, batteries etc.). They can also buy products certified as having been "green-manufactured": made without toxic vapor-emitting chemicals and using sustainable materials, reduced packaging, and minimal energy to produce.
Because Warden's is based in Modesto, they stay in touch with local buying trends. When they decide what to stock, Warden's takes into account everything from product performance and access to local manufacturers to carton sizes and shipping costs. Representatives can explain what makes green products green. "Some products benefit from the use of recycled material," says Chris. "This is true for paper, steel, some plastics, and the 'core elements' used in today's printer cartridges. From the 10% recycled content in some premium paper to the 100% used in some paper clips, there are lots of choices we can guide the buyer through."
For example, Warden's can advise companies about print-management strategies (to reduce consumption and increase re-use or recycling); file storage systems (using high-recycled-content file cabinets, hanging folders, and document covers); and green janitorial/sanitation/safety products (ranging from cleaners to mops to orange "wet floor" cones). Office furniture also presents green alternatives: there are high-quality name brands that use recycled wood and stain-resistant fabric treated with nontoxic finishes. And a variety of products are biodegradable and can be composted, for companies that want to go that route.
It is the office-products dealer who is the expert in products that yield these cost savings and environmental benefits. To see what Warden's Office Products has to offer, go to www.wardensopc.com or call 209-549-3406. Whatever the customer needs, Warden's can supply it at an attractive price.This is largely because it is backed by United Stationers, whose 32 distribution centers nationwide stock over 40,000 products, and can obtain thousands more on short notice.