With never ending to do lists ocurring on day to day basis, a green working environment seems to be as utopic as Thomas More's island. Change starts with little things, and the tiniest modification in our behavior can do wonders for us and our offices.

Here's the first 12 things to get you started.

• Disable your computer/laptop's screen-saver. Make sure to tell your colleagues to do the same, as screen savers consume more energy because of lighting and processing.
• Get to an agreement with your collegues and buy sugar & cream for your coffee in large containers, not in paper packages. (It's also cheaper this way)
• Store all documentation online. 'Before printing this message, think about the environment' message at the end of the emails you recieve has a purpose. How many of you actually think before printing?
• Buy recyclable toner and ink. Cartridges contribute to landfill metal and plastic waste, so recycled ones can alleviate the burden of refilling the environment.
• When possible (this mostly depends on your boss) try to work from home. It's one of the reasons video conferences were created.
• Artificial light accounts for 44% of total electricity consumption in office buildings. Switch off the light when you leave your office for more than 15 minutes and try to use natural light as much as possible.
• Recycle, recycle, recycle. Do you remember the garbage bins at Bella Center? Almost all types of paper can be recycled, including fax paper, envelopes and promotional prints. Metals and plastic, too. Let others know about your endeavor and ask them to do the same. 
• Try to replace the classic office supplies with recycled ones. Furniture made from recycled materials could be next on the company's to-do-list.
• Encourage everybody to use their own cutlery, instead of the plastic alternative for lunch. 
• Encourage your co-workers to walk or ride a bike to the office and do the same. (If you don't know how to start, ask the Danes or the Danish)
• Develop a car sharing program with other colleagues (it's a lesson learned from Dyssekilde). Others may want to do that, but they don't not have the courage to ask, so you can break the ice.
• Filter tap water to reduce bottled water consumption. Again Bella Center is a good example. 

And add your own green ideas to the list above.

*This post was inspired by an article I read about Elithis Tower (pictured in the photo above). I know there are other green buildings, too, but you can't argue with my inspiration.