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1. Turn the Cool/Heat Down
Office spaces and other places of work require enormous amounts of energy to maintain an even temperature, whether it's heating or cooling. While this can be a tricky subject among co-workers, who may have different body types, metabolisms, expectations and preferences for temperature, by talking things through you may be able to encourage your building manager to set a more eco-friendly temperature. He or she may not know that the air around your desk feels like a summer night in Cairns, even if it's freezing outside. Or perhaps your team can agree to try lowering or raising the thermostat by just a few degrees, and dress accordingly. The savings can be substantial, especially if you suggest that temperature is lowered at night, or other times when few people are present.

2. Suggest Energy-Efficient Lighting
You've probably heard that you can save money by switching to fluorescent lighting. But maybe no-one at your office got the green memo. Also, are there times when you can raise blinds and turn off the lights? Does everyone remember to shut off unneeded lights in say storerooms and toilets, or when they leave?

3. Turn Off Those Computers!
If your office is like many others, people leave their computers on all the time, even when they aren't using them! However, you can tell your boss that every worker who shuts his or her machine down before heading out each evening saves an average of $90 worth of electricity a year. That adds up! It is also helpful to shut off your monitor if you aren't going to use it for more than 20 minutes, and the whole system if you're not going to use it for more than two hours. Also manufacturers say that time spent off extends your machine’s life - tell that to the IT guys!

4. Say No to Plastic Cups
Many companies provide employees with a filtered water cooler complete with disposable plastic cups. That's a nice thought, but using all those plastic cups isn't doing the environment any favors. Suggest that staff bring their own personalized water glass and provide a set of stylish glasses for visitors to use. It’s better for the environment and so much nicer than drinking out of a nasty plastic cup.

5. Encourage Car Pooling and Biking
Actively work with your co-workers to set up car pooling. Not only can everyone save on petrol, but you'll also reduce emissions and build camaraderie among your team. Does your company have a bulletin board, either virtual or the kind with actual thumbtacks? Ask your boss if you can post a sign-up sheet for those who might be interested in participating. Similarly, does your work place have bike racks? Those who bike to work also tend to be healthier, and more fit employees are sick less often and require less health care.

6. Save on Printing
As anyone who has ever owned an inkjet or laser printer knows, replacement cartridges are mighty pricey, and soon eclipse the original cost of the device. You can save your company a pile of cash if you help to encourage people to print black and white as much as possible, to use draft settings, and to only print when needed. For draft copies recommend that people print on both sides (it's easy!), and definitely suggest that your company recycle if they don't already!

7. Invest in Some Plants
If you're feeling a little ambitious, you might also try suggesting that your company providethe office with live plants, which help clean the air, leading to more comfortable, and productive, employees. Plants also can improve the mood of employees and guests. At the least, ask that your boss consider reversing a ban on plants, if you work in one of the unfortunate places with such a strict policy.