We often use sheets of adhesive labels in our office printer. The edges, top and bottom of each used sheet have 1/4" of remaining unused material. These can be trimmed to convenient lengths and stored in a small jar (or other storage container of choice). These labels come in handy when labeling items destined for freezer, jam jars, bulk foods or shop and craft supplies.

Keep computer equipment such as external drives, printers and scanners powered off when they are not in use – turn them on only for duration that they are needed. Stand-by power (lights or clock displays) can be eliminated by either using a power bar or by manually unplugging equipment. Sleep computer during day when not in use (lunch, coffee, or meetings) and turn all equipment off before leaving at end of day. These are some simple suggestions, yet they will save time, money, and resources, which is in best interest of any office.

In winter, water from washing or soaking dishes should be left to cool. This way it releases its valuable heat into home, rather than sewer. Dishwashers, that are not built-in, allow reuse of water for pre-rinsing heavily soiled dishes because they drain into sink. The water can be trapped in sink, or a soiled pot, where heat is slowly released into home, saving energy costs in winter. Of course, opposite applies in summer, when extra heat is not desirable.

Very hot water is not always necessary for all washing and rinsing needs. Usually, by time we are finished washing our hands, water is just beginning to warm up – so really, all we have done is heat up our pipes. We can conserve water easily by turning off tap while lathering hands. The running water is really only necessary for initial wetting, then rinsing – so running water in between is really a waste.

Now, if you measured amount of water saved each day by those simple methods we just described - there would be dozens of gallons of pure, drinkable water left untouched in reservoir. By reducing hot water consumption, our energy bills are a little bit smaller. All this, just from kitchen sink!