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Interstate Water Report
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Current Issue
THE GREEN CORNER
by Susy King, NEIWPCC
Questions:
At NEIWPCC, we have long focused on improving water quality in our member states, but we must admit that we have not always focused on the impacts that our organization has on the environment. We are now working to correct that oversight. Recently, we formed a sustainability committee at our Lowell headquarters to implement new policies and practices that will make our workplace more environmentally friendly. Committee members are working on projects that will reduce waste and energy use by encouraging paper recycling, the use of non-disposable plates and utensils, and less reliance on bottled water.
In addition, each issue of IWR will now include a new feature that will provide tips for leading a more sustainable life. In this inaugural “Green Corner,” we bring you a brief quiz that focuses on ways to be more environmentally conscious in the workplace. The answers are on page 17.
1. Paper represents what percentage of office waste?
A. 5 B. 15
C. 50 D. 70
2. If one million people shut down their office computers overnight, how many tons of carbon dioxide emissions would be eliminated per year?
A. 1,000 B. 20,000
C. 45,000 D. 1,000,000
3. Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) use what fraction of the energy of incandescent light bulbs?
A. 1/10 B. 1/4
C. 1/2 D. 3/4
Answers:
1. Paper represents what percentage of office waste?
D. 70 percent
Always use recycled paper. For every ton of recycled paper used instead of non-recycled stock, the electricity saved is enough to power a three-bedroom house for an entire year. For additional waste and energy savings, print and copy on both sides of a page before recycling.
2. If one million people shut down their office computers overnight, how many tons of carbon dioxide emissions would be eliminated per year?
C. 45,000 tons
To further reduce energy use and carbon dioxide emissions during the work day, use your computer’s sleep function instead of a screen saver. It reduces electricity use by 70 percent.
3. Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) use what fraction of the energy of incandescent light bulbs?
B. 1/4
Using CFLs can also reduce lighting costs by 50 percent. It is important to note, however, that CFLs contain mercury and must be disposed of properly.