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Recycling
Phoenix residents generate more than one million tons of solid waste a year. In an effort to do its part, starting in January of 2008, DSWA initiated a comprehensive office paper recycling program. The firm contracted with Shred-It, a Securit ® company which provides document shredding services, for the purposes of protecting information and the environment. Even clipboards, cardboard, staples, paper clips and binding combs can be turned into fine confetti. Shred-It uses the confetti to support the manufacture of many different types of recycled paper products such as paper towels, paper plates and toilet tissue. Shred-It saves over 9 million trees a year. In the first quarter of 2008, DSWA contributed 10 trees to this number. Learn more about Shred-it
DSWA has also limited use of paper plates, cups and bowls, as well as plastic disposable utensils in the company’s break room. All employees have been encouraged to bring in their own non-disposable dishes. The building management for DSWA’s Phoenix office will also be starting a building wide recycling program for plastics, metal and glass.
Energy Efficiency
DSWA has begun replacing old light bulbs in the office with energy efficient CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs. According to dailygreen.com, nearly 20% of all home electric costs stem from lighting. Because it will last so much longer than a conventional bulb, installing one CFL prevents 10 conventional bulbs from being produced, transported and ultimately discarded in a landfill.
DSWA has also decided to keep all thermostats in the corporate office at 75 degrees in order to conserve energy during the summer months.
Other Environmentally Friendly Measures
The company has started to print its business documents on 100% recycled paper and has been green office certified for its efforts. Green Office Certification Link
DSWA’s downtown Denver office has opted for passes to use public transportation in lieu of parking spaces, while the Phoenix office is encouraging carpooling. The company also offers many employees the opportunity to telecommute.
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