Clean and Green

Pollution doesn't just apply to things you can see or touch--It also applies to things you can hear. Exposure to noise pollution can be very stressful, causing you to lose your concentration and, oftentimes, your temper! Do your part to turn down the volume with these tips: Keep your cellphone ring at the minimum level you need to hear it; Lower your voice when talking in public spaces, especially if you're near a colleague's cubicle or office; If you listen to music at your desk, use headphones; and if you must listen to a radio or stereo in a public place, turn down your bass levels--bass travels easily through walls and doors.

Posted by Megan Dushin at 7:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Right now, you probably have an all-purpose cleaner, deodorizer, fire extinguisher, skin exfoliator, and silver polisher hiding in your cupboards without even knowing it. What is this wonder substance, you ask? Why baking soda, of course! Baking soda has dozens of uses around the house, is non-toxic, and can be bought for mere pennies at most grocery stores. Check out a list of baking soda uses.

Posted by Megan Dushin at 7:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Thanks to Debbie Hansen, Facilities Management noticed that their recycling page had outdated information on what you could and could not recycle. You can now see the updated guidelines (as of April 2008) at Facilities Management Recycling Programs.

Posted by Megan Dushin at 5:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

David Johnson gets us on board with the Clean and Green committee's plan for cleaning up Pattee Hall with his memo to all of ICI. Mark your calendar for the week of May 19-22 (M-Th) and plan on some busy bodies around your work area!

Clean Up Week--May 19-22, 2008

For more information, please contact Pam Stenhjem at huntx010@umn.edu or 625-3863.

MEMO

Date: April 15, 2008
To: All ICI Employees
From: David R. Johnson, Director-ICI
RE: Clean Up Week--May 19-22, 2008

ICI has established a new Clean and Green Committee with a basic charge of improving the overall work environment in Pattee Hall. Activities of the group include:

Cleaning
Developing processes to:
. clean up the building
. clean personal work spaces
. remove clutter and clean common areas
. remove old office furniture, computers, etc.

Going Green
Developing processes to:
. increase the amount of work-related, recycled goods purchased (paper, ink cartridges, cleaning supplies, etc.)
. improve and increase our overall recycling habits within the building

Twice per year, the committee will schedule a week for cleaning up the building, as well as personal and common work areas. The first one is scheduled for the week of May 19-22, 2008.

I strongly encourage everyone to participate in this effort to make Pattee Hall a more pleasant place to work. I am requesting that program area supervisors support and allow staff to support this important effort. Please help us create a process for cleaning common work areas within the next
couple of weeks.

This is a wonderful chance to make our work environment look and feel better for everyone. Thank you in advance for your participation in this event.

Posted by Megan Dushin at 5:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Do you know if your mailing list is updated? It's not always possible to use electronic publications instead of printed ones, but you can still help the environment by updating your mailing lists whenever possible. Keeping mailing lists correct and current cuts down on wasted print material, and saves you money on postage to boot.

Posted by Megan Dushin at 7:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)