What exactly does it mean to “go green?” It all comes down to adopting sustainable and new means of consuming energy that don’t drain our planet of its natural resources. By protecting the environment and keeping it clean and healthy, we preserve our own health.This, of course, doesn’t mean you have to be perfect; it’s all about small, but significant, changes.

C.A.R. has done its part by implementing its e-billing program (in which we e-mail your invoices rather than send paper statements). In addition to not spending your dues dollars on postage, this switch makes an environmental impact. Did you know that nearly two million trees—not to mention 103 million gallons of fuel—would be saved if just 20 percent of households switched to receiving bills and statements via e-mail? That’s something to think about.

C.A.R. staffers Lena Berry and Tonja Dysinger offer some additional tips on going green in your office:

- Save gas; take public transportation or carpool whenever possible.
- In lieu of a paper or Styrofoam coffee cup, use your own mug.
- Substitute incandescent light bulbs with energy-saving versions—and turn off lights when not in use whenever possible.
- RECYLE! Put recycling bins in the conference room, lobby and near employees’ desks.
- Save paper! Print on both sides of paper (or don’t print at all); use misprints as scratch paper; utilize technology to minimize paper usage (e.g. project meeting agendas on the screen instead of printing a copy for each attendee).

For more information on C.A.R.’s e-billing program, click here.

Have more ideas on how to effectively go green? Respond with your comments!