ARN is a Toward Zero Waste company!

Applied Research Northwest is a member of Sustainable Connections and participates in their Toward Zero Waste program. The aim of the program is to reduce the amount of waste going to local landfills, increase reuse and recycling of existing resources, and increase purchasing of recycled and environmentally preferable products.
I have attended several Zero Waste meetings and educated the ARN team about the proper reusing, recycling and composting procedures.

Towards Zero Waste activities ARN participates in:
Using the both sides of paper
Buying 100% recycled printer/copier paper
FoodPlus! composting
Recycling all printer toners
Donating unused office equipment
Properly disposing of flourescent tubes and batteries
Using rechargeable batteries
Reusing plastic and paper ba link from the Northwest Business Journal Monthly that outlines what Toward Zero Waste is all about:
http://www.nwbusinessmonthly.com/nwbm%202008/jun/0608_HeroesZero.html

Technology: making life easier day in and day out

Today the heat is not working in our office. Normally this would not be an issue; however, it is about 20 degrees outside. As hardy as the ARN crew is, we all decided that staying warm and cozy was more important than working in an environment that produces frozen fingers and runny noses.

Thankfully, we all have VPN access! I am in awe of technology. There is something very satisfying about being able to stay home and still get work done. Personally, I would not want to make this a habit- I prefer to leave my work at the office, but being able to work from home is great in a pinch.

There are two ways to access your computer from home: the VPN and remote desktop. I actually do not have VPN access; however, I was able to use a website (Logmein.com) that makes it possible to remotely use my desktop (pretty neat!). From what I hear around the office, the VPN is far superior to remoting in; the picture is clearer and the processing time is quicker. But, like I said, being able to use my computer from home when I don’t want to brave the elements to come to the office is a technological wonder.

For the love of VPN and other things that help lighten my load

I'm starting to question my "briefcase". I'm referring to my bag that I use to go to work. When I was heading back into the world of "work" after my daughter was born (which may have actually been less work, but a topic for another day) I thought I should outfit myself with a new bag. Something sturdy and stylish, roomy but not too bulky, something to help me tote all my "work" around town. Brenthaven seemed an obvious choice (go local!). I loved my messenger bag.

I spent a couple of years contracting, mostly working at home. My bag came out with me a few times, but honestly, it was mostly on interviews or introductory meetings where I was trying to land the "work". More like an accessory, it never really carried the "work". Then last fall I was hired on as a regular employee at ARN. I work in the office and at home, depending on how much quiet I need. So I do go back and forth a lot... and so does my bag.

But today, with the magic of my trusty little jump drive and VPN, I'm still not really carrying the "work". Through all our recent weather-related school closures (first snow, and then, seriously, flooding?) I have come to be a real fan of VPN. Heck, I'm logged in through VPN right now. Its truly amazing. My poor little messenger bag is collecting dust.

So... if my "work" is not in my bag, what is? I rely heavily on the outside pocket for my keys, cell phone, and wallet-- all things I typically carry in my purse. Inside the main compartment, there is a notebook and my daytimer which is really what takes up the bulk of the room. I think I've had my daytimer since I finished graduate school in 1994. If it wasn't for that calendar/address book, I'd feel very silly hauling this bag around. If I could take the leap (both economic and psychological) from daytimer to smartphone, I would retire the bag. But then I could upgrade my purse. Thankfully, Brenthaven makes those too.

Waste not, want what?

In 2002, I went to work for a not-for-profit performing arts center in NH. After many years in the private sector, it was hard for me to adjust to the economics of a donor-driven organization. I knew I was in a different world when I was instructed not to print working or draft pages on clean paper, but rather on the back of sheets that had already been used. Frankly, I thought it was kind of over the top. But, I adjusted.

Now, of course, it bothers me to dispose of printer paper that hasn't been used twice. I've taken the practice with me to various private sector businesses and have gotten at least a few people on board. And, I've felt smuggly complacent about the environmental impact of my workplace behavior. Until, that is, I started at ARN. Applied Research Northwest is committed to zero waste, an totally new approach for me. So, I'm back to adjusting and bringing more thoughtful attention to what I do on a day-to-day basis. And learning -- who knew there is a way to recycle used Kleenex and chicken bones? There are three bins under the sink here...besides the usual recycling and garbage bins there's a compost bin for food scraps, dirty paper, bones, etc. The true garbage bin is the hardest to reach and the least full. It is very cool.

I realize I'm behind the curve in many ways as far as my own eco-responsible behavior. It is great to be working in a setting where our environment -- personal, local and global -- is a constant consideration in our daily activities. It is an unexpected but very satisfying perk of my new job.