When it comes to making eco friendly decisions at home, we all know exactly what to do. But are we doing everything we can for the planet from 9 to 5?

Here are some tips on how to make the office a little greener.  Incorporate a few of them and you just might see an increase in productivity too – and that’s always a good thing.

There are many ways to reduce your corporate footprint. And while you don’t have to be an eco super hero, changing a few things can really make a difference. One way to save energy is to simply make sure all computers and lights are shut off at the end of the day. It’s an easy way to save energy and yes, money too.

Another way to do your part is to encourage people to drive less. With instant messaging, video conferencing and email, a lot of work can be done from home. And fewer people in the office will mean fewer cars on the road. Try offering perks or incentives to staff who use city transit, carpool or drive hybrids to work every day. Free lunches or a bonus at the end of the year just might do the trick.

If you’re serious about going green, then it’s time to go digital. Get used to reviewing documents online more often and archive files electronically instead of in filing cabinets. And when you do need to print something, print double sided and look for paper that is recycled with a high percentage of post-consumer content and the minimum of chlorine bleaching. Consumers, clients and suppliers like to work with people who are making sustainability a priority so you can feel good about going green without compromising relationships.

Try giving the office a bit of a green makeover too. Buy pencils made from recycled material and refillable pens. There are great biodegradable soaps and recycled paper towels for the bathroom and kitchen too. And when it comes to office furniture, companies like Herman-Miller and Steelcase design incredible chairs from recycled materials. And why not leave the lights off and let the natural daylight light the office. It’s free and all the Vitamin D will keep people smiling. If you do require artificial light, buy LED bulbs that use very little energy.

And while there’s a lot that can be done during office hours, lunchtime is a great opportunity to reduce our footprint. The most eco-friendly lunch option is to bring lunch in a reusable container. If you are ordering in, place a group order and use your own reusable utensils and plates to cut down on packaging.

As a company committed to sustainability, Hbc continues to do its part for the planet. Each year we review our environmental programs to see where we can make changes. We’ve accomplished some impressive tasks like increasing recycling to 90%, reducing water consumption, introducing one of the most ecologically friendly retail stores in Canada, putting more biodiesel fuel trucks on the road and being the first office tower in Canada to be certified by Zero Waste. Our Eco Gift Cards are another great example of changes we’re making that will help protect the planet.

Whether you’re starting a green business, reducing your paper trail or walking to work every day, we can all work towards a greener office. And if you’re working somewhere that could use an eco overhaul, you can always start by forwarding everyone this newsletter.

Hbc Gift Cards are taking another giant green step forward.  Air Miles will be offering the Hbc Eco Gift Card as a redemption item through their rewards program, which will benefit their customers and the planet at the same time.

“We are thrilled to offer the new HBC Gift Card in both $25 and $50 denominations in our Rewards portfolio to AIR MILES Collectors. The new card displays Hbc’s commitment to environmental responsibility and awareness,” says Jill Morison, Vice President, Marketing, Consumer Products, AIR MILES Reward Program. “It’s our pleasure to work with a like-minded organization that is dedicated to offering sound sustainable products to its consumers.”

The Hbc Eco cards are an excellent addition to the AIR MILES Reward Program which is focused on offering its Collectors more environmentally-friendly options through the new My Planet initiative. Consumers can now redeem reward miles for biodegradable corn-based, eco-friendly gift cards that come with a 100 per cent recycled paper card carrier.

While Hbc Gift Cards have always been a successful tool for motivating, rewarding and increasing productivity, consumers feel even better when they have the chance to give an Eco card. “Giving back to the environment now can be rewarding and sensible,” says Andrew Noonan, manager of the program. “We are excited to introduce this Eco friendly gift card as an alternative at the forefront of environmentally responsible gift giving.”

Hbc Eco Gift Cards come in denominations of $10, $25, $50 or $100 and can be redeemed for over a million products at any of the Hbc Family of Stores.  Customers will love the cards. Recipients will love the cards. And yes, Mother Nature will certainly love them too.