Information-age technologies have made it easier to telecommute and operate in-home businesses. In the last ten years the number of home businesses nationwide has doubled. If you’re among those who have decreased your commute time by home officing … you’ve most likely increased your home waste stream. Go ahead, peak under your desk at your trash can. What lurks inside? Take the following quick quiz to test your “under the desk” office knowledge.

I use a reusable mug or cup. always sometimes never
I compost my coffee grounds. always sometimes never
I recycle my office paper. always sometimes never
I donate my used printer cartridges to local schools or take them to recycling centers. always sometimes never
I donate my old cell phones or recycle them. always sometimes never
I use both sides of scratch paper. always sometimes never
I bring my old computers and copiers to the recycling center instead of throwing them in the trash. always sometimes never
I use paperless methods (i.e. email instead of sending a fax) whenever I can. always sometimes never

Scoring: Give yourself 2 points for every “always,” 1 point for every “sometimes” and no points for each “never” answer.
14-16 points – You’ve successfully streamlined your waste stream! Look out the window and listen to the Earth whisper its thank you…then go straight to the kitchen and get yourself a treat!

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