The "Green" Law Firm: How Can You Make Your Law Practice More Environmentally Friendly?

The 'green' movement is everywhere. Suddenly, we're becoming a bit more environmentally conscious. What are some ways that you can make your law practice more environmentally friendly? Think about the 3 Rs that you've seen everywhere: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

Here are some thoughts to get you started:

Reduce

• Is your law firm consuming too much?
• Be more mindful of the supplies you're using, how you're using them and whether they're necessary.
• Are you using two or three pages of a legal pad and then leaving it in a file, never to be seen (or used) again?
• Do you really need to have 4 copies of that document in the file, or is one sufficient?
• Can you save storage space by returning original documents and files to clients?
• Is it really necessary to print emails you receive on a file, or can you just keep an electronic copy in the file?
• Can you reduce the amount of paper you use in your office by using electronic invoices for clients, paying bills on line, etc.?
• Turn off your office lights, computers, and other equipment at the end of the day and unplug seldom-used equipment for energy savings.

Reuse

• When a case is over, do you archive the file with all of the interior folders, dividers, and  the file folder even if they're in good condition? Consider re-using those files and archiving just the necessary paperwork from the file;
• Just because file folders may be the norm in your practice area doesn't mean you can't switch to a new system that can be re-used, such as binders - when the case is over, remove the contents from the binder and re-use;
• Instead of buying boxes of disposable pens, encourage those in your firm to use a pen that takes refills instead - that way you can re-use the pen and just get refills. You might even consider buying the attorneys and staff in your office 'good' pens as a gift to get the process started;
• Get two uses out of one piece of paper. If you must print drafts of documents or emails, etc. for review, re-use the paper - flip it over and put it back in the printer for other draft documents. Or print documents double sided.

Recycle

• Lawyers generate tons of paper. Can you recycle yours?
• You may be recycling bottles and cans at home, but what happens to the bottles and cans that get used in your office or by your employees? Are they going in the trash? Can you arrange for a firm (or building)-wide recycling program for these items?
• Think creatively about recycling other items in your office as well. There are charities that take used cell phones, computer equipment, office furniture, eyeglasses and more. In what ways can your firm contribute to the environment and the community by recycling items or donating items that your firm and its employees no longer use or need? Can you get your clients involved in your efforts?

Besides the benefits to the environment and the community, there are other benefits to making your law firm more 'green.' Some of those benefits include:

• Reduction of clutter in the office;
• Increased efficiency and productivity;
• Cost savings from reduced expenses;
• Good PR and marketing for the firm - creating a recycling program may even be newsworthy;
• Getting clients involved means stronger client relationships and more opportunities for contact with clients.

What other ways can firms contribute to the environment by employing the 3 Rs? What other benefits can you seen to making your law firm 'greener?' Let us hear your comments and suggestions.