Administrative Professional Today

The administrative professional’s guide to accelerated career development. Administrative Professional Today offers practical advice on office efficiency, politics, communication skills, time management, supervisory problems and technology. The monthly issues and weekly electronic forum give special attention to the changing duties of administrative professionals in today’s business environment. Learn more about Administrative Professional Today and the two free reports you’ll get when you subscribe...

Not everyone can buy a Prius, but most admins can make office purchases that have a positive impact on the planet:

Planet Pleaser by SKM Industries: A low-toxicity correction fluid that won’t harm the ozone layer: $1.79; www.skmproducts.com/.

“Grow-A-Note” by Green Field Paper: After reading the thank you or happy birthday messages printed on these cards made from 100% post-consumer waste, the recipient can plant the card, which will decompose as embedded wildflower seeds grow: $15 for four; www.greenfieldpaper.com/.

Seating by Izzydesign: The fabric, foam and glue in these beautifully designed chairs emit low levels of toxins: www.izzydesign.com/.

ThrashCan by Bean Products: Flexible and modern looking, this trash bin is made out of reclaimed automobile tire rubber. With this by your desk, you’ll never forget to recycle: $29; www.beanproducts.com/.

As for office paper, you can easily find paper at big-box office supply stores made from 30% post-consumer fiber. But here’s an even greener, high-quality choice:

Enviro 100 by Cascades: This bright-white paper is made from 100% post-consumer fiber. It is bleached without chlorine, which means that no hazardous byproducts were released during whitening. (What you save by using 40 cartons of recycled paper versus virgin paper: 17 mature trees.) $47 for 5,000 sheets; www.environmentalbychoice.com/.