For environmentally focused individuals working with a virtual assistant, or VA, is an ideal way to “Go Green.” But how does this work?
Businesses that utilize the assistance of a VA instead of hiring a full or part-time employee are insuring there is one less vehicle on our highways. Because VAs work from home-based offices and have no measurable commute (well, 30 seconds probably from one room to their office) this saves on gasoline consumption and reduces vehicle exhaust pollution.
A VA typically uses less paper than a traditional administrative assistant. Since a high percentage of our work is done through the computer with the use of the internet much of our work files are transferred and stored electronically. Clients can view this data and decide at that point if this is something that needs a paper document created or can remain stored electronically.
Contributing to local recycling causes through our used printer ink cartridges is another way a virtual assistant is environmentally friendly. Area schools and local office supply stores often seek donations of used printer ink cartridges as a supplemental fundraising effort. This small contribution can assist an area school in funding their extra-curricular programs.
Utility usage is another way that VAs do their part. Since clients only pay virtual assistants for the time they are working on a project and not for an eight or nine hour workday VAs use less electricity and heating fuels in a typical day. It is not necessary to sit by our desk all day waiting on a report for processing, or wait by the phone to handle customer inquiries. This saves clients both time and money and saves VAs costly utility expenses.
Because an experienced virtual assistant is a highly skilled and knowledgeable professional he/she can often condense a typical 8 hour workday into 3 to 4 hours of virtual work. Working with some of the most technologically savvy assistants has provided clients with a “Go Green” way of helping the environment and saving both time and money.
Way to go Virtual Assistants!