Employers, today is Earth Day. It would be hard not to notice. It seems that every media outlet is “going green.” NBC, for example has an entire website on the topic of environmental friendly options. The latest issue of Time magazine cover reads, “How to Win the War on Global Warming.”

While the green movement has certainly taken center stage in the popular press, has your workplace started to change? Are you or your coworkers stuck in a “why bother” mood? I suggest that you read Michael Pollan’s article, which asks the same question, “Why Bother?” Pollan’s article was featured in this past Sunday’s New York Time magazine, which, by the way, was titled, “The Green Issue.” Pollan tries to answer just that question. In the article, he addresses why we should all look for and make small changes, even if the environmental problems facing us and our planet seem so incredibly large. He argues, among other things, that one of the best reasons for each of us to change is that we will influence others to make similar changes which together can truly make a difference.

In honor of Earth Day, I added a small gizmo on my shower which cuts off the water when it gets warm. The device, called Evolve, was needed to combat my family’s habit of starting the shower running and then leaving the bathroom, allowing gallons of water to go wasted down the drain. I know that there are other ways to address the situation, including simply putting our hand under the water, but this approach will prevent me from becoming the shower police.

While this is just the latest effort I have taken at home, I still remain, as I have said before, a “paler shade of green” at work. Earth Day has gotten me thinking as to how to get changes started in the office. While I can replace my Styrofoam cup with a ceramic one, how can I get others to go along? Well according to Pollan, they might just do it because I did it.

That sounds ok but there must be more, right? Another way might be to get co-workers to start brainstorming on ideas to green up our workplace. I am very impressed by the list developed by the Employees of the State of Kentucky with their list of Earth Day Suggestions for Office Workers.

I would appreciate your ideas.

Delaware employers, you can celebrate Earth Day today by passing along the following list of State-wide activities to your employees. Or, for the innovative employer, why not turn one of the many environmentally friendly activities into a (voluntary) corporate outing. It’s a great opportunity for a little team building and a chance to feel good about giving back. Plus, it’s a beautiful day in the First State today, so get outside while you can!

Here in Delaware, Delaware State Parks, along with the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DENREC) will celebrate Earth Day 2008 with events throughout Delaware. Residents of the First State can do their part to help conserve Delaware’s precious resources by participating in any one of the nearly 20 activities happening across the State this week. There are events in New Castle County at Bellevue State Park in Wilmington, Brandywine Creek State Park, also in Wilmington, and White Clary Creek State Park in Newark, as well as at the Brandywine Zoo. Kent Count and Sussex County have events at Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes, Delaware, Delaware Seashore State Park in Rehoboth Beach and Killens Pond in Felton.

Another helpful resources for Delaware employers looking to “go green” is the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) website, which has a page for Earth Day At Work. The EPA identifies workplace-specific suggestions for being more engery efficient, managing electronic equipment replacement, and other tips to help protect the environment.

Over the last year, I have been trying to “go green.” I switched to Compact Fluorescent (CFL) light bulbs, recycle most everything I can, and started using cotton shopping bags. Heck, I even constructed a yard waste composter!

Once I get to work, however, I am far paler shade of green. I use Styrofoam cups for my coffee, print out every draft motion or brief, and leave my computer on 24/7.

With Earth Day coming up on April 22nd, I have been thinking about ways to change some habits at the office.

Treehugger.com has the following 10 tips on greening the office here. The Sierra Club has a top 10 list here. TheGoodHuman.com has a list of 10 ways to save paper at work here.

Have you thought about or started a green office program for your office?