Sure, shutting your computer down when you aren't using it is the eco-friendly thing to do, but there are also several ways you can make your home office a green space when your machine is humming away.

- Limit your print jobs to only the emails and documents you really need a hard copy of and print double-sided jobs whenever possible to reduce the amount of paper you use. Many companies also allow you the option of receiving bills via email rather than a paper copy and most newspapers have digital copies online that you can subscribe to. And if you haven't ever paid a bill online, get your bank account set up to do so immediately. You'll be amazed at how convenient it is to pay your Visa bill without having to even get up from your office chair.

- Reuse the paper you do have kicking around. If you have botched print job, keep them around as scrap paper. Forget about buying expensive post-it notes; use a paper cutter to divide your unused paper into smaller sheets and keep them buy the phone for recording messages. The local library or your hair salon may also be able to make use of old magazines cluttering up your office.

- You knew the third "R" was coming: recycle. Keep a container close by (next to the trash can is ideal) and recycle anything that you absolutely can't find another use for. While you're at it, buy recycled paper products including envelopes and packaging materials.

- If you're in the market for some new equipment, look for that Energy Star label to save you energy. Even if they cost more initially, you'll save money in the long run when your energy bills lowers considerably. And as suggested before, always turn your machine to standby mode or shut it off entirely when its not in use. You can also by power bars to plug-in multiple machines to save you from having to shut off every single one.

- Lighting is everything; if you invest in a good, bright lamp for your desk that uses energy-efficient bulbs, you can shut off the rest of the lights in the room to save some energy.

- Find a desk and bookcases that are used or built from re-purposed wood instead of buying brand new ones. It's probably safe to say your family members are typically the only ones who will use the office on an ongoing basis, so there's no need to have the fanciest furniture in that room. Instead, check FreeCycle.org to give new life to older furniture.

» CNN