from staff
The law offices of Lewis, Longman & Walker have adopted and implemented a conservation plan at its four Florida offices, including their Jacksonville location. The attorneys accepted the American Bar Association and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s climate challenge and have now gone green.
“It makes sense from an environmental and an economical standpoint,” said Melissa Gross-Arnold, attorney and shareholder in the firm’s Jacksonville office. “It is a win-win situation. Our firm’s motto is ‘Helping Shape Florida’s Future’ and we want to be leaders in doing that. We believe there is great value in conserving and preserving the environment.”
The firm has adopted and implemented all three of the recommended EPA programs that include WasteWise, Green Power Partnership and Energy Star. In accordance with those programs, the firm has instituted a policy of double-sided copying and printing for all drafts and documents. Any paper printed on one side only will be reused for printing drafts, making note pads or other purposes. Desk-side recycle boxes have been distributed throughout the office and bins have also been put out for bottles, cans, newspapers, magazines and cardboard.
The firms has also purchased a program that allows document storage electronically to minimize the use of paper. The attorneys file electronically with the courts whenever possible and faxes are also received and routed electronically. The firm will purchase more energy-efficient Energy Star labeled equipment and enable power down management software on network computers.
In addition, the firm has replaced incandescent or halogen lamps with compact fluorescent bulbs and attorneys and staff will use natural lighting whenever possible. Recycled products will be purchased as available. Water coolers have replaced bottled water and reusable plates, cups, glasses and utensils are provided in the kitchens to cut down on trash.