The "green office" is often associated with recycling programs, double-sided photocopying, and replacing disposable cups with coffee mugs. It refers to examining the daily activities within the workplace and providing alternatives that accomplish the same outcome, but with less impact on the environment. Environmental purchasing is well integrated within the creation and maintenance of a green office. Alone, each is a good first step on the road to minimizing the impact on the environment. Together, they form a solid strategy for preserving the environment. A green office aims to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste - conserve energy and water, improve indoor air quality, reduce and recycle paper, and reuse packaging. When considering the environmental impact of the purchases made, environmental purchasing is an important tool that works to achieve a green office.