If you have a say in the type of copy paper purchased for your office, select a variety...

In the days before mechanical air-conditioning, this was how people beat the heat, and it can work surprisingly well. Natural cooling is an element of passive solar design, and involves blocking heat transfer through shading, insulation, thoughtful landscaping, and window placement; removing heat with fans, vents, and cross-ventilation; and reducing the use of heat-generating lights and appliances. In dry climates, evaporative cooling systems-which distribute moist air to cool a room-are a good natural alternative to traditional air conditioners. Even taking a nap in the hottest part of the day can be a part of a natural cooling approach. Do you really need another excuse? Also called natural cooling.

Seeing pages and pages of glossy magazine photos of sustainable homes replete with glass panels...