Like any child of the '90s, I'm required to have this movie in my top five: Office Space.

Repeated requests for the same thing from different people instantly conjures the phrase, "TPS Report".

Stories from friends about evil bosses immediately brings to mind the smarmy Bill Lumbergh.

As we all entered the workforce, us 'Office-Spacers' were keenly aware of the idiosyncrasies of our cubicle and office-dwelling brethren. The little habits that we all have, hardly noticing about ourselves, but quickly picking it up in others.

Mine? I'm the loud typer (that almost sounds like a Seinfeld character). Plus, I'm the neat freak. The clean office is not good enough, it must be sparkling.

The speck of dust is my mortal enemy. The smudge on my furniture draws my wandering eye, begging to be eliminated. My desk should shine like it's on the showroom floor. My Washington State Cougars football helmet must sparkle.

My biggest nemesis, however, is the schmutz in the computer keyboard.

So, after a long week of researching, and writing Project Green stories for you, dear reader, I would attack my desk and keyboard with an armada that 1950's chemistry would be proud of.

Pledge on the desk.

Windex on the WSU football helmet.

And of course, the can of compressed gas duster to blow up my keyboard.

I've used so much of it that the smell takes over much of the office here. To the point where the compressed air can's given me (and a few others around me) a headache.

This cleaning frenzy coming hours after I've recommended tons of Green advice to all of you. I know; it makes me a bit of a fraud.

There are ways, however, to keep your neat streak intact while being green- a great way for me to have my cake and eat it too.

They sell a refillable air duster system that's 100% ozone free. Renewable, and no can to toss out all the time. Very cool.

Let's not forget, of course, that Seventh Generation makes a mean assortment of cleaners that are just as useful. 

It's a great lesson learned- taking on these eco-friendly measures doesn't mean you have to abandon your sense of self or who you really are.

So, go ahead, be yourself, be quirky, be clean, and be green!


Joe Gura writes for KSTW-TV in Seattle. All opinions expressed in this column are strictly his.