Global warming’s effects are beginning to show in today’s world. It is ultimately up to us to make a difference in this matter. We thought we’d share with you tips and ideas for “going green” in the office by promoting sustainability in the workplace! Remember: any little bit helps.
Adopting environmentally friendly habits in the workplace can be tricky. Why? Well, office spaces tend to need (and use) a lot of supplies. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t make little contributions throughout your day that will help the environment in the long run!
Here are some ideas on how to go green and create a more sustainable work space:
1) Start Recycling
This one is super easy to do. Put a bin next to the trash can marked “recycling,” and you already have a more sustainable workplace! Now, sometimes people don’t always put their recyclables in the marked bin even though it’s right there. So, making an office-wide announcement may benefit your recycling goals.
Additionally, you can also promote recycling habits among your colleagues by organizing Waste Free Fridays, organizing volunteering events to clean the office and the office’s outdoor areas, and hosting educational events. Another idea is to try a friendly competition. Maybe you have a couple of recycling bins set up around the office – who can fill theirs the fastest? Will they get a prize? Maybe an ice cream party for their section of the office? Now, there’s some incentive!
2) Use Less Paper & Share Documents Online
Have you ever thought about how much paper you would save if you shared all of your documents over the internet rather than printing them out? Whenever possible, try sharing necessary documents with your co-workers over the internet! We recommend using Google Docs and Spreadsheets, which will make it easy to create files and then share them with the entire office in an instant. Not only does it save paper, but it will also save you some dreaded clutter piling up on your desk.
If you have to print, opt to print double-sided to save paper.
3) Equip Office Kitchen with Plates, Cups & Cutlery
The kitchen is one place that accumulates a ton of garbage. Buying some cutlery, cups, and plates to use at lunchtime can help save a bunch of trash that accumulates in the office kitchen. Plus, you won’t have to remember to pack your disposable dishware every day (I know I always forget!). Try organizing green lunches as a new team-building activity that will help bond your co-workers, and positively affect your workplace sustainability.
4) Turn Off Lights & Electronics
Try to remember to shut off the lights in your office space before you leave work each day. Also, remember to shut off your computer or any other electronics you won’t need. Unplugging devices that aren’t being used can also save a huge amount of electricity and improve the eco-friendliness of your workplace. Even when a device is just simply plugged in, it uses something called “phantom electricity.” This is useless electricity going towards nothing which is wasting valuable energy and racking up your electricity bill.
Making a post-it note reminder to put on your office door, or setting a reminder on your phone can serve as a helpful tool to remember to do these little things and achieve your “go green” goals!
Other ideas that can help you create a more sustainable office space:
- Carpool to reduce your carbon footprint
- Subscribe to online magazines/newspapers rather than print
- Maximize your office space’s natural lighting to reduce the use of electricity
- Opt for bathroom hand dryers instead of paper towels
- Offer a water bottle filling station to reduce plastic water bottle usage
- Donate or recycle old company electronics
Also, check out Go Green Racing, our charity team building program, as another fun and educational way to promote eco-friendliness among your co-workers. They will play, compete, learn and best of all, help out local schools!
If you and your team are interested in learning how to take steps towards a more sustainable future, check out Impact Online. This highly engaging, charitable event empowers your team to make meaningful changes to work towards a more sustainable future.
How will your team go green in the office? What practices does your office already implement?
