How To Make Your Office Eco-friendly

Today’s pollution and damage to the planet is highly documented for every one of us to see and provides us with a small taste of what’s truly going on in the world. What’s more, it exhibits how our actions and choices have resulted in global warming, excessive landfill along with air and water pollution.

Within the home we are urged to recycle more, use less plastics and reduce the amounts sent to landfill. The reality is, we should be perfecting these skills and applying them to the office environment too.

Organisations all over the world are making the effort to transform their office space into an eco-friendly haven. Working to continually implement changes in the workplace with the aim of positively effecting the planet, animals and ourselves.

If you haven’t started yet, it’s never too late. Join us on our journey to work as a team and make the office green in 5 simple steps.

Provide Designated Recycling Points

As a business if you’re making the decision to go green it’s important to make sure your employees are on board too. Removing individual bins from the desk is stage one, this prevents all rubbish going into the same place.

Introduce designated bins and recycling points. Not only will this encourage recycling, but it provides the perfect reason for employees to stretch their legs and take a 2 minute screen break.

Turn it off

At the office you’ll no doubt have computer, fridges, appliances and machinery. Could you imagine the cost of leaving each item turned on or on standby each evening? No, neither could we!

Putting the cost to one side, leaving electricals switched on at the plug or mains is worse for the environment than most realise.

By simply switching your electricals off completely, you’ll reduce the amount of fuel used to generate power. Whilst also reducing the levels of greenhouse gases and air pollution.

Use the Motto Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

The saying Reduce, Reuse and Recycle is a fantastic reminder of what measures need to be taken to make a difference. No matter the material or amounts that are used, reducing what we use can only be a positive.

It goes without saying implementing a new work regime can be difficult, however adding gentle reminders can support the change. Embed the 3 words into your work culture and continue to educate your employees for the best results.

Consider Your Paper Usage

Despite the use of computers, tablets and phones, it’s surprising to hear that the use of paper is still a problem. Alongside the digital tools, documents are being printed and notepads are being overused.

I believe it’s unfair to run a paperless office, as there will be instances where it’s essential. However, don’t let this deter you from making an informed decision when it comes to cutting back.

There are various ways in which you can reduce the amount of paper used: –

• Switch to double sided printing
• Use recycled paper
• Re-use scrap paper
• Only print when necessary
• Refillable pens / Eco Wood Pencils
• Use real plates, cups and cutlery
• Be mindful of cleaning product containers and contents
• Recycled material ring binders
• Sticky notes made from recycled paper and uses plant base adhesive

Rethink Your Office Supplies

From paper to pens, and cleaning products to eating utensils we’re in a time where alternatives are available. Your day to day office supplies also contribute to the harmful effects to the environment.

There are some simple swaps that can be made: – 

• Refillable pens / Eco Wood Pencils
• Use real plates, cups and cutlery
• Be mindful of cleaning product containers and contents
• Recycled material ring binders
• Sticky notes made from recycled paper and uses plant base adhesive

Making the transition to a green office isn’t just about making the changes, it’s about taking on a new lifestyle. Any changes make a difference. Start small, start now.

Bio

Vicky Peat is a Marketing Executive for Rap Industries based in Peterborough, UK. As a content marketing writer within the Office Furniture and Office Design industry, Vicky enjoys sharing industry knowledge to encourage and educate workplace professionals.