4 ways to make your office more environmentally friendly

What are the most practical ways for us to be more environmentally friendly at work? Let's take a look at five practical ways in which you can reduce your environmental impact at the workplace.

1. Recycle

Recycling is an essential part of keeping our planet clean, and it’s relatively easy to do. But if you’re not sure how to get started, these tips can help: 1) Take a look around your house and assess what you can recycle.2) Think about how you can be more environmentally friendly by not littering or bringing in food into the workplace. 3) Check with your office supply company to see if there are any dedicated recycling bins. 4) Consider preparing or bringing your kitchen/work area clean up and maintenance supplies. 5) Keep your electronics out of your work area — keep them in another room.

There are many great companies making green initiatives that are important for the health of our planet and other living beings. We spoke with several of them to get their picks for the “Greenest Companies” Award at Environmental Scavenger, which is a weekly series hosted on Fourani by myself, Corinne Deller. We were especially impressed by Unilever’s (NYSE:UL) zero-waste initiatives and efforts to hold members of its supply chain company accountable.

On a larger scale, one company that we admired is DowE (NYSE:DOW), which focuses on sustainable agriculture. Dow is also known for sustainability initiatives in its operational operations, such as open data practices, understanding employee needs, and equal opportunity.

Here are some additional thoughts.

The rise of digital working has made it possible for companies to capitalize on new opportunities and diversify their revenue streams. However, much of this new business isn’t necessarily first-time customers, new product lines, or new suppliers. It’s often businesses we’ve been working with, doing business with for a long time, or because we’re close to their customers.To continue this trend, take a moment to think about what types of companies you’re bringing into your network.

2. Use renewable energy

Renewable energy is energy that comes from a source that is naturally replenished on a human timescale, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves and geothermal heat. Renewable energy often provides energy in four important areas: electricity generation, air and water heating/cooling, transportation, and rural (off-grid) energy services.

You can choose to buy renewable energy generated in your own area, such as micro-generation. For example, solar photovoltaics (PV) are the most common form of renewable energy generation, with several types of PV available. You can also buy energy from hydroelectricity sources such as hydroelectricity dams in lakes and rivers, wind energy such as hydroelectric turbines, or geothermal energy.

For offices, you can buy sustainable electricity from wind energy producers, such as those from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). Your university or work from home facility could also provide you with renewable energy; just check with your office manager to see if this is available.

When looking for a room that can supply your needs, consider two of the following design options. These will reduce your carbon footprint by making certain items of furniture more recyclable and longer-lasting, or light usage.

Biodegradable and refillable items can have an outsized environmental impact if you don’t use them properly.

It can be easier to recycle non-reusable items, like office supplies, at home. If you use office supplies properly at home, you can easily upcycle non-reusable items into new, reusable items through repurposing. Also consider keeping your recycling bins out and full to reduce the amount of packaging material and waste generated by your recycling efforts.

Off-grid energy is power that comes from sources that are outside of your direct control, such as solar energy, geothermal energy, and wind or hydroelectric power. When trying to reduce carbon emissions, you can choose to purchase renewable energy from these sources.

Many domiciles and small office buildings include energy-producing appliances or devices, such as photovoltaic (PV) cells or wind generators. These devices have an outsized environmental impact if they’re not used properly.

3. Reuse materials

The fastest way to improve your environment and save money is to reuse materials rather than recycling them or throwing them away. You can reuse many materials in a number of different ways. For example, you can wear clothing multiple times before washing it, you can reuse plastic containers, and you can reuse paper.

Reducing your carbon footprint often involves making decisions that are in line with your values. For example, people who take ethical decisions tend to be more environmentally conscious while people who do not are more likely to consume more products.

Willpower is limited and can quickly run out. Therefore, it’s important to make well-informed decisions that will help you avoid negative outcomes. All of the points discussed above can power your decision-making.

I recommend making a list of five (5) questions that you can ask yourself before you decide whether or not to purchase something. Your list can help you prioritize your needs and wants in order to make better decisions.

If you and your employees change your policies and practices along these lines, you probably won’t need to hire more lawyers. You can save on the cost of handling your waste and put more money in your pocket.

Before you make your next purchase, check if your preferred supplier offers standardized packaging, cardboard, paper, plastic, and glass. Many retailers use these materials when producing some of their products. But you need to know the recyclable versions of these materials. You might want to rethink your favorite clothing items.

On average, we generate 87 pounds (about 30kg) of unnecessary waste a day. Let’s all work together to make a real change in this regard.

4. Buy sustainable products

The best way to be a sustainable shopper is to think about the entire lifecycle of a product, including where it comes from, how it’s made, and how it’s disposed of. If you buy a product, make sure it’s made from sustainable materials.A sustainable shoe means a shoe that’s made from sustainable rubber or synthetics or recycled materials.

It’s natural to assume that you’re part of a huge cost-saving scheme if a company is organised around saving the environment. Companies do this by: Of course, saving the environment doesn’t only apply to products. It applies to companies, too. It’s quite common for few companies to contribute to a common environmental initiative or campaign and have significant environmental benefit for the whole industry as a whole: for example, for a range of products, brands such as Nestlé actively promote responsible packaging.

Shop ethically by avoiding all products that claim to be BRCA-free or cruelty-free, if they’re not. Find out whether any goods contain materials that degrade the environment or if they contain animals.

If you’re reliant on your computer and mobile device, think about making your office the phones and computers’s second home. Throw other items away on your desk and in drawers before you bring them into your working area — things you wouldn’t normally throw out like fridges, nightstands or tea sets.

Don’t buy items just because they say they’re carbon neutral — it doesn’t make a difference if 83% of the emissions come from the people producing all those products compared to the gas, oil or coal they pump into the atmosphere.

Buying essential items such as cigarettes, sweets and alcohol should be minimal. Try to buy these products with as little impact on the environment as possible. Find out how to do this.

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