5 Ways to Be More Sustainable at Work

Offices are easily some of the most wasteful places in society. Given the current state of our climate, it’s more important than ever that we become conscious of our waste and energy consumption. Sustainability is the key to slowing down the process of global warming, and guess what? Going green is easier than you think.

Read on to learn five of the simplest and most efficient ways to be more sustainable in the office.

Go paperless (as much as possible)

It’s the 21st century, and we’ve all spent the last two years in a pandemic that moved our entire lives online. Why are you still using paper? Many companies have digitized their data and files through cloud technologies, significantly reducing the need for paper. If you must print something, try using eco-friendly or recycled paper, and print double-sided.

Maximize natural light

Take advantage of the natural light that you have in your office. You can save so much energy just by keeping the lights off when you have enough sunlight coming from the windows. Oftentimes, you won’t even notice if your lights are on during the day.

Turn everything off at night

There’s no reason why your electronics should be left on when no one is working. Before you leave at the end of the day, turn off your computer, printer, lights, and any other electronic device. If you have access to your heating, lower the temperature overnight.

Use reusable items

It’s too easy to go to the water cooler, take a plastic cup, sip your water, throw the cup away, and do that another ten times throughout the day. This small action creates so much unnecessary waste. Make it a personal goal to only use a reusable water bottle or glass. In terms of food, use reusable utensils and plates, and pack your lunches in reusable containers.

Complete “green challenges” with your coworkers

Who doesn’t love a little challenge? Encourage your teammates to participate and offer a reward to whoever completes the challenge. Some examples can be to only use a re-usable coffee mug for one month, or to take public transit for a week. Pick a challenge together where you all feel you could be more sustainable.

Be part of the solution. Going green is easier than you think!