Keep it Green with an Eco-Friendly Workday

Keep it green by having an eco-friendly workday! By making small changes, you can undoubtedly improve your environmental impact throughout the day and, in doing so, reduce your and your business's carbon footprint. Many people are already adopting eco-friendly practices in their personal lives, such as recycling, reducing waste, and using sustainable products - follow some simple tips to bring those same practices into the office. 

Here are some tips for being eco-friendly while you work: 

Use energy-efficient lighting

One of the easiest ways to be eco-friendly in the office is to switch to energy-efficient lighting. LED bulbs use up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, saving money on electricity bills and reducing carbon emissions. After switching out your lightbulbs, install motion sensors that will turn the lights off for you if no one is around. Also, if you can make use of any natural light, that can help save energy as well. Try moving your desk closer to a window that gets a lot of light!

Turn off electronics when not in use

Leaving electronics such as computers, printers, and scanners on when not in use can waste a significant amount of energy. If you know you won't be using them for a while, take a moment to power down or place your devices in sleep mode. Power strips can also help conserve energy by turning multiple devices off with one switch. 

Bonus Tip: Give your eyes and the environment a break from your electronics and switch to more tactile ways of getting work done when possible. Consider putting the laptops away during a meeting and use a Magnetic Glass Board instead to share ideas. 

Use eco-friendly products

Using eco-friendly products can help reduce waste and promote sustainability. For example, using recycled paper and printer cartridges can help reduce the amount of new waste produced in the office. Reusable coffee cups and kitchenware can reduce the use of disposable cups and dishes. Switching to using refillable water coolers instead of providing individual one-use water bottles can also reduce waste. 

Encourage working from home

Working from home reduces the need for transportation, which reduces carbon emissions and traffic congestion. Additionally, telecommuting can save money on office space and equipment while promoting work-life balance for employees. 

Implement a recycling program

Implementing a recycling program in the office can help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. For example, providing recycling bins for paper, plastic, and metal can encourage employees to recycle instead of throwing items in the trash. You might also consider recycling old electronics such as computers and printers, which can prevent hazardous materials from ending up in landfills. 

Use natural cleaning products

Traditional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can harm the environment and human health. Using natural cleaning products made from ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils can be just as effective while being eco-friendly and non-toxic. Use microfiber cloths instead of paper towels and refillable glass spray bottles instead of disposable plastic ones. 

Bonus Tip: Water is a precious resource. Place hand sanitizer in easy-to-access locations around the office. Supplementing hand washing at a sink with hand sanitizer can reduce water use - this can be especially useful in areas experiencing droughts.

Print less

Printing unnecessary documents not only wastes paper but also wastes ink and energy. Try printing double-sided to help decrease the amount of paper used throughout the day. Also, keep what you need to print out well organized to avoid re-printing lost documents.

Bonus Tip: Keep frequently used documents well organized in binders that employees can share in the office. Arrange files using convenient index tab dividers and increase the longevity of records with a couple of sheet protectors. 

Use sustainable office supplies

Using sustainable office supplies such as wood desk accessories, refillable pens, and reusable folders can also help reduce the environmental impact of the office. When restocking your supplies, try to purchase products that are made from recycled materials to conserve the planet's resources. 

Being eco-friendly in the office not only helps the environment but also helps to reduce costs and improve morale. By making small changes in the office, you can conserve resources and create a more sustainable environment. We hope you take some of these tips and have a wonderfully green day!