As The Citizen reveals, there are a number of simple steps business owners and employees can take to help turn their office green.
Although making an office which you share with “numerous people” more environmentally friendly can be “rather difficult”, there are various simple changes that can be implemented in order to make your workspace green.
The first thing you can do is switch to office supplies which can be easily reused and recycled. This will “reduce the amount of plastic dumped into landfills” as well as cutting down on the cost of restocking on supplies. Consider purchasing “journals, diaries and calendars” made from recycled paper, use proper mugs for your coffee and tea instead of plastic cups, and “only print when necessary” to prevent undue wastage of paper, ink and toner.
As for the waste you do generate, try your best to recycle as much as you can. Purchase recycle bins for office food waste, as well as for glass, paper and plastic. While most offices will have a centralised recycling system, small businesses may require a rota system whereby employees take turns to take the recycling to the local waste management facility each week.
Electricity is also an important resource that should not be wasted unnecessarily. Making “small changes” in the way you use it can reduce your monthly usage and the amount your office spends. Energy-saving light bulbs are readily available, with the WWF stating that they “can use between 20 percent and 33 percent less energy than a standard light bulb.” In addition, by opening blinds and windows or painting your office a more light-reflective shade, you can cut down on your need for electricity during the day.
Finally, when it comes to office bathrooms, “using water wisely is a big concern.” All employees can contribute by making sure taps are correctly turned off, reporting any leaks they discover, and replacing old toilets with newer more environmentally friendly models.
Making these easy changes will help contribute to a green and much more efficient workspace for you and your co-workers.