With the amount of time individuals spend at work and with colleagues, the workplace serves as an ideal setting for developing sustainable habits. Just as other shared objectives leverage are pursued within a company’s collective culture, the work environment provides a great venue for introducing and expanding sustainable practices that can also be carried into our personal lives.
Here are some practical tips for those looking to encourage colleagues to foster sustainable habits in the workplace:
- Resourceful use of materials: expand the use of recycled materials and products. Implement a policy to use both sides of the paper for printing, and advocate for digital documents over physical ones whenever possible.
- Energy efficiency initiatives: Conduct energy audits and identify areas where energy consumption can be reduced. Switch to energy-efficient LED lighting, encourage employees to power down their computers and other devices when not in use, and promote the use of natural light.
- Green commuting plans: Implement a green commuting strategy that encourages carpooling, biking, or public transit use, and offer remote work options to reduce commute-related emissions. This approach supports both environmental sustainability and employee work-life balance.
- Waste reduction initiatives: Set up a robust recycling program and composting options if feasible. Reduce single-use plastics by providing employees with reusable water bottles, cups, and cutlery.
- Sustainable meetings and events: Make company events and meetings more sustainable. This can include digital invitations, local and seasonal food choices, and minimal use of disposable items.
