In a typical office, there are many opportunities to go green. All you need to do is pay attention and be creative. From changing your office supplies to reconsidering your décor ideas, the options are endless. Here are a few green tips to make your office more environmentally friendly.
Potted Plants
Instead of artificial plants, consider getting a few potted plants in your office. They help clean the air and promote oneness with nature. Humans have an innate need to connect with nature, and luckily, you can enjoy it while going on with your regular workday.
Plants absorb carbon dioxide for photosynthesis so they can improve the quality of your indoor air. According to a 1980s study by NASA scientists, they can help filter out chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. If your office has air conditioning, your plants can reduce about ten percent of carbon dioxide levels.
Natural Flowers
Flower arrangements can have a significant influence on your workspace. Their purpose isn’t just aesthetic. They can improve mood, employee morale, and productivity. With The Bouqs Co, you can use natural flowers and avoid artificial ones, which eventually end in landfills.
Use Electricity Wisely
Be careful with your use of electricity. Most offices need electricity to run their photocopiers, computers, printers, and other critical equipment. After a working day, turn off all equipment that doesn’t need to be on. Do not turn them on until it’s time to use them again. Check to ensure that your computer monitor settings are the highest energy-saving mode. Switch off the lights when they aren’t in use and take advantage of natural lighting whenever you can.
Avoid Toxic Cleaning Products
Many brands now have a variety of non-toxic cleaning products. You no longer need to rely on harsh and toxic products that harm the environment. Please work with your cleaning company to ensure that they are using green cleaning supplies. Alternatively, you may switch to a company that only uses green products.
Reuse, Reduce, Recycle
This principle is more complex than just getting a recycle bin. Do you buy more stuff than your office needs? Are you using just one side of your paper sheets? Are the cups at your water cooler disposable? There are lots of changes that you can make to make your office more eco-friendly.
Environmental Workshops
If you are looking to maintain momentum around your green initiative, consider running regular environmental workshops and talks. They help increase awareness regarding the matter. These workshops are beneficial to both your employees and clients. You can go as far as inviting NGOs and other brands that advocate for green living.
Create a Green Team
Creating a green team at work will make it easier to drop your old habits. Sticking with the status quo is very easy when you have no one to hold you accountable. When a team of like-minded people pushes new agendas, you are likely to experience change faster. Rally a few eco-ambassadors and ask for their help in implementing sustainability initiatives.
Ban Single-Use Plastic
Introduce a ban on single-use plastic and watch your wastage shrink. A zero single-use plastic policy will have a significant impact on the environment. This includes take-away boxes, water bottles, and plastic cups. Start with the small things before you start looking at more significant things like your office supplies.
Today, there are hundreds of organizations and activists pushing for green living. While you may not do as much as them, you can make a few valuable changes to work. They include cutting back on single-use plastic, creating a green team, and using electricity wisely.
