Simple Steps to Create a More Sustainable Workplace
Little adjustments to your workplace could have a significant environmental impact. Take an idea or two from this blog as any of these simple changes will help you create a more sustainable workplace, and they might just save you money as well!
Energy-efficient lighting
One of the easiest ways to reduce energy consumption at work is by switching to more efficient LED bulbs. LED lighting lasts longer than other types of bulbs, uses less electricity, and doesn’t contain mercury like compact fluorescents do.
You can also save money by installing smart switches that turn off lights when rooms aren’t being used.
Install a water fountain or healthier drinks station
If you haven’t already got one at work, a water fountain or drinks station is a must have for your workplace. Not only a great way to encourage people to drink more but hugely improves sustainability at work. How? By not using plastic bottles or aluminium cans that need to be recycled, or worse still end up in landfill and the sea. It also saves on the cost of running fridges needed to cool all those cans and bottled water.
Switching to a countertop drinks station can be far more energy efficient, plus staff will be better hydrated and more focussed.
Reusable water bottles
While you are at the drinks station filling up, don’t even think about grabbing a single-use plastic cup. Invest in a refillable water bottle to top up with.
Stainless steel straws
If you really must have a straw, get a reusable stainless steel one. Stainless steel straws are durable, easy to clean, and ultimately can be reused and recycled, unlike plastic straws which usually end up in landfill.
Ditch single-use cutlery
Replace with bamboo cutlery or other biodegradable material. Or wash and reuse metal cutlery, just like in the old days! It truly makes a difference, as single-use plastic accounts for a large proportion of the nation’s plastic waste.
Bring a refillable coffee cup
Most coffee outlets sell branded refillable cups, so buy one if you like branded coffee. If you only drink one latte or cappuccino a day, this could save at least 230 plastic coffee cups going into landfill every year.
Use Tupperware for lunch
If you like to bring lunch to work from home, make sure that it isn’t wrapped in a plastic sandwich bag that could eventually end up in the sea. Reuse plastic containers or invest in some Tupperware.
Bringing your own sandwich to work is a great sustainable switch compared to bought sandwiches sold in plastic packaging.
Use biodegradable bin bags
These are widely available in most supermarkets and from office suppliers with a negligible price difference. Plastic bin bags are horrible for the environment, so opt for bags that will decompose over time.
Get composting
Composting is an interesting way to reuse and recycle. You can compost almost anything that comes out of your kitchen, including food scraps and paper napkins. To get started with composting, there are some things you’ll need, so does require some effort and commitment over the longer term.
If you’re interested in composting at work, there are some great tips here Office Composting – Why It Matters When You’re At Work — Office Compost Program
Start small - aim big
You can make big changes to your workplace, but it’s important to start small. Small changes are easier to implement and build momentum for future improvements. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from other members of staff, who will appreciate that you care about the environment and want them involved in improving it!
We hope these tips have inspired you to make a change in your workplace, whether it’s by replacing a few light bulbs or getting a drinks station and using refillable bottles. The more people who are aware of their impact on the environment, the better off we all will be!
To find out more about how an office drinks machine could save money, energy, time and reduce waste – contact our team.
