There’s no denying that the corporate world has added to the
environmental turmoil impacting the Earth. One of the major reasons behind this
is that we have overlooked the need to be sustainable at work. As a result, the
goal of a sustainable work environment hasn’t become a reality yet.
With the planet battling against the burning issues of global
warming, pollution, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, waste disposal, and so
much more, it is high time that everyone wakes up to the need of creating and
maintaining a sustainable work environment.
Wondering how you can do your bit and help save the planet? Here
are 5 simple but effective ideas to promote sustainability at work.
1. Minimise the Use of Paper
Gone are the days when you had to use paper to jot down ideas,
document things, or even print invoices. With the revolutionary emergence of
digital and cloud computing solutions, it has become extremely easy to shift
your focus from paper to a paperless way of doing office work. What’s more,
these solutions can help you to perform in an efficient, streamlined, and
organised way.
From an environmental point of view, making less use of paper
results in less demand, and that can translate to fewer trees being cut down
across the world.
2. Say No to Plastic
Plastic ranks among the top things that have been creating
environmental hazards for the planet. According to UNESCO, plastic debris
results in the deaths of over one million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals
each year. You can start fighting this menace by saying no to the use of
plastic in your workplace.
Begin by giving up on plastic water bottles, disposable cups,
and single-use cutlery. Go for stainless steel water bottles, reusable mugs,
cutlery, etc., to curb the use of plastic in your day-to-day life in the
office.
3. Bring In Indoor Plants
You don’t need to put in much effort to practise sustainability
at work. Something as simple as introducing plants in your workplace can help you
to become an environmental
guardian.
Plants are a great way to introduce a slice of greenery in your
workplace and uplift your office décor. They can also help to reduce your
stress and boost oxygen levels in your office. As per research conducted by NASA, the soil
microorganisms found in potted indoor plants can considerably reduce the air
pollutants in an indoor environment.
You can take this further by opting for environmental
volunteer opportunities and raising awareness about preserving greenery
among your friends, family, and acquaintances.
4. Compost Food Waste
Are you aware that about one-third of the food produced for human consumption every year goes to
waste? Now, this is around 1.3 billion tons of food, and it can feed 3 billion
people! Won’t it be great if you can help reduce food wastage by repurposing
the leftovers in your office?
An easy way to do so will be to compost food waste. You can go
for on-site composting or send waste to a commercial composting facility.
Either way, you will have the satisfaction of not adding to the food waste
problem but rather reducing it.
5. Opt For Sustainable
Transportation
Changing your transportation habits can make a big difference in
your efforts of sustainability at work. Look for alternative modes of commuting
such as walking to the office, riding a bike, or opting for a carpool ride with
colleagues.
Another way to work around this problem is to opt for remote
working and organising virtual meetings rather than travelling from one place
to another for in-person meetings.
To Wrap Up
By opting to be sustainable at work, you can help create a healthy
and eco-friendly atmosphere. Such efforts of turning into an environmental
guardian will not only benefit you but also encourage your colleagues to follow
your example.
So, why not take your first step towards sustainability at work?
