It’s almost the year 2020 which means not only should we have flying cars by now, but we should also be experts when it comes to living green. Whether it’s recycling, composting, driving less, limiting meat consumption, investing in solar panels, bringing a reusable cup to Starbucks, etc. there are a ton of things we can all do to help the planet.
We’re in control of how we choose to recycle, compost, and conserve energy in our own homes, but do you ever think about your carbon footprint at work? How different are your habits at home compared to in the office? Are you still doing your part to help the Earth?
In a recent survey by Seareach, they wanted to find out what makes your office green and which elements play an important part towards an improved work space. Here’s what they found:
- Paperless – Work is stored digitally 20%
- Labelled waste bins – Suitable for recycling 18%
- Solar panels for electricity 14%
- LED bulbs – Use less energy and more efficient 12%
- Green heating 9%
- Reusable bottles 7%
- Bike facilities 6%
- Electric car charging points 6%
- Motion-triggered lights 5%
- Plants and natural light 3%
Has your company introduced composting bins in the cafeteria, or encouraged you to waste less paper at your desk? Do you drink your morning coffee from a compostable cup, or reusable mug? Do you bring your own lunch in reusable containers, or do you drive to your favorite restaurant every day and eat from plastic cups, bowls, and silverware?
I’ve been noticing that a lot of companies are starting to introduce more plants into their offices. Whether it’s big lush trees or small desk plants, I think every bit helps. Living walls are totally hip right now, and I love it! The new Apple store in Seattle has a giant living wall and I think it’s the coolest. Not only is it beautiful, but it’s oxygenating the air, too! I work in an office with a landscape architect, so we have a TON of plants here thanks to him. I’m not complaining!
At work, I’m actually the person who supplies everything our office needs, so I definitely make it a point to buy only compostable cups, silverware, and Keurig coffee pods in our break room. Before I started here, we had a tiny compost bin that I don’t think anyone was using. I’ve since upgraded the bin size and purchased compostable bags. I placed a sign above the bin explaining what’s compostable and what isn’t. Our light bulbs are all LED’s and I even buy toilet paper that doesn’t have the cardboard roll in the middle. While these are small things, they still help our office be just a bit more greener, and I definitely think that’s a win for everyone!
If you’re wondering how you can make a difference in your workplace, Seareach suggests these tips:
Go paperless – Scan and archive paperwork to help to move completely digital. The more you can store digitally and the less paper you use, the more you will transform your office into becoming green.
Label recycling waste bins – Clearly labeling your waste bins will help and encourage staff to recycle. With clear and concise instructions, it makes it easier for employees to follow.
Solar panels for electricity – Enable you to have lighting and run lower power appliances. The photo voltaic cells use the sun’s energy to provide a green renewable energy source.
Installing LED bulbs – The energy consumption of LED lights can be up to a 75% saving, compared to halogen bulbs. This results in much less energy required and is a cost-effective effort towards your office running costs.
Green heating – The cheapest source for heating and is very efficient. Easy & cheap to install and performs well.
Reusable water bottle(s) – Bring in your own water bottle that can be refilled at work. From this, you’ll reduce the number of discarded plastic bottles.
Bike facilities – Providing a bike rack can encourage employees to cycle to work, cutting down pollution and helping with general health and fitness.
Electric car charging points – Electric cars provide more energy efficiency up to 85-90%, over ICE (Internal Combustion Engines). These are overall much greener and don’t require expensive fossil fuels in order to operate.
Motion-detection lights – Having these all-around communal areas helps improves energy efficiency. These can be ideal in seldom used rooms or shared rooms, such as small meeting rooms. This will save energy if people are in and out and often forget to turn off lights.
Plants and natural light – Having plants in your office will aesthetically soften the work areas with boring colors and can help oxygenate the office.
What are you doing to help reduce your carbon footprint at home and around the office? Let me know in the comments, and as always, thanks for reading! xo
Fee says
So important and gosh that plant wall is amazing, who doesn’t want to be surrounded by all that beauty!