Many of us spend our days in the workplace, and you can make a big difference by striving for a more eco-friendly workday routine. While not all workplaces are particularly eco-conscious, you can still do your part to implement changes to reduce your carbon footprint. You can also practice these things when working from home.
Here are some tips for a greener workday!
Daily commute
Traveling to work every day can mean a large carbon footprint, and there are several things you can do to lessen this environmental impact. Consider alternatives such as public transportation, carpooling, walking, or biking (or using an electric bike). Another possibility is purchasing a smaller car, or an electric or hybrid vehicle.
Reduce paper use
Some offices have a paperless system in place already, but you can minimize how often you print on paper. You can also reduce how much you print by using both sides, printing multiple pages on one page, or other strategies such as digital tools.
Recycle & compost
Even if your office does not offer recycling, you can save items to recycle, such as paper or plastic containers. You can also save compostable items such as banana peels, apple cores, etc.
Foods & drinks
Consider your food and drink containers at work. Use reusable water bottles, travel mugs for coffee, reusable straws, etc. instead of single use cups or plastic straws. For foods, use reusable containers, preferably glass or stainless. Try to reduce packaging by packaging your own snacks, versus buying prepackaged snack size items. If you eat out during the day, bring reusable straws or silverware when possible.
Eco-friendly office supplies
There are many office products to choose from that are eco-friendly, such as recycled paper, recycled pens, refillable supplies, etc.
Energy use
It is good to save on energy use when possible. While you may not be able to change out the lights in your workplace, you can opt for a desk lamp that has an led light, or reduce your use of lights overall.
Plants
Plants are a great way to brighten your workspace and also to improve air quality.
I love my reusable water bottle! I never liked the taste of water in plastic bottles. I will keep your other ideas in mind.
My husband works at home 2 days a week, so he is doing some of this. Now to get him to do some other items, like carpooling.
These are great ideas for an eco-friendly workday. I work from home but like to save all scraps of paper, used envelopes, etc., for notes and scratch pads. I also use a reusable water bottle daily and keep it next to me 24/7.
I am working at home and I am always using my reusable water at home and everywhere I go.
Thank you for these eco-friendly workday tips! I recently switched to biking to work, and it’s not just helping the environment but also making my mornings more refreshing.
These are all great points to consider when trying to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Composting and reusable containers are a couple of my favorites.
I’m all in for the daily commute hacks – carpooling and biking sound doable and green!
great tips here. given my DH works from home now mostly, the commute for us is greatly reduced (my son walks/takes the bus to college from his apartment, and the only times we use the car is for dropping/picking up my daughter to school – a short distance each day)..
Love all your tips for an eco-friendly work day! I can’t wait to find some eco-friendly office supplies!
I’ve been thinking of adding some fresh plants on my table. I forgot about it, thanks for the reminder.