The workplace is where most of us spend a good portion of our days. It makes a big difference to make some mindful changes to help make your work day a little more eco-friendly. With small swaps and strategies, sustainability can be a part of your everyday work life.
Reusable Drinkware
Instead of relying on disposable coffee cups or plastic water bottles, invest in a stainless steel water bottle or insulated mug. There are a variety of options, from stainless to glass to ceramic.
Eco-Friendly Paper
Look for paper products made with recycled paper, from notebooks to copy paper. Try to cut down on your paper use, and look into paperless options when possible. You can also find pens and other items that are made with recycled content.
Energy-Efficient Items
When choosing office electronics, look for energy-efficient options. Laptops, monitors, and lighting (such as LED lights) are usually available with a lower energy consumption
Reusable Lunch Items
Packing meals in glass containers, stainless steel tins, or beeswax wraps eliminates the need for disposable bags and plastic wrap. These choices make your lunch routine more sustainable and cost-effective.
Sustainable Office Decor
Plants, upcycled furniture, and natural fiber rugs can give your workspace a refreshing feel while also promoting better air quality and less reliance on synthetic materials. Skip plastic, disposable decor that contributes to landfills.
Recycle and Compost
Whenever possible, recycle and compost items. This may mean bringing items home from the workplace if there is not a bin available.
Mindful Commuting
If possible, consider walking, biking, carpooling, or using public transportation to get to work. Remote or hybrid options also help cut back on unnecessary travel.
I have been looking for lunch items that are not plastic. The one that you feature looks perfect for my husband’s lunch.
I have a lot of these. I love my reusable drinkware. I also recycle. I might start to compost!
I love all of these and have them too. I use as many reusable items as I can.
Love how you make sustainability simple and stylish, especially the reusable drinkware and eco office decor ideas!
Love this list! Now that my husband walks to and from work, I’ve noticed he has more energy and his breathing is more regular.
Oh, this is me all the way, I love to recycle and so does my kids. The reusable drinkware is a must even if I am working from home.
These are some wonderful eco friendly options for work il have to tell my husband
Commuting for me isn’t an issue as I work from home. I do walk loads too. I always use reusable drinkware whenever it is possible.
Marysa, I love how your “Sustainable Work Essentials” guide transforms small swaps—like reusable drinkware and energy-efficient items—into thoughtful, everyday eco-choices. It’s practical inspiration for making workdays greener and more intentional.
This is such a great reminder that even the little things we do at work can make a big impact! It’s so easy to overlook how much waste can come from a regular workday.