ItalianoCurrently, there is a lot of focus on trying to protect the environment through various ecological methods to reduce our carbon emissions. Millions of people have made a concerted effort to recycle, reduce energy consumption and fuel-efficient vehicles. Although the transition is still quite slow, more and more companies have begun to pay more attention to the green of the work environment. If you’re working in an office that didn’t meet your needs, here are some simple tips for setting up an eco-friendly office yourself.
BUY USED FURNITURE
One of the easiest ways to renovate your office in a greener way is to buy used furniture. Millions of chairs, tables and cabinets end up in landfills every year. If more businesses buy used furniture, it will help reduce the amount of office waste around the world.
WASTE SORTING
This is a simple, yet easy to do and very effective way. Recycle everything you can! You will be surprised how many items can be recycled. Pens, paper, furniture, ink cartridges, computers, printers and office phones are just some of the office items that can be recycled. Establish a detailed waste separation schedule in the office to help workers collect waste. Recycling also includes the use of products that have been recycled. For example, instead of buying that expensive printer paper, think about buying recycled paper and double-sided printing to reduce ink consumption. This also applies to paper plates, paper cups, letter openers, forks and spoons available in office kitchens. In addition, to save time, your business can also contact organizations specializing in the collection of waste for recycling, order office supplies from partners who undertake to collect and recycle.
KITCHEN CHANGE
Most offices have a kitchen or pantry room where workers can grab a snack, have lunch, and wash their utensils. We transform this space into an ecological place. Provide water purifiers to encourage workers not to bring disposable water bottles to work. Use recycled products for your coffee and tea machines and change the water flow in the sink to minimize waste.
CHANGE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY VEHICLES
Driving to work is a major cause of traffic congestion and smog that affects our environment. Encourage workers to drive or ride a bike together by offering rewards programs for that activity. By giving a premium and regulating flexible working hours from which workers easily share cars or move around by public transport.
ENERGY SAVING
Remind workers to turn off the lights when they leave the bathroom or kitchen. Instead of putting your office computer to “sleep”, ask to turn everything off at the end of the day. If possible, do not adjust the temperature in the office to be too different from the outside temperature, thus saving a lot of energy from the air conditioner. By following these small and simple steps, you will have a greener office in no time.
IDEAS TO REDUCE OFFICE WASTE
We offer more detailed tips on how to reduce, reuse and recycle in your office. Preventing waste increases efficiency and increases profits!
When it comes to reducing waste, small steps make a big difference.
1) Change all computer settings to power saving mode and make sure all devices are turned off when not in use.
2) Make it a company policy to distribute reminders by email, rather than on paper.
3) Do not print the employee handbook. Instead, allow workers to access it in PDF format.
4) Install the hand dryer machine in the bathroom.
5) Start the car sharing program. Many people may be interested in car sharing but do not have the courage to ask for the others. Start a plan that will keep your workers connected!
6) Encourage workers to walk or cycle to work, reducing emissions. Make sure you provide secure bicycle parking and a private changing area.
7) Reduce your consumption by having both the printer and copier printed on both sides. Also, reduce color printing as it typically uses more ink.
8) Save the containers from the deliveries you receive and reuse them at the time of shipment or for storage purposes.
9) Reuse envelopes for internal mail.
10) Look for and buy eco-friendly products like pens that can be refilled instead of being sent to landfill.
11) Do not leave the basket under the table. This will eliminate the temptation to easily dispose of waste instead of recycling it.
There are many things you can do to make your office greener. Coming up with a huge recycling to-do list may seem overwhelming, but start with a few and build on them. Remember we need to start acting!
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