9 Ways to Start An Eco-Friendly Office Environment

A lot of businesses and communities would like to do more to conserve and protect our natural resources, but they don’t know where to begin with becoming more environmentally friendly.

Being environmentally friendly simply means having a lifestyle that are better for the environment. It is all about taking small steps towards mother earth so as to make this planet a better place for our communities and generations to come. Being energy and resource efficient and conscious of improving the health and well-being of the work environment will also reduce the costs of running a business. It's time to "go green" at work, and here is how:

Let there be light

Working during the day has its benefits. There is no perfect substitute to the ambiance provided by natural sunlight. Offices should not use heavy drapes and fold up the blinds to let the natural light in. This automatically ensures the office in relying less on artificial lighting and instantly save up on precious energy.

Print only when necessary

Printing documents injudiciously and often is just a waste of papers and ink. Nowadays, cloud-based technological advances can help in saving up files/documents on Google Drive and present them next meeting by just sharing them via online. Technology has never been this better, always take advantage of it.

Reduce and reuse

Reduce on the consumption of office supplies and reuse whenever possible. All of us must be aware that every day items can be turned into furniture that will become your office’s focal point, and enhance it with style. Also, when you do make a purchase, bring your own bags.

Use non-toxic cleaning products

There are many brands available nowadays like Nature Clean, Ecover, and Pink Solution that are considered as non-toxic. Encourage the cleaning and maintenance department of the company to use environmentally friendly products.

Use environmentally friendly office products 

Make it a habit to use 100% recycled paper, refillable ink cartridges, non-toxic highlighters, ergonomic office furniture and more.

Fairtrade and organic

Instead of purchasing branded coffee and tea, buy fair trade, organic coffee and teas for the office. If employees prefer to go out for their hot beverages, encourage them to take their own mugs. It would help in the reduction in waste of thrown out paper or Styrofoam cups from coffee shops.

Encourage telecommuting

Companies can also suggest work-from-home if possible, especially those workers who would normally drive long distance to work. This cuts down on pollution and increases time availability.

Alternative transportation

For those who do come to the office on a regular basis, encourage and arrange a carpooling, use of public transit, biking, or walking.

Use green landscaping

In landscaping the office, plant drought-resistant foliage can be used. Putting up rooftop plants can reduce the heat island effect.

Making the environment more pleasant for yourself, energy efficient, and eco-friendly will increase the enjoyment of the workplace and lessen its impact on the environment as a whole.