8 Tips for adopting greener practices in the workplace
7 de July, 2022
The worrying reality of global warming and climate change has prompted the creation of policies and measures around the world to promote environmental sustainability.
These measures are developed by governments, companies and must, of course, also be carried out by each of us individually.
Changing small habits in our daily lives can make all the difference in this effort to preserve the planet. And so, in addition to what we can do at home, there are also simple actions that we should put into practice in the workplace.
Discover with us 8 tips for adopting greener practices at work and having a more environmentally friendly routine.
1 – Separate your waste (and encourage your colleagues to do the same)
If you’re still not in the habit of sorting your waste at work, today is a good day to start. Separate paper, packaging and glass and put them in the appropriate container so that they can then be recycled.
If your company doesn’t already have waste separation containers, find out if it’s possible to switch to one. Until then, you can separate recyclable materials for later disposal at home or in a container you find on your route.
2 – Turn off the light when it’s not needed
Try to turn off the electricity when you don’t need it: when there’s no one in the room or when there’s enough natural light for you to work.
This will allow you to reduce energy consumption, which has a positive impact on the environment, but also contributes to reducing your company’s electricity bill.
3 – Turn off your computer and other electronic devices
When you finish your work, do you have a habit of leaving your computer on standby instead of turning it off? You’re probably not the only one.
But even though it’s suspended, the computer is still using some energy. Obviously, more than if it were switched off. So try to adopt this small change in your routine and turn off your equipment when you’re not going to use it.
4 – Reduce the use of paper
Try to keep the number of printouts to a minimum. And, when you do need to print, try to use double-sided sheets or reuse them later to take notes.
By digitizing processes and going paperless, you can not only reduce the environmental impact of your activities, but also increase efficiency and productivity. For example, if you write and work on files online, you can make them easily accessible to your entire team, making processes simpler and more collaborative (as well as more sustainable).
5 – Say goodbye to disposables
Simple habits such as drinking water or coffee in the workplace can also become more eco-friendly. Especially if you make the mistake of using disposable, plastic cups every time. The environmental impact of these products is enormous.
Take your own coffee cup to work and reuse it. Do the same with your water bottle, which you can refill whenever you need to. If you eat lunch or other meals at work, also avoid disposable packaging and cutlery. Give preference to containers that you can wash and use frequently.
6 – Travel in a more sustainable way
Changing your habits can also involve the way you commute to work. If using public transport is a viable option for you (for the journey you make from home to work), choose to leave the car at home.
Other alternatives could be carpooling with other colleagues or neighbors or, if you live close to work, walking or cycling. All these options are more environmentally friendly and also more economical.
7 – Keep plants nearby
Don’t have any natural plants in your workplace? Plants act as a kind of air filter, as they store carbon dioxide and increase oxygen levels.
In addition, plants make spaces more pleasant and calmer, helping to generally improve the atmosphere in the workplace.
8 – Don’t immediately discard what you don’t use
Are you replacing your computer? Do you have other equipment or materials that you no longer use? Don’t throw anything away without first realizing that you can’t give it to someone else.
What, for whatever reason, is no longer useful in our company or workplace can be valued elsewhere and by other people. Always try to donate before discarding, thus avoiding waste.
Having more ecological and sustainable habits is something we should keep in mind, not only at home, but also at work, where we spend a large part of our day. There, too, we can raise awareness and positively influence our colleagues with our environmentally conscious actions.
Do you already adopt these practices in your day-to-day work? Are there any other ideas that you also implement? Tell us all about it!