Bright Green Office
Originally uploaded by lippi

Out of awareness grows positive change and a hugely important issue that has come to the forefront of international awareness as of recent years is that of environmental sustainability. While on the home front, initiatives such as recycling of plastics, papers and food waste may be well established routine, it is surprising how many work places have not jumped on the green bandwagon. The workplace can be the source of an enormous amount of waste, particularly office based businesses. Everyday countless reams of paper are used in photocopiers, envelopes, boxes and courier satchels are opened and thrown out, left over food tossed into kitchen waste receptacles and computers, lights and other electrical products left running or on standby.

With the support of local government and independent bodies, implementing environmentally friendly initiatives and creating a more sustainable work place need not be a difficult task.

Simple ideas to kick start a workplace environmental plan:

Place a paper recycling / shredding bin by every photocopier/printer

Place recycling receptacles for plastics, cans, papers and food waste in your kitchen.

Make recycling easy by clearly marking bins with signs showing what can be recycled, ie. "THIS BIN IS FOR: Light cardboard, Paper NO plastics, heavy cardboards" etc. Make it really easy for everyone to get used to, use pictures - make it obvious.

Put small stickers/labels on all light switches in the building reading "Please switch off when not in use" or similar.

Implement a company policy to shut down all computers at COB, rather than just logging off. A reminder email could be forwarded to all employees at knock off time to ensure compliance.

If environmental initiatives seem difficult to introduce you could form an environmental committee to audit processes, offering rewards initially to best performing departments. This encourages employees to work together to create this positive change, no one likes to feel as though they are letting the team down.

Purchase paper that is created from renewable / sustainable sources, most larger stationery suppliers will have options ie. Office Max (NZ/AU) offers reams of paper made from 50%, 80% or even 100% from recycled fibre- all of which are suitable for office use in copiers/printers/faxes etc!

Rather than each employee having a bin for general rubbish at their desks, utilise one per department. This way people will be more likely to consider the best option for disposal before throwing out their waste.

Through banding together with your co-workers and creating these changes in your workplace you are not only improving your work environment but creating an awareness for every employee to continue practicing these newly learnt habits in their home too. What does your office do to keep in check with the environment?