3 Leaner, Meaner & Greener Resolutions For Office Sustainability

Every day, more and more people are jumping on board to becoming “leaner, meaner and greener” by shrinking their carbon footprint and promoting sustainability and recycling. This movement has now infiltrated the corporate environment, with many companies willing to do their part, but not knowing where to start. Now that these issues are on the table, and in order for a program to be successful, the effort should start at the top, as people tend to want to impress leaders. Once these “new norms” are established, they are likely to be followed by everyone. Here are some amazing tips on how to set up and promote office sustainability.

#1 Going Paperless

Promote digital documents – they are not only easier and more affordable to store and retrieve, but they are more secure and reduce clutter; if stored on the cloud, they can be accessed from virtually anywhere.

Make the switch to recycled paper for those documents that need to be printed – the quality of the recycled paper is surprising similar to its more expensive counterpart.

Save ink and toner by using the “draft” or “toner-saving” settings for documents that don’t require a high-quality print job. Don’t forget to set up your ink and paper recycling bins in the copier room.

#2 Recycling / Reusing

Become more environmentally friendly by recycling –  be sure to set up recycling bins around the cafeteria and offices. Check with your waste management company to see if you need separate recycling bins for glass, paper, and plastics or if they have single-stream recycling. 

Waste Wise Products‘ large selections of recycling bins & recycling containers compliment any facility management strategy. From single-stream recycling bins to triple or multi-stream recycling bins; our recycling bins are ideal for placement in any indoor or outdoor location and any facility décor. (1)

Reusables – All plastic, glass, and paper generated in the breakroom is recyclable – drink bottles, plastic spoons, paper/plastic cups, paper towels, and plates. Be sure to provide proper recycle bins for these items and avoid the use of styrofoam, as it is not recyclable.

Recycling – Encourage your staff to print on both sides of paper for internal documents. Set up a station to collect paper that’s only been printed on one side, cut the sheets into quarters and use for quick notes.

#3 Choosing Sustainable Suppliers

Many vendors have joined the office-sustainability movement. From more environmentally-friendly bathroom and kitchen products to biodegradable cleaning products to recycled printing paper, these cost-effective choices are becoming increasingly more available.

Other Energy Conservation Tips

• Use LEDs- Upgrade to LEDs to save both energy and money
• Smart Power Strips – Use smart power strips that will turn off peripheral equipment when the primary device is turned off
• Sleep Mode –  by enabling sleep mode and power saver features on computers and other equipment you will reduce the power consumption when these items are not in use.
• Occupancy Sensors – Install occupancy sensors to automatically turn lights off/on in areas where lights do not need to remain on all the time. , i.e., conference rooms, restrooms, the mail room, and storage areas, as well as individual offices.
• Natural Lighting – Take advantage of natural lighting. Consider re-arranging desks and workspaces as necessary to allow for better lighting.
• Conserve Water – Upgrade Toilets – they are generally the biggest source of water consumption in a typical office environment.
• Install Low-Flow Aerators –  Control the flow of water coming out of the faucet, and you can easily conserve resources and reduce one of your operating costs.
• Recycling Bin Signage -Use proper signage for your recycling bins – help people sort properly by affixing samples of items that should go into them.

Once your company decides to join the thousands of others already reaping the benefits, contact Waste Wise Products to help you promote your company’s recycling program by customizing and branding your recycling bins. Call or email us for your free quote.

Article Resources

(1)https://www.wastewiseproductsinc.com/

https://083950260099-attachments.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/3508/cba84859-d97d-4a70-94f2-4f4a12c1223f/Green%20Office_%2035%20Green%20Tips%20Guide.pdf

https://www.theguardian.com/small-business-network/2015/oct/20/simple-steps-sustainable-workplace-experts