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Go paperless -

Thanks to cloud storage services, the need for paper and printers has decreased in the past two decades. Reduce the number of printers in your office by donating them to a local school or non-profit organization.

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Unplug -

Devices on standby are still consuming power, which can increase your electricity bill and carbon emissions. Remember to unplug your workstation before leaving the office.

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Install motion-activated light switches -

Rather than relying on employees to switch off lights as they leave a room, consider swapping to motion-activated lights, particularly in areas of the workplace that are less frequently used.

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Opt for bottleless water dispensers -

Bottleless water dispensers will eliminate the environmental impact of bottle production and reduce plastic waste, making your workplace more eco-friendly and sustainable.

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Use micro-fiber cloths -

Paper towels are typically the go-to method for cleaning up spills. The production of paper towels leads to deforestation, and they produce methane when dumped in landfills, so opt for reusable microfiber cloths instead.

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Buy in bulk -

Single-serving packets may seem more convenient, but they produce so much unnecessary waste. Instead, buy sugar, salt, and creamer in bulk and keep them in reusable jars.

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Use natural fiber sponges -

Most sponges are made from oil-based plastics that can take tens of thousands of years to decompose. Opt for sponges made from plant-based fibers, as these break down easily in landfills.

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Keep the shades open during the daytime -

If your workspace has windows, keep the blinds open and let the natural daylight in. Minimizing the amount of artificial light reduces energy consumption and lowers carbon footprints.

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Label trash cans -

Have individual trash cans for general waste, recycling, and compost, and clearly label them so your employees know what goes where.

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Keep an eye on the thermostat, especially in the summer -

Air conditioning uses a large amount of electricity, which emits carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Try setting your air conditioning system at 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celcius), and if your workplace is comfortable at this level, try increasing by another degree or two.

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Install a bike rack for employees -

A bike rack is a one-time investment that can impact how your employees commute to work. Not only will it encourage people to be more active, but folks may also consider the environmental impacts of driving to and from work.

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Regularly clean out the office fridge -

Each time the fridge door opens, moisture enters and builds up around the coils, forming frost. This frost restricts airflow, making the fridge use more energy to maintain its temperature. Regular cleaning and defrosting save both money and energy.

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Establish a green team -

Form a sustainable workplace team to brainstorm changes, implement new eco-friendly ways, and encourage the wider team to abide by the new rules.

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Invest in smart power strips -

Smart power strips are specifically designed to waste less power by shutting off the electricity to devices in standby mode.

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Don't ignore leaky faucets -

A leaky faucet can waste more than 3,000 gallons of clean water per year, so don't delay repairing it.

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Incorporate plants -

Not only do plants improve indoor air quality, but they also help to offset carbon emissions by absorbing carbon dioxide. 

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Incentivize greener methods of commuting -

During the warmer months, try hosting a challenge where the team with the most people who bike or walk to work gets a treat.

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Donate or recycle old electronics -

Recycling electronics helps reduce the pollution and energy generated while manufacturing a new product. 

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Adopt remote working policies -

If possible, consider adopting remote working policies to reduce your employees' collective carbon emissions from commuting.

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Install LED bulbs -

LED bulbs use 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent lighting. Installing them will help you cut costs and reduce your carbon footprint, as LED bulbs are non-toxic and recyclable.

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Educate staff -

Educate and engage staff in contributing to your company's sustainability goals by hosting a "lunch and learn" about environmental issues

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Delete old emails and digital files -

Old emails and unused files are stored in data centers, which consume a lot of electricity. By deleting unnecessary files and emails, we reduce the amount of stored data. This means data centers use less energy, leading to lower carbon emissions.

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Use eco-friendly cleaning products -

Using eco-friendly products results in less hazardous waste from manufacturers and reduces landfill waste, as many eco-friendly products offer refill options.

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Use biodegradable packaging -

Choose packaging materials that decompose naturally and partner with vendors who use minimal and sustainable packaging.

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Sustainable catering -

Choose catering services that use locally sourced and organic ingredients. 

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Reduce single-use plastics -

Use reusable cutlery, plates, and cups instead of disposable ones to reduce waste and minimize your environmental impact.

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Review your finances -

Check where your pension is being invested. Many pensions and other investments support fossil fuels and deforestation industries.  

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Try a coworking space -

By moving to a coworking space, companies can share costs and save money compared to traditional leases while also reducing their environmental impact by minimizing the need for individual office spaces.

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Start small -

You don't have to implement multiple changes at once. You can choose one practice, like turning your devices off when leaving work, and see how it goes.

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Reward eco-friendly practices -

Recognize and reward the employees who contribute to making the office more sustainable.

Sources: (Bevi) (WWF) (Coggin SOS)

See also: Will this be the first country destroyed by climate change?

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