Did you know American offices use up 12.1 trillion sheets of paper annually? The office space is full of environmental blunders, from reams of wasted paper to overflowing outlets sucking up passive energy. Whether they are part of a company’s core mission statement or a product of mandatory compliance, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) measures prioritize sustainability more than ever.
Although large-scale measures to reduce an environmental footprint are necessary, change needs to happen individually. It’s important to lead the sustainability charge in any space, especially in an office environment where life is all about quick turnarounds and convenience.
What are the biggest earth offenders in your office?
To make lasting changes in your communal working space, take targeted actions against the office’s biggest offenders.
The printing station
Printing paper and ink leave big carbon footprints. To alleviate their negative impact, push for a switch to recycled paper which will result in a 35% reduction in water use and 75% less air pollution! Better yet, go paperless and try to distribute documents online when possible. Switching to reusable ink cartridges and petrol-free ink types (hello, algae ink!) can also reduce net carbon emissions by 200%.
Cut the coffee cups
The average office worker will use up to 500 coffee cups annually, most of which will end up in landfills due to the wax or plastic linings. Set up a reusable coffee cup station to give the landfills a break.
Let there be (better) light
Making the switch to LED lighting in the office can mean fewer used bulbs and less energy drawn across the board.
Unplug it
Passive energy is drawn from plugged-in tech. Consider unplugging your work devices when you have a full charge and leaving them unplugged when you leave.
Choose sustainable suppliers
Offices are full of single-use waste, from sticky notes to errant pens. Whenever possible, choose suppliers that are making efforts to sell sustainable office supplies. For example, Earth Hero sells bamboo ballpoint pens and decomposition notebooks.
By taking these targeted actions, you can lead the way toward a more sustainable office environment, reducing waste and minimizing your ecological footprint. Let’s work together to create a greener future for our workplaces.
Start building a sustainable office today
Ready to make a positive impact? Discover more about ZeroMe and unlock the power to track and reduce your environmental impact in the office. By joining forces, we can drive meaningful change, reduce waste, and create a more sustainable future for all.
