UXL Blog

Earth Day has come and gone, but sustainability is important all year long, both in and out of the workplace. It’s not too difficult to live an eco-friendly lifestyle at home—buying organic or locally-grown foods, recycling, reducing your energy usage, walking or cycling to nearby places instead of driving. However, it may be a little trickier to apply sustainability efforts to the workplace. You might have to get many people on board with your initiatives, or you might have to make major changes. However, there are steps you can take. Here are seven ideas for promoting sustainability and creating eco-friendly changes in the workplace:

Implement a composting and recycling program

Businesses can reduce waste and their carbon footprint by implementing a composting and recycling program. Composting food waste and plant matter can reduce greenhouse gases in landfills, while recycling can reduce the need for new products to be created, and save energy and natural resources. Educate employees on what can and cannot be composted or recycled, and provide bins and containers in convenient locations around the workplace. Make sure to have a system for regular pick-up and disposal of compost and recycling to keep the workplace clean and free of clutter.

Promote Energy-Saving Practices

Energy-saving practices can reduce the amount of energy used by businesses, and in turn, reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Businesses could consider swapping to energy-saving light bulbs and unplugging electronics (and even chargers) when not in use. Make sure you also encourage employees to turn off their workstations when they are not in use. Consider scheduling maintenance checks for HVAC systems and other appliances to make sure they are running smoothly and efficiently. Or, if your company is willing to upgrade its space, consider advocating for motion sensors or timers for certain lights.

Reduce Paper Usage

While using paper is sometimes necessary, excessive usage is wasteful and can add up quickly! Encourage employees to avoid printing when possible and instead rely on digital copies. When printing is required, use double-sided printing or print on recycled paper. Promote emailing instead of sending physical mail, and encourage employees to recycle paper when they’re done using it.

Encourage Alternative Transportation

Encouraging employees to carpool, walk, bike, or take a commuter train/bus to work can greatly reduce the carbon footprint of your organization. Consider offering incentives such as preferred parking spots, rewards, or recognition programs to promote alternative transportation. Encourage video conferencing and virtual meetings when possible to save on travel costs and to reduce energy usage.

Go Green with Office Supplies

Businesses can take steps to use eco-friendly materials in the office, such as energy-efficient light bulbs, recycled office supplies, and plastic alternatives (bamboo is often a great affordable option). Employees might also take individual actions, such as using products like refillable pens, reusable water bottles, and recycled paper products.

Create a Green Team

Get a group of volunteers together to form a green team. This team can help educate fellow employees, lead sustainability efforts, and host special eco-friendly events in the workplace. Having a green team is a fun way to encourage everyone to participate in sustainable practices.

Offer Telecommuting Options

Consider offering telecommuting options for employees, as it can greatly reduce carbon emissions and save energy (not to mention commuting time!). This can also be a great way to improve work-life balance for your team.

Make sustainability a part of your company culture. Encourage and reward employees who make efforts to be eco-friendly, and consider incorporating sustainable practices into your company’s mission statement. By making sustainability a priority, you can create a positive impact on the environment and inspire others to do the same. Remember, small changes can make a big difference, so start by implementing one or two of these ideas and continue building from there. With a little effort and creativity, your business can work towards a greener future.

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. 
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE. 

Tags: eco-friendly business, greener business, Margaret Smith life coach, Margaret Smith minneapolis, practices for a greener workplace, sustainable business ideas