When we think of a sustainable work environment, we quickly think of large-scale changes. Think of improved insulation, the use of solar panels or a heat pump and other sustainability measures. But did you know that even small changes can make a big difference to the nature around you? In this article we give some smart tips to make your office environment more sustainable.
Bring your own cup or use sustainable cups
Did you know that an average employee uses as many as 200 disposable cups a year? Thus, not only is a lot of waste produced, but also a lot of plastic is processed. So if you work full-time, it definitely pays to bring your own cup to the office.
If this is not possible for whatever reason, you could also choose to make at least the disposable cups more sustainable. Coffee mugs printing on recycled paper, for example, is a good way to be extra sustainable. Moreover, this also gives the company more authority over customers because the logo is also incorporated on the cups. This is therefore a good alternative if you want to become more sustainable and bringing your own cups is not always possible.
Encourage sustainable travel to the office
Another smart way to become more sustainable and collectively do your bit for the environment is to encourage sustainable travel. For example, by bicycle or public transport. You can encourage this, for example, by providing extra secure bicycle racks at the office or by giving compensation for traveling by public transport. The employer could also choose to create carpool rides. For example, by creating groups of people who live near each other and could travel together. In this way, a more sustainable environment is easily created.
Work less with paper
These days, in theory, you shouldn't actually have to use paper. You can easily use a laptop or desktop computer to take notes. There are even many people who work with a tablet.
In any case, make sure that you take as few notes on paper as possible and that texts are mainly read digitally.
Is it still necessary to print? Then print as sustainably as possible. For example, use recycled paper, print double-sided and without color and only if there is no other way.
Flexible working
Another way one can become more sustainable is the time they spend in the office. Flexible working has already gained tremendous momentum since the pandemic. There was plenty of experimentation even before that, but partly because of the pandemic, it has gained momentum. In fact, research shows that employees are generally happier and more efficient when they can work partially from home. Moreover, this also reduces travel to the office. Therefore, this also reduces the burden on the office.