Ways to make your workplace greener

Switch off your devices

Some of the ways you can make your workplace greener involve small changes to individual habits. For example, switching off your devices is one of the simplest ways to save energy. Monitors don’t need to stay on standby 24 hours a day, so make sure you switch them off when you finish work.

Use less paper

Before you print something out, always ask yourself if you really need it. Sometimes it can be useful to make notes on printed documents, but try to avoid needless waste. Think about how many copies you actually need, too.

Get some plants

In a literal sense, plants are the most obvious way to make your office greener. They make your workplace much more pleasant and peaceful, and help regulate humidity levels. Ask your office manager to buy some plants, or bring in your own.

Avoid single-use items – and recycle

Single-use plastic cups are famously bad for the environment, so use a glass or a reusable bottle instead. Compostable or recyclable containers are better than plastic, but they are not truly reusable. Bringing your lunch to work in a reusable container will avoid waste and save you money. Use recycling bins properly and speak to your office manager if your workplace doesn’t have them. Similarly, if your office bathrooms have paper towels in, ask if they can be replaced with hand dryers.

Promote a digital approach

Recycling and waste disposal are examples of organisational processes that may be out of your control. However, you can encourage colleagues to change their habits and push for bigger changes. For instance, try to promote a digital-first culture by using shared online documents and workspaces. As a younger employee, you may be more familiar with the latest tools, so don’t be afraid to share your ideas. Such changes will increase efficiency and reduce waste.

Get an environmental certification

Many organisations obtain environmental certifications, which mean they must meet specific standards. This is one of the best ways to bring lasting change to the workplace. If your organisation doesn’t have one, perhaps you could start an environmental committee and begin working towards it. You could also ask your office manager who your energy supplier is and ask them to consider changing to a green energy company.

What if I work from home?

Of course, many of us are now working in hybrid or fully remote setups, meaning we spend time working from home. In this case, you are probably already working in a greener way, by using remote tools, avoiding commuting to the office, and making your lunch at home, for example. If you rent your home or live in shared accommodation, bigger changes may be difficult. However, even as a tenant, you should be able to choose your energy provider. Make sure you invest in double glazing too (or ask your landlord to). This will not only make your rooms quieter and warmer – it will also save energy and reduce your heating bills.

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