In recent years, with the pressing concern of climate change, there’s been a noticeable shift towards greener living. This extends far beyond the home, into the workplace. Nowadays, workers want to actively take part in green initiatives to save our planet. This is great for our environment, but many workers don’t know where to start or what to do.
In the workplace, we have become complacent with having lights, computers, heating and more on all the time! It is too easy to forget about green living at work, because you technically don’t own the space. Even so, there are things workers can still do to rein in their carbon footprint.
So, if you are looking to be more eco-conscious at work, here are five simple things that every worker can do to help the environment.
Turn off all electricals in the evening
This might seem a little obvious, but it’s important when locking your workplace up at night to turn off all electricals. That means lights, electricity and heating every evening. This saves a lot of energy, and, the less energy you use, the less polluted the air will be!
Keep an eye on your printer paper
One of the easiest carbon-emitting processes workers can tackle is paper. We print documents at all hours of the day, and printer paper becomes an essential staple of the office.
Unfortunately, given the rise in deforestation (most prolifically in the Amazon Rainforest), we must spare a thought for our trees now more than ever. Make sure that, when you print out your documents, you are using either recycled printer paper or using the printer’s two-sided print feature. It helps to keep as many communications and records digital as possible, too.
Invest in a desk plant
Not only will you work more productively with a little greenery around, a desk plant can improve air quality by quite a significant margin. A good desk plant can be easily found, brightens up your working area, and makes everyone breathe a little better.
Cut down on using electric hand dryers
Most workplace bathrooms invest in electric hand dryers, often for the sake of efficiency. Unfortunately, these hand dryers can soon become a drain on our energy, and consequently our environment. If you need to use the bathroom, consider drying your hands on a hand towel instead (even if you have to bring one with you!). Electricity soon adds up, no matter how little your use seems at the time.
Look for handy serviced offices, in a location near you
Location is everything when it comes to reining in your carbon footprint. Unfortunately, sometimes motor transport is unavoidable. But, consider taking part in the growing trend of serviced offices in central locations across major cities such as London. Not only do serviced offices offer all-inclusive facilities with brilliant bandwidth – right next to where you are! – they have recycling points throughout. You can cycle to work without trouble, and recycle any rubbish you have with you while you’re there. What’s not to love? Employees and employers alike can benefit from this eco-conscious arrangement.
