Earth Day falls on the 22nd of April every year worldwide to raise awareness and demonstrate ways to support environmental protection and sustainability. It reminds us that there are always ways for us to adopt environmentally-friendly practices and incorporate them into our daily lives.
To get you started, here are some easy ways for you to encourage environmental sustainability in the workplace:
- Save Power – Turn it off!
Majority of our energy wastage falls upon electronics, lighting and heating left on all night at the office and leaves us with undesirably high bills at the end of the month. Instate a strict rule to turn everything off from the main plug every night. If you forget, have them put some money into the “Green Jar” which can be donated towards a charity of your choice.
- Go Paperless
This is a no-brainer. We live in a digital age where everything can be stored and accessed digitally anywhere at any time. Go easy on the printing and keep digital files instead of on your computers and mobile devices. If you really need to print something, opt to change the settings on your printers to print double-sided and utilize a print-follow system reducing uncollected paper.
- Get Physical
Ditch the car and reduce your carbon footprint by walking, biking, carpooling or taking the public transport to the office. Think about it: you save money from petrol and parking AND get your daily dose of vitamin D while sneaking in a killer cardio workout (who needs the gym?).
- Recycle EVERYTHING
Recycling is possible when you are willing to do so. Create gentle reminders by placing labels around the office to remind people what can be recycled and what needs to go into the waste bin. It takes seconds to make this change.
- BYO – Bring Your Own
Many local cafes and restaurants are offering discounts when you bring in your own mugs and containers instead of using disposable containers. Stock your work cabinets with (possibly branded) washable mugs, bowls, cutlery and canvas bags for employees to use and bring back.
Make it a team challenge to commit to these practices as a fun way to encourage colleagues to make responsible decisions about how we are consuming our precious resources. With these small actions, we are taking the pledge to see a better tomorrow – let’s shake up the social norm. #ourearthourfuture #oneearthonechoice