You want to be more eco-friendly at work. How can you make a small change that has a big impact?

I consistently advocate that for organizations to embrace the sustainability journey, they must lead by example, beginning with the employees. During my tenure at a prominent cable TV channel known for its innovative content and formats, back in 2007, research revealed that our channel was uniquely positioned with the credibility to delve into sustainable living. Before launching a sustainability-focused program, we made the strategic decision to prioritize our own sustainability initiatives. We made a glass mug for everyone and started by replacing plastic cups and plastic bottled water. A simple change to make everyone conscious of the collective choices we could make that made a difference. Then more changes were added along the journey.

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The following strategies can bring a major shift towards a sustainable lifestyle at any workplace. 1. Practicing the Avoid, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle of any resources like Paper, stationary, prints, machines, electricity, water, etc.. would not only make the workplace environmentally friendly but also the individual's lifestyle sustainable. 2. Ensuring to avoid the usage of plastic and banning the one-time use of plastic at the workplace will contribute to a humongous drop in plastic waste. This can be a part of the company's policy. This will orient employees to adopt using reusable commodities. 3. Make sure to use green-labeled fixtures in plumbing, lighting, ventilation, etc to contribute to saving natural resources.

Small changes can go a long way! I have seen two ways office spaces can reduce the use of single use plastic: 1. The office space provides reusable cutlery (usually stainless steel) and dishes. 2. Employees bring their own cups, bottles and lunch boxes. I always carry the water bottle I got during my onboarding to work.

Years ago, I read the "Zero Waste" home blog, and it forever changed me. The author suggested always purchasing based on what was thrown away. For this reason, my consumption has decreased - my recycling has decreased - and my trash has decreased. It isn't enough to think an item will be recycled. Chances are it won't. Please take a look at each home or office purchase as a lifetime expense. This thinking change is easy to apply and will improve the environment immediately. Companies that offer lifetime warranties or extended warranties on the products typically create something that will last a long time. And don't forget to really look at the trash amount during company parties. Find a way to be Zero Waste!

Opting for environmentally friendly office supplies is a great initiative to enhance sustainability at work. Choosing items made from recycled, biodegradable, or natural materials, such as paper clips, pens, pencils, notebooks, and envelopes, helps reduce the ecological footprint associated with traditional office products. Additionally, using eco-friendly ink, toner, and glue with less toxicity contributes to a healthier work environment. Seeking out labels, stickers, and packaging that are compostable or recyclable further supports the goal of minimizing waste and promoting sustainable practices in the workplace.

Our firm decided to only supply pen refills (anything else you’ll have to put in a request). Because I only have 1 pen and when I lost it I had to pick up old pens lying around to be refilled… Think this definitely works! ??

Opting for eco-friendly office supplies is a pivotal step towards fostering sustainability at work. Several leading companies, such as EcoPen and GreenStationery, offer a range of products crafted from recycled or biodegradable materials. Choosing items like recycled paper, metal, or wood-based paper clips, pens, and notebooks aligns with a commitment to reducing resource consumption and promoting a circular economy. These companies also provide eco-friendly ink, toner, and glue, contributing to a healthier work environment while showcasing dedication to responsible practices. Additionally, seeking out compostable or recyclable labels, stickers, and packaging from such suppliers further enhances the eco-conscious ethos of the workplace.

Use computer based automation tool for going paperless. Any activities which requires a paper work can be done digitally through mobile app with inbuilt checklist or work flow or any specific requirements.

In the journey towards sustainability, the power of community cannot be overstated. Companies aiming for sustainability are not isolated entities, they’re part of a larger ecosystem that thrives on mutual support. Some keys are: 1. Mutual Support Among Sustainable Companies: It’s crucial for businesses with sustainability goals to support each other. 2. Choosing the Right Sustainable Suppliers: This not only ensures consistency in sustainable practices but also strengthens the overall impact of these efforts. 3. Balancing Revenue and Sustainability: Both are vital for long-term success and impact. 4. Collective Growth Towards Sustainability: By supporting community, we’re contributing to the growth of a sustainable business community

Keep in mind that being sustainable is better than only eco-friendly. So, to foster a more sustainable lifestyle at work, consider the following actions: - Champion for your organization to switch to a renewable energy provider, ensuring renewable sources for scope 1. - Advocate for 15 hours per month to community involvement or join movements that resonate with you and align with the company's values. - Advocate for comprehensive training on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) and Sustainability. - Choose public transportation for your commute at least 3x a week or consider carpooling. - Opt for video-conference meetings: no plane trips! - Propose at least two delicious vegetarian dishes offered daily in the company's restaurant.

Turn off your webcam when possible. According a 2021 study, leaving your camera off reduces the carbon footprint of a videoconferencing session by up to 96%. The numbers come from a 2021 report from researchers at Purdue University, Yale University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Science News (cited from Fast Company).

Another way to reduce fossil fuel usage is to change electricity provider to a renewable electricity provider, which will not source electricity from coal. If you also have to update your system, opt for a heat pump which uses electricity instead of gas for heating or water heater.

Retrofitting the office space with energy efficient light fixtures and hardware is an important step. Additionally, increasing awareness within the workforce regarding energy conserving habits is key (unplugging devices when not in use, turning off monitors).

To boost eco-friendliness at work, modify your energy usage to conserve electricity. Turn off computers, monitors, printers, and other devices when not in use or leaving the office. Unplug chargers and adapters if idle. Utilize natural light, LED bulbs, and motion sensors for lighting needs. Adjust the thermostat and use fans or blankets for temperature control. These small steps can lead to significant energy savings and reduce your environmental footprint.

A few really simple email tips are: 1- try to avoid/minimise use of ‘reply all’. 2-delete the lower bits of an email chain that aren’t relevant (it’s also good practice in terms of confidentiality). 3-use a cloud or shared folder for collaborative working on documents, rather than emailing attachments back and forth.

Embracing digital alternatives over paper-based processes is a powerful strategy for promoting an eco-friendly workplace. Utilizing email, cloud storage, online platforms, and apps for communication, document storage, and file sharing significantly reduces the need for traditional paper-based methods. The adoption of digital signatures, invoices, receipts, and forms further minimizes paper consumption. Employing online tools, calculators, and calendars enhances organization and scheduling while decreasing reliance on physical paper. This transition to digital alternatives not only conserves resources but also streamlines workflow processes for greater efficiency.

Auch digital kann man Müll und Emissionen erzeugen! 1. reduce: l?schen von Inhalten in clouds die nicht mehr ben?tigt werden 2. lokale sprich regionale Server nutzen 3. nur Newsletter bestellen die man auch effektiv nutzt! 4. weniger ist mehr! 5. nachhaltige Suchplattformrn wie ?ecosia“ nutzen

Digitalization has transcended from being a mere trend to becoming a global necessity. In today’s world, it’s essential for efficiency and resource management. 1. Efficiency in Operations: it reduces manual labor, and enhances productivity. 2. Resource Conservation: From paperless offices to reduced physical infrastructure needs, digitalization helps in minimizing environmental impact. 3. Global Connectivity: Digital platforms break down geographical barriers, enabling global collaboration and communication. 4. Data-Driven Decisions: This empowers businesses to make informed decisions, based on accurate and comprehensive information. 5. Adaptability and Resilience: In a rapidly changing world, the ability to adapt quickly is crucial.

Linkedin seems to forget that digital alternatives also emit waste... There is no cloud, it's just someone else's computer :)

There are several green initiatives companies can promote such as: - Reducing food waste at the canteen by encouraging conscious consumption - Supporting initiatives such as Too Good To Go or donating food, when there is extra food leftover from events - Providing planet-friendly meal options at the cafeteria - Encouraging and incentivizing employees to use public transport and/or cycle to work (where possible) - Promoting community engagement at the workplace (clean up drives, mentoring programs)

Embracing green initiatives remotely has transformed my approach to sustainability. Working from home, I've integrated eco-friendly practices into my daily routine, demonstrating that environmental stewardship extends beyond office walls. By participating in digital clean-up campaigns and supporting global conservation projects, I contribute to a larger movement towards sustainability. This personal commitment showcases the significant impact we can make from anywhere, encouraging a culture of sustainability that resonates with colleagues and clients alike. Let's leverage our remote work to champion eco-awareness and drive meaningful change.

One of the simplest ways to make a real impact in terms of sustainability is through diet. If you're going out for lunch to the cafeteria, canteen, or anywhere else, choose the vegetarian menu or, ideally, go for a vegan option. If the cafeteria, canteen, etc., still predominantly offers animal-based products, advocate for a change in this regard.

Very simple 1) Restrict the access to the printer 2) Have a hybrid working policy, people will not have to travel often, leading to less fuel consumption. 3) Encourage people to take the stairs instead of the lift.

Imagine the impact if not just you, but your colleagues, family, and community are all informed and engaged in sustainability, ESG principles. It is wonderful, right? Some keys are: 1. Regular ESG Discussions: Whether it’s at work, home, or social, it can raise awareness and inspire action. 2. Educate and Inform: Share articles, stories,… about sustainability and ESG with your network. 3. Participate in Green Initiatives: Volunteering for clean-ups, joining sustainability forums, or participating in community projects can deepen your understanding and commitment. 4. Lead by Example: Note that your actions can inspire others. 5. Encourage Dialogue and Action: This can lead to meaningful change both in personal spaces and wider communities

This is one of the most important actions in this article. Opting for walking, cycling, or public transport over solo driving – even if just for a couple of days a week – can significantly reduce our individual carbon footprints. Taking cars off the road has so many benefits, including helping to reduce air and noise pollution (essential for better health and wellbeing), while also easing congestion and taking the pressure off infrastructure. I'd also say that beyond these tangible benefits, there's an additional psychological upside: embracing more active or shared modes of transport can foster a sense of community and connection, as well as promote healthier lifestyles.

Promoting active and sustainable travel in the workplace is a good return on investment for the employer and its workforce. Even small changes can help organisations and individuals save money. For example, enabling short trips for business travel to be made by bike can save businesses more than half on car mileage. And by offering a cycle to work scheme, both the employee and the employer can make savings through salary sacrifice. Enabling employees to commute actively or by public or shared transport also reduces the demand for parking spaces at a workplace. The costs of maintaining car parking spaces are high.

Implement a "Commute Carbon-Free Friday" where employees commit to using eco-friendly commuting options such as biking, walking, when possible, etc. This small change can significantly reduce carbon emissions. Challenge: How can your team inspire and support colleagues in adopting carbon-free commuting habits for a more sustainable workplace?

Wie kommen meine Mitarbeiter:innen Nachhaltig zu Arbeit? Gerade für Mitarbeiter ist das Thema extrem sensible. Kann ich vor der Arbeit parken, kann ich mein Auto laden oder gibt es eine gute ?PNV Anbindung? Muss ich vor oder nach der Arbeit meine Kinder mitnehmen? Wie weit ist meine Arbeitsweg? Ein Unternehmen solle als erstes seine Mitarbeiter:innen neutral befragen und so ein Bild bekommen, was ben?tigt wird. Wie würden Sie gerne zu Arbeit kommen, was fehlt Ihnen auf der Arbeit, um komfortabler und Nachhaltiger zur Arbeit zu kommen, und weitere Fragen. Weitere M?glichkeiten k?nnen Dienstradleasing und Jobtickets sein.

I love traveling, but as an environmentalist, I am also conscious of my environmental footprint. Consider options like video conferencing as a substitute for face-to-face meetings. If travel is necessary, opt for direct flights and public transportation where possible to reduce carbon emissions. Buying carbon offsets can also help balance our travel-related carbon emissions, but should not replace efforts in reducing emissions.

Ask for Carbon Literacy training to be added to your learning and development plan. Either for yourself, your team or challenge your senior management team. Upskilling will have far more long term impact than any individual measure.

The most meaningful change is that you stop investing the majority of your time, energy, effort, mind space, creativity, social capital and so forth into preserving/scaling the status quo (also known as “Horizon 1”). (Which is anyways a battle already lost - as is evident when we look at the outer context in which business operates through a systemic perspective). You instead begin envisioning and drawing the broad strokes of what the world actually needs from your business, and what it would take to get your organisation to that there. (Aka Horizon 3). You begin investing yourself into that transformation, stepping up to that responsibility. You model this behaviour and courage for others, and inspire them and invite them to do the same.

Stop wasting food at work and at your corporate events. Create a "sharing shelf" in the fridge, provide education to your staff, and work with your suppliers to ensure catered events waste as little as possible.

￡￡￡ Get them to change their bank and review pension providers. MASSIVE impact that we don't talk enough about. Plenty of advisors out there to help or loads of free info via Make My Money matter and others who have been banging the drum for a while. Change is coming and Barclays too a hit in 2023 in media and hopefully they will wake up and change in 2024 or lose their customers.

1. **Go Digital:** - Minimize paper use by embracing digital communication and documentation. 2. **Energy Efficiency:** - Switch to LED lighting and turn off lights in unoccupied areas. 3. **Reusable Supplies:** - Replace disposables with reusables (cups, plates, water bottles). 4. **Recycling Stations:** - Set up recycling bins and educate employees on proper usage. 5. **Sustainable Commuting:** - Encourage public transport, carpooling, or provide commuting incentives. 6. **Greenery in Office:** - Introduce indoor plants for improved air quality. 7. **Power Management:* - Turn off electronics at the end of the day and use power strips. 8. **Flexible Work Options:* - Allow telecommuting and flexible work hours