Want to create a green office, but don’t know where to start? Transforming your space doesn’t need to be overwhelming! In addition to helping the environment and saving money, going green(er) has lasting positive effects on employee happiness and job satisfaction. Our steps toward a green office might just be one of the reasons Parachute Media was nominated for Nashville’s Small Business of the Year in 2018.

Check out these 11 tips, and you’ll have a green office in no time:

 

1. Think About Your Commute

Reducing your carbon footprint starts before you even step foot into the office. How are you getting to work currently? If you live close to a coworker, consider carpooling. Driving isn’t the only way to get to the office. If a bike or walk commute is possible, not only will this make a positive impact environmentally, but your overall health will thank you too!

2. Pack Your Lunch With Purpose

Time to invest in a reusable lunch box. Many people eat both breakfast and lunch at work. If you are currently using disposable bags, ziplocs, or silverware, think about how you can start reducing your waste. There are a variety of sleek and compact reusable options for you to choose from these days.

3. Ditch Disposables

Replace disposable items in the break room like cups, utensils, plates, and paper towels, with reusable alternatives. This will help save space and limit waste. Not to mention, the reusable products will save money in the long term.

4. Adjust Default Printer Settings

Think about the last time you printed something. (Hopefully it was a while ago with how easy it is to go digital these days!) Did it print double-sided in black and white? If not, go into your settings and make sure the default printer settings minimize paper, toner, and energy waste.

5. Start Composting

Here at Parachute Media, we recently teamed up with Compost Nashville to start our office-wide compost. Once a week they pick up our compost, and give us a clean receptacle to fill. So easy! One of the biggest perks of teaming up with a program like Compost Nashville is that they have the capability to compost items that would be trickier for a homemade compost system. With Compost Nashville, we are now able to compost all food waste (including meats and dairy), paper towels, and even soiled pizza boxes.

Many cities across the country have similar programs. Discover a compost option near you today!

6. Add a Plant to Your Desk Decor

In addition to boosting moods, live office greenery can actually help filter air as well. In a published study, NASA claimed the Snake Plant (sansevieria trifasciata) as one of the top air purifiers. The Snake Plant removes pollutants including: benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene.

For some of our other top picks for air purification, check out this list from Rachel Dennis.

7. Cut Down on Electricity

Lights are often left on in work space, even when no one is using the area. Installing low-energy LED light bulbs is an easy way to make a difference for the environment and for your company’s overall bottom line. Installing light timers or motion sensor lights in common areas also ensures no electricity is wasted on empty rooms.

8. Go Digital

Do all meeting agendas need to be printed? Do we really need to drive across town for a meeting that could be held over the phone or through a webcam meeting service? How could your office start taking advantage of technology to reduce emissions and paper waste?

9. Reduce Water Consumption

Did you know that by switching to a low-flow toilet, water bills can drop over $100 per year? There are a variety of water-saving toilets for under $250.  By making this upgrade, you’ll be saving as much as 5 gallons of water per flush and significantly lowering your water bill.

10. Buy in Bulk

One of the easiest ways to reduce your office’s waste is to purchase frequently used items in bulk. Packaging waste is a major problem in the United States. Next time your office restocks supplies, try swapping plastic water bottles for a water filter in the fridge, single roll paper towels for larger packs, single serve condiment packages for a family-sized dispenser, and individual office supplies for larger quantities. Small things add up!

11. Sharing Is Caring

Take the initiative to start making changes at your workplace. Share this article across your social channels to help spread the word. ♻

 

Thinking about implementing some of these tips and want to know more?