We all have the opportunity to make choices that save our environment and that’s why we actively make an effort to not only be sustainable in our personal lives, but also, our work lives. With that being said, here are a few tips on how to be a little bit more sustainable in the office.
Choose Eco-Friendly Office Products
You don't have to buy 100% exclusively sustainable products, but you can focus on small areas that have a large overall impact, such as more efficient electronics, eco-friendly notebooks, non-toxic inks, etc.
Go Paperless
“The greenest paper is no paper at all,” says Vince Digneo, a sustainability strategist at Adobe.
Focus on keeping things digital whenever possible; also, get in the habit of reviewing digital documents on-screen rather than printing them out.
Other ways to go paperless include asking vendors to offer e-statements and invoices rather than paper statements. Bonus: Set up automated payments rather than printing checks.
"By using existing technologies to remove some of the paperwork burdens of the accounts payables process, companies would find that they've both reduced their carbon footprint and improved the efficiency of their business," says tech blogger Amy McGarity.
Utilize Natural Light
The World Green Building Council says employees working near sunlit windows have a 15% higher production rate.
"Natural light sets the body's circadian rhythms, which control awakening, falling asleep, synthesizing vitamin D, and digestion. Indoor light, however, is a major disruptor. If possible, move workstations to within 25 feet of peripheral walls with windows," says Jennifer Walton.
In addition to improved productivity levels, relying more on natural light when possible also saves energy so you'll reduce overall energy consumption.
