The Zero Waste Office?

Much of what we write about here is how to make your home and life more sustainable - reducing the waste you generate and that you throw out is a big part of that.

But does that only apply to your life at home? People spend an average of 13 years and 2 months at work over their lifetime - that's a big chunk! It's definitely worth it to try to make your workplace a bit more sustainable.

Here are six steps to a Greener Workplace!

1. Reduce Energy Usage. Change lightbulbs to LEDs, turn off and unplug equipment that isn't in use, and turn down the thermostat.

2. Save Water. Install low flow toilets, check for leaks and fix promptly, and plant drought resistant plants for landscaping.

3. Reduce Waste and Increase Recycling. Host zero waste meetings, only print when necessary, and replace disposable products in the staff kitchen.

4. Reduce Emissions and Carbon Footprint. Encourage telecommuting/working from home when possible, provide a bike rack for employees/customers, and support alternative transport to work.

5. Employ Sustainable Procurement Strategies. Choose 100% recycled paper products, encourage your cleaning company to use non-toxic cleaners, and choose local/sustainable catering options.

6. Engage with Employees and Coworkers. Establish a green team to give employees an opportunity to contribute to sustainability initiatives and provide sustainablity training through lunch & learns.

There are many ways to make a workplace greener. These are just a few ideas! You can get more by checking out our green guides online, or by signing up for one of our workshops, like our upcoming Event Greening Lunch & Learn and Webinar.

Have other ideas? Want to ask a question about going green? You can let us know on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!