6 Simple Sustainability Actions For Your Office

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We spend a large chunk of time at work so taking personal action to bring sustainability into the office is a great way to show leadership. Here are some simple actions that most offices and employees can easily implement: 

1) Set up a recycling system. This is the most basic and effective way to redirect waste from landfills. Your office should have at least four bins for recycling waste.

  • Paper.
  • Plastic.
  • Aluminum.
  • Glass.
A bin for compost could be great too as long as it's allowed by your states health and safety regulations and your companies policies.

2) Check you paper habits. A few very simple but often overlooked actions:
  • Print double-sided. Change your printer default settings to print double-sided,  or reuse the second side of old paper for internal documents.
  • Buy FSC Certified Paper. This paper protects old growth forests, waterways, Indigenous groups, and animal habitats.
  • When sourcing suppliers or printers, try to use sustainability oriented, socially responsible businesses.

3) Change computer settings. An easy way to save energy is to reduce the time computers are left on.

  • Make sure energy-saving settings are turned on.
  • Adjust back-up schedules to 6:00 pm instead of overnight.
  • Don't use screen savers.

4) Green the break room. Strengthen your team with organic, locally grown food.

  • Use certified organic free trade coffee.
  • Try to eliminate any paper or plastic ware, paper towels, and use non-toxic hand and dish soap.
  • If using janitorial services, make sure your contract includes toxin-free requirements for all cleaning supplies.

5) Commute and Travel. Try to get to work, or meet a client in the most sustainable way possible.


6) Dress for success, and to save the planet. Most buildings are over cooled in summer and over heated in winter. Make some adjustments to building system settings and save energy.

  • Dress for the weather to reduce need for AC or heat blasting in the winter. 
  • Install programmable thermostat and set the temperature comfortable to people who are dressed for the weather. 
  • Turn off HVAC equipment, when outside of business hours. 
Once you incorporate some simple action steps, you'll be able to see tangible results and get more traction in incorporating larger sustainability initiatives into your business.