5 Ways to Encourage an Eco-Minded Workplace

Just because you’re not head of the company, doesn’t mean that you can’t help foster an environmental conscious in your workplace!

I love this planet —who doesn’t —and I don’t think anyone enjoys seeing the negative impact that our species has on it. I’m always seeking ways to shrink my carbon footprint around the house; composting food waste, purchasing clean products, choosing biodegradable soap strips rather than laundry detergent. Once you get in the habit, it really is easy to make your home more environmentally friendly.

But what about at work?

If you’re not in a managerial position, it can feel like you don’t have any say in how the office operates on an environmental level. Okay, you might not be the one to give the go ahead on installing solar panels or donate a percentage of the company’s profits to eco charities, but there are ways that you can make a difference.

Here are 5 ways to encourage an eco conscious in the workplace:

1. Bring in Plants

Gift your workplace with some potted plants! Not only will having lush greenery around the office boost morale, but it will also lower the carbon dioxide levels in the building itself.

2. Implement a Compost Program

It might sound like a lot of work to someone who is new to composting but it really isn’t. Implementing a compost system

in the office will cut down on waste significantly and only requires one willing participant to manage it.

3. Organize a Ride Share

Talk to your coworkers about carpooling. If your colleagues live near by, setting up a ride share system can lower emissions, save on gas, provide an opportunity to get to know each other better!

4. Bring in your Sustainable Products from Home

If it’s okay with your manager, bring in some of your go-to eco-friendly products from home. This could mean placing your bottle of locally made hand soap in the bathroom, offering clean and reusable paper towels to coworkers in the kitchen, or treating staff to a bag of your favorite fair trade, WWF approved ground coffee!

5. Lead by Example

Leading by example is probably the best way to encourage eco-mindedness. Turn off the lights when you leave the room, bring your reusable coffee mug to work, find an emission-free way to commute, and share what you know with your coworkers in a positive way!

I believe that, at the end of the day, people don't want to contribute to an unhealthy planet. I myself have had the experience of attempting to bring an eco conscious mindset to a very 'un-environmentally friendly' workplace (a massive construction project in Saskatchewan!) At first I was met with some resistance and teasing, but overall, my coworkers cared. They used the compost bin I set up in the lunch room, and they made an effort to ensure recyclable site materials were in fact recycled. Did it mean I got called a tree hugger everyday? Yes, but I guess I kind of am.

Want to level up your environmental footprint at work even more? Find a job with a company that contributes to the world in a positive way!

I love this interview by Madeline Mann with Roshan Paul that focuses on 'jobs that save the world without sacrificing pay!'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFRXw4lW6bc

- Haley