Practicing Lifestyle Activism and Office Sustainability Tips

Feb 27, 2011
Joni Rose

Personal Office Recycling Tips - Stock xchng - jaylopez

In an office without a recycling or green initiative, doing your part to be green at the office can influence others around you to be green as well.

Are you looking for ways to be green in the office regardless of how your company or colleagues view sustainability? There are many ways to demonstrate environmentally friendly practices as an individual. Making the decision to practice lifestyle activism in the office can start a chain reaction with other colleagues following your example. Here are some ideas of how you can do your part to be green and practice lifestyle activism.

Make your own scratch pads – cutting up paper that has been used on one side only and then clipping it together, putting it in a holder or clamping the pile and applying padding glue or compound.
Use reusable lunch supplies – use reusable coffee cups, lunch bags, utensils, dishes. Buy lunch from restaurants that serve food on reusable plates, cutlery etc. or bring your own plates to the restaurant.
Use rechargeable batteries – avoid adding batteries to the landfill by asking your employer to purchase reusable batteries and a charger for you to use.
Reuse packaging – use packing labels to reuse envelopes and reuse packing materials such as bubble wrap and foam peanuts.
Bundle up – bring a sweater and slippers to work to stay warm and avoid using personal heaters.
Go electronic – ask your supervisor to purchase you a laptop instead of a desk top computer so that you can bring it to meetings. Also, create electronic files not paper ones. Minimize your printing as much as possible and print two-sided when possible.
Reduce the use of electricity – turn off lights in your office and your monitor when you leave for meetings. Replace light bulbs with low energy consumption bulbs.
Recycle paper – avoid putting paper into a garbage can by having a recycling box beside your garbage can.
Reduce purchasing new office supplies – Use refillable pens and pencils. Ask colleagues and look for surplus equipment before ordering and/or repair broken equipment.
Reduce travel – opt for teleconferencing options when possible. If you do have to travel for a short meeting, work from the off-site meeting location for the rest of the day if possible. Working from home once a week can reduce your carbon footprint substantially especially if you normally commute by car. Look into car pooling and public transportation options as well.
Order eco-friendly products – order bamboo furniture/flooring, natural fabrics, energy saving equipment, recycled paper products etc.
Reduce the use of toxic chemicals – use fewer chemicals and/or eco-friendly cleaners, toners etc.

Doing your part to practice lifestyle activism in your office can set the stage for other co-workers to do their part by your example. Often motivation comes from witnessing others in action. Your efforts could lead to a transformation in your office culture.