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How to make your office more eco-friendly

Take that eco mindset to work.

You might be a composting, recycling, and sustainability queen at home, but are you taking that mindset to work with you?

It’s easy to make changes to your home and personal lifestyle to live a life that’s a little more eco-friendly. But the real challenge is bringing that mindset to work and putting it into action.

Not only does living an eco-friendly life benefit the planet, recent research has found that it also has a positive impact on our health, mental wellbeing and productivity too. So, it just makes sense to bring it into the work place.

Here are seven easy ways you can be more eco-friendly at work.

1. Reduce your power usage

Rather than leaving your computer and other tech in standby mode when you leave for the day or the weekend, turn it off properly.

turn off computers
(Credit: Getty) (Credit: Getty)

2. Swap single-use products for reusable ones

Make an effort to buy, or petition your higher-ups, for sustainable stationery products such as recycled pens, refillable ink cartridges and staple-free staplers.

3. Go paperless

Utilise programs such as Google Docs, Adobe Reader and other file-sharing platforms to share documents and information rather than printing it out and using paper. However, if printing is 100 per cent necessary. Purchase recycled paper from FSC-certified sources such as Planet Ark.

woman pointing at computer screen
(Credit: Getty) (Credit: Getty)

4. Green up your space

Indoor plants are great for purifying the air in your office, increasing oxygen and can help with improving your feelings of well-being. Grab a couple of hardy indoor plants such as orchids, cast-iron plants, peace lilies or a snake plant.

5. Choose to reuse

Make the decision to personally bring reusable silverware, plates and cups to work and keep it at your desk so you aren’t using plastic cutlery or disposable plates. Even better, encourage other staff to do the same.

coffee cup keyboard pen glasses on desk
(Credit: Getty) (Credit: Getty)

6. Buy local

Set up and refill the office tea and coffee station with tea and coffee that has been produced and purchased locally, preferably made from 100% organic and biodegradable materials.

7. Use natural cleaning products

Stock up the office with cleaning products made from 100 per cent natural ingredients.

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