Recently, it feels that there has been more awareness of global warming and the negative environmental issues derived from a lack of recycling and things such as fast fashion. More and more of us are doing our bit in our personal lives to improve our environmental choices but can the same be said for businesses and when we are at work?
Because of this, Fletchers Waste, who provide waste management, and Skip Hire Sheffield have put together four ways to improve our efforts of being environmentally friendly in the workplace.
1. Purchase green cleaning products
If you are in charge of what cleaning products are purchased for your company building, it’s time to consider switching to a more environmentally friendly alternative. Although general cleaning products are cheap and easily accessible, they also house incredible harsh chemicals. However, green cleaning products are naturally derived, making them safer and less damaging for your staff and the environment.
2. Encourage reusable water bottle
By now, most of us are aware that single-use plastic such as plastic bottles are a key contributor to global warming and often end up in landfill. In addition, plastic drinking bottles have been reported to take up to 500 years to decompose, which is scary when you think about how many are used daily. Because of this, why not encourage staff to bring their reusable water bottles or provide company branded ones that they can use in and outside the office. Branded bottles not only do your bit for the environment, but it’s free advertising for your company, too.
3. Have a switch-off policy
A quick and easy way your business can be more environmentally friendly is by creating a switch-off policy. By this, we mean putting it into writing that employees must turn off all lights and appliances that are not in use. Try sending regular email reminders and adding visible posters near switches to encourage this change with staff.
4. Use a green energy supplier
Throughout a lot of the world, particularly in the UK, the energy used in businesses and homes are created by burning fossil fuels. When these fossil fuels are burnt, they then release carbon dioxide. Naturally, this greenhouse gas is then released into the air and subsequently traps heat in the atmosphere.
Green energy suppliers created their gas and electricity through renewable sources such as solar power, and these suppliers can be found on price comparison sites for your energy.
Although it may not always be possible to change your business energy supplier yourself, especially if you rent your building, it may go a long way to speak to the landlord about your concerns and request them to look into a more green supplier.