Zero Waste Workplace: Simple Guide to Reduce Waste

Achieving or maintaining a zero waste workplace might not be a piece of cake. And so, how can you motivate yourself to have a good job in reducing waste at work?

To start, numerous benefits of a sustainable workplace can impact your productivity as an employee. Furthermore, you can save the environment from unnecessary waste.

Millennials cover the largest portion of the workforce today and it is admirable that most are concerned about the environment. About 73% use sustainable products.

Furthermore, the influence of sustainability inside the office will be passed down to future generations. Therefore, it can create a better working environment later on.

Zero Waste Workplace: Office Supplies Alternatives 

In almost every company or business, office supplies will always be part of the budget on a regular purchase. If these are bought irresponsibly, you might just be contributing to unnecessary waste.

Here are some of the options that you can consider instead of buying the usual supplies that are not environment-friendly.

Reusable Cleaning Materials

Washable Cloth

It is better to start your day at work cleaning your work area, your table perhaps. The same is true when you end the day, clean your table before leaving work.

With the daily cleaning routine, it is suggested to have a washable cloth in your drawer. You can take it home to wash it or wash it in your office bathroom if possible.

Reusable Tissue

Are you dealing with a computer or a laptop every day? If so, you would want to disinfect it before you start using it. Your keypads and mouse, especially.

To save yourself from using wet wipes, use a reusable tissue instead. Just spray a little bit of alcohol or disinfectant before wiping. It can deeply clean the small gaps. Wash the tissue and you can use it more than a thousand times.

Recycled Paper

You may suggest using 100% recycled paper in your office paper works. Recycled paper has a wide range of benefits most especially that you can do the recycling 4-5 times.

Might as well consider going paperless. Creating a program or a web for some office transactions will be helpful.

Moreover, look for eco-friendly journals, planners, and sticky notes that use recycled paper as well.

Eco-Friendly Pens

Plastic case pens are commonly used in offices. You may get yourself in different colors or different designs but do a little help to the environment through patronizing sustainable writing materials.

You will still be in fad with a reliable quality while helping Mother Earth.

Sustainable Ink

Get a green ink for your printers that is gentler to the environment. For example, water-based ink or vegetable-based ink.

Oftentimes, you cannot avoid the use of whiteboard markers. And so, opt for refillable ones to reduce waste from the plastic case.

Mouse and Mouse Pads

Eco-friendly mouse and mouse pads are mostly made of wood. You can also buy a mouse that does not need a mouse pad to avoid an additional purchase.

Rechargeable Items

The use of rechargeable items is energy efficient.

When you are used to working at night, get a rechargeable table lamp. If you are always doing presentations, choose a rechargeable pointer.

If you want to be comfortable even if the air conditioner is off, you can buy a rechargeable desk fan.

Tips to a Zero Waste Workplace

• Reduce gas emissions through walking or biking in heading to work
• Reuse one-side used paper on non-formal print-outs.
• Keep reusable organic cotton rounds handy whenever you need make-up retouch for an after-work dinner or party
• Bring your eating utensils in case you will have your food delivered to avoid using plastic spoon and fork
• If you can’t start your day without coffee, bring your coffee tumbler for coffee-to-go or refills
• You can also bring a separate reusable water bottle instead of consistently buying water in single-use plastic bottles.
• If possible, set timer for office lights and air-conditioning systems during non-office hours like lunchtime
• Create or manage an environmental CSR for the team or even the whole company. Do not think that this is only an HR-related job.
• Use compostable trash bags in the office or even in the restroom
• It is recommended to have first aid kits inside the office in case of emergencies. Usually, it contains cotton swabs to be used in ointment applications for example. And so, keep a reusable cotton swab that can last ages.

Switch to sustainable products and start updating your shopping list. You will be surprised that these alternatives will never give a negative difference.

You are not expected to change everything overnight, baby steps will be enough for something greater in the long run.

May it be shopping for your office, home, or personal items; support shops with the mission of eliminating single-use items. Invest in sustainable choices for the love of nature.