With all this talk of Global Warming and how our planet is affected, it is extremely important that we all do as much as we can to contribute to the wellbeing of the Earth. Though it has been questioned whether or not Global Warming can be completely diminished in the modern age, latest studies have shown that the negative effects can be prevented and, in some cases, even cured.
There are many steps in your personal and work life to take that will make a difference. We’re going to offer you some great tips on how to Go Green in your office today and how even the smallest of conscious actions can make the greatest of contributions. Don’t forget – Reuse, Recycle, Reduce, Repair and Rethink are the most important R’s you’ll need in your eco-friendly vocabulary.
1. Eco-Friendly Office Supplies
Millions of plastic, disposable pens are thrown out on a daily basis. Seeing as plastic is one of the most harmful materials to the Earth, the best option would be to either source eco-friendly pens (which might be a bit more expensive, but worth it in the end) or refill pens, thus reducing plastic waste.
2. Saving Power
It’s always wise to be conscious of how much power is consumed by machines in the office, even when they’re switched off. Known as ‘phantom power’, the majority of office power is consumed by machines plugged into live outlets. At the end of the day, be sure to switch the power off at the wall. Encouraging your office to go solar is also a huge advantage in the eco-friendly world. Solar Panels derive clean, pure energy from the sun which helps combat greenhouse gas emissions and reduces our collective dependence on fossil fuel. If that hasn’t sold you already, it’s also cheaper!
3. Go Digital
Be conscious of how much paper your office uses. For example, email meeting agendas to each member instead of printing out numerous copies. If you really can’t escape using paper, print on both sides and use misprints as notepaper. When buying paper for your printer, buy recycled paper only.
4. Go Green, Literally
Fill your office with as many plants as possible. They absorb airborne pollutants and emit healthy negative ions and oxygen into the air. Plus, they look pretty too!
5. Lunch Time
Bring reusable containers to work. If you order takeout, be sure to save the plastic containers and don’t just throw them away. Perhaps there’s a cupboard at work where you could store your plastic takeout containers to be reused at a later stage.
Some striking statistics that prove just how much change even the smallest of actions can make:
- Producing recycled paper compared to virgin paper saves 55% water and also takes 60-70% less energy to produce.
- If every UK office worker used one less staple a day, we’d save 120 tons of steel.
- If every commuter car in the US carried just one more passenger, they would save 8 billion gallons of gas.
Eco-Friendly Offices
Continuing on the theme from our last blog post, we have made a list of some of the coolest eco-friendly offices in the world:
Sun and the Moon Altar, China
Labelled the world’s largest solar-powered building, The Altar covers 75,000 square metres with a design that mimics a sun dial. The building as a whole consumes 30% less energy and has a solar energy theme park!
Except’s Crystal Forest Office, Amsterdam
Integrated Sustainability experts, Except, delivers concepts and strategies for resilient and inspiring cities, companies and governance. Their aim is to work with private and public partners, guiding them towards sustainability concepts that are realistic and feasible. Except renovated an abandoned shipyard in Amsterdam and now their office is filled with lush, hydroponic modules that produce food indoors.
Hayden Place, Culver City
This sustainable office is located near public transportation, making it very easy for employees to get to work easily, without needing a car. It is naturally lit and ventilated. The offices also incorporated an indoor garden as well as stacking shipping containers.
Selgas Cano, Madrid
Architecture firm, Selgas Cano, have gone above and beyond with their Madrid office. Completely immersed in Madrid’s forest, the stunning glazed office with streamlined design allows the workers to spot wildlife from their desks. This space completely eliminates the need for artificial light and has little need for air conditioning.
Nothing, Amsterdam
Dutch advertising agency took their name quite literally when designing their Amsterdam office. With the help of Dutch designer, Joost van Bleiswijk, the team built their office out of practically nothing. Using cheap throw-away material inside a white box apartment, Bleiswijk created a striking Cardboard Office.
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