Zero-Waste Office

My fingers are trembling while writing this article, after all, Revolucia was created with the aim to support the Zero-Waste Movement and introduce alternatives to non-recyclable disposable products. It’s been a very interesting and inspirational journey and we finally feel that we’ve gathered enough information to share with you about how to make your office culture a little greener. Here’s what we’ve come up with:

1. Install low wattage LED lighting- The advantages of that are countless such as the long operational life of the LED light bulbs which can go as far as 11 years of continuous operation, yes, you read that right, 11 years which means that the use of 1 LED light bulb can save material and production of 25 incandescent light bulbs. And that’s not even the best part, LED light bulbs don’t contain any toxic materials are 100% recyclable.
2. Have you thought of replacing the plastic cups by the water cooler with metal/glass/porcelain ones or even better- encourage your employees to carry their own water bottles and fill them up, rather than refilling and washing single cups every time one gets thirsty.
3. Use recycled paper for the printer and encourage your employees to print on both sides of each sheet, it’s a small thing but you’d be surprised how many people forget about this option when printing.
4. Ban plastic cutlery and plastic straws. Stock up the office with metal knives, forks, spoons and straws and advise your team to carry their own cutlery when eating out.
5. Encourage your employees to stop using paper tissues and napkins. We know that might sound odd at first but it’s very easy to achieve as long as one is conscious of their actions. For instance, if someone is having a flu, a handkerchief is a much better option than a tissue (it’s more gentle to the nose and won’t cause irritation and chapped skin). If someone is having a meal and feels like using a napkin to clean the marks around their mouth or to clean their hands, advise them to use the sink rather than the pack of napkins.
6. Forget about restocking liquid soap in plastic containers! Get a soap dispenser and refill it. What we’d recommend is to get in touch with a local eco-friendly brand and purchase the soap in bulk before they even package it in single containers. It’s a great way to make new friends and support local businesses. Plus it reduces the transportation footprint.
7. Forget about sugar and cream packets. Purchase these in bulk and store them in containers.
8. Encourage staff members to use eco-friendly modes of transportation such as cycling and public transportation. If these two are not applicable because of bad weather, traffic or any other reason, you can implement the shared car method, encouraging employees to use the same car to come to work. This can either be a taxi or the car of someone from the team who’d have the responsibility to pick up their colleagues. That can make the way to work a much more fun and engaging activity, imagine a group of 4-5 discussing the latest news and listening to music compared to an individual driving to work alone in silence. The colleagues can also share the petrol expenses which will make the journey cheaper as well.
9. Advise your colleagues to avoid the takeaway options at restaurants and cafeterias- they can either stay and eat in or if it’s absolutely necessary to get a takeaway, they can bring their own containers and cutlery. Encourage your team to avoid taking plastic bags as well, they can bring their own paper bags.
10. If they’re getting a fresh juice, an ice-cream or anything else, advise them to carry their own cups, cutlery and straws.
11. If you’re expecting a delivery of something that will be used in the office such as paper clips, folders, pens, pencils, scissors, etc. , try contacting the manufacturer to ask them not to package the items individually but to deliver in bulk.
12. Put a sign above the light switch reminding your team to turn it off when not in use.
13. For women only- advise your female team members to use eco-friendly menstrual products such as reusable cloth pads or period cups which are both not only greener but also much cheaper in the long run.
14. Encourage reusing and creativity. Instead of purchasing plastic pen containers, one can always get an old mug from the office kitchen or even decorate a glass jar and turn it into a new fashionable pen container.
15. Enable sleep mode on all devices- computers, printers, copiers, etc.
16. Use natural light rather than overhead lamps during the day when possible.
17. Put signs to remind your team to always turn off and unplug devices before leaving the office building.
18. Use the vermicompost to get rid of food waste.

That’s all for now but since we’re looking into this matter on a daily basis, we’ll make sure to keep you updated on any new tips and green office practices. Wishing you a fabulous day!

The Revolucia Team