We’ve all heard the green-friendly phrase. “Reduce, reuse, recycle.” How can you, as an employer, make your office more environmentally friendly and sustainable?
- Optimize energy settings. Consider how much energy each computer at your office uses. Changing the settings for those and other devices and shutting them down completely at the end of the day (not just putting them into standby or sleep mode) will save a great deal of energy. Don’t forget to turn off the lights as well!
- Cut down on paper. Some companies still require employees to print out their emails and store them as a sort of backup. Imagine how much paper that wastes! The reason “reduce” comes first is because it’s the most effective way to help the environment. Stick to keeping documents online when possible and, if you must print, use recycled paper and double-side your documents.
- Consider the extras. Out of 50 billion plastic bottles of water we purchase yearly, 80 percent of them end up in a landfill. Encourage your employees to use reusable bottles whenever possible (perhaps giving them as a holiday gift to start the new year off right?), and consider installing a drinking fountain that makes for easy refill access…and most have a counter on them to show how many bottles you’re not When having an office get-together, don’t buy more disposable plates, silverware, and napkins than you need — you may even suggest that everyone bring their own if you really want to green things up.
- Rethink the commute. Encourage ride-share programs or carpooling when possible. If you’re in an easily accessible urban environment, consider offering a discount to employees who take and pay for public transportation or install a safe place for people to store bicycles. This also gives you one more reason to welcome the idea of telecommuting. With the internet, you can have meetings face to face without forcing employees to drive in every day, saving energy, gas and various emissions.
Whether large or small, the company that takes steps to greening up the office helps create habits that will result in a healthier environment, both at that office and overall. Reach out to professional recruiting team at Medical Professionals today!
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