THE WAY we run our workplace—whether at home or in large corporation, alone or in groups– has significant impact on our environment. While we work for our daily subsistence and for personal fulfillment, why not, at the same time, work for a sustainable life, which is the only way for a better future?
But how can we create a workplace that promotes sustainable life? There are three things we can do: one, develop an eco-consciousness, two, take small practical steps and three, get organized.
Eco-consciousness
It is a big challenge for all of us, both individually and collectively, to commit ourselves to changing our lifestyle to one that will not harm the environment. This is especially so since we live in a consumer-led society where we normally buy things for fun, status and self-identity without thinking of their detrimental effects on planet earth. We therefore need to develop an eco-consciousness that will counter the prevailing (resource-hungry and spendthrift) consciousness, identify the natural and man-made causes of climate change, and on this basis, define a new eco-driven lifestyle and workplace.
As a start, by reading books and articles such as Al Gore’s “Inconvenient Truth,” and by attending eco-seminars, we can appreciate the nature of climate change and carbon footprint. By taking a long, hard look at our current practices in the workplace, we can map out strategies on how to lower our carbon footprint, eradicate wastage and achieve energy efficiency. As Gandhi said: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”
Small and practical steps
Doing something is better than doing nothing. Let’s start with small and practical steps that we feel comfortable doing and then work up to bigger things when we are capable. Below are some steps we can easily do to have a lower-carbon footprint in the workplace:
Energy. Most of our office appliance, furniture and fixtures use loads of electricity. Since electric consumption contributes to climate change, we can cut energy use. Examples of energy efficiency practices in the workplace include: using (CFLs) compact fluorescent lamps, which consume 80 percent less energy than normal lightbulbs, using natural light from windows and air for ventilation, switching off all equipment at night or not in use. For medium and large-scale corporations, an “energy audit” is recommended to serve as basis for mapping up any energy efficiency program in the workplace.
When the company budget allows it, use renewable energy such as solar, wind and bio-mass in running the operations of the workplace. If not, take small steps such as using solar-powered calculators rather than battery operated. One effective energy-saving measure, which is often overlooked, is using one’s physical energy: taking the stairs rather than elevator, walking or biking rather than taking a ride and preparing your food rather than relying on power-hungry vending machines.
Waste. Applying the 3 R’s approach (reduce, reuse and recycle) to products at work will protect the earth as it will save scarce resources and energy. Examples of Reduce, include: use both sides of paper, only print when necessary, use small font sizes and use e-mail rather than messages on paper. Reuse: reuse ink catridges. envelopes, paper pads, fasteners, paper clips. Recyle: We can recycle glass, paper, plastic, metal and other materials for another use. We can coordinate with local government units and large department stores that accept recyclable goods.
Purchasing. Whatever products we buy in the workplace affect the environment in their use and disposal. We must consider buying products from companies that are eco-friendly, meaning: they use non-harmful substances and with less carbon footprint in the manufacture of their products. Examples of an eco-friendly purchasing policy are: buying upgradeable computers, buying solvent-free correction fluids and paints, choosing local products to reduce energy and pollution, avoiding over-packaged goods and buying equipment that uses less energy. As the saying goes, “less is more”. Let us buy items that we only need and share them in occasional use such as hole punchers, computers and staplers.
Get organized
We need to organize ourselves to ensure the continuity of our actions and depth of our motivation and commitment to promote a greener workplace. Let’s put up an eco-club in your workplace and link it with national eco-clubs or non-governmental organizations that will provide you with funding or technical support. Eco-clubs can organize eco-seminars, publish an eco-newsletter, work out incentives for employees’ car-pooling and campaign for public transport and flexible working activities. These activities serve to create momentum and commitment from the top to the grassroots.
Eco-Life Foundation, Inc. helps provide technical and funding support to eco-clubs in workplaces, schools and communities (http://www.ecolifefoundation.com). Eco-clubs can set as targets of accomplishment such as reduce carbon emissions by 15 percent, recycle at least third of company wastage, or cut car usage by half. Setting targets enables us to measure our level of commitments and the difference we have made to create a greener workplace and a more sustainable life.
Published in Management Systems, an international magazine in May 2010.
Author: Mr. Juan M. Reyes is the President and CEO of Eco-Life Foundation, Inc., a Philippine-based non-governmentalorganization that promotes and manages sustainable reforestation and renewable energy projects. He is completing a book on “The Eco-Driven Life.” E-mail him at ecolifephil@gmail.com.
Photo credit: www.sxc.hu
