If you’re one of the 85% of Americans thinking about sustainability just as much as before – or even more than when the pandemic began, you probably practice a green lifestyle as much as possible. Do you recycle at home? Do you try to live a zero-waste lifestyle? Have you installed smart features to cut back on energy?
All of those things are great ways to be greener at home. But, think about all of the time you spend in the workplace. Even if your business isn’t necessarily “green,” there are still things you can do on your own to make your professional life more sustainable.
It’s about more than just riding your bike to work or packing a lunch. With the right mindset, you can improve your own workplace sustainability habits and even make a difference in how your business is run.
So, what can you do to make your professional life greener? Let’s look at some solutions.
Go Remote
Remote working has become more normal than ever before in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many employers are choosing to let some employees continue to work from home, proving the impact technology like collaboration tools has on business. If you have the option, it’s a great way to keep up with the sustainable practices you already have in place while making additional efforts to go green.
Even working from home just one day a week can make a difference, cutting down on carbon emissions from traveling.
If you’re working remotely and want to be even more sustainable, put some of the following practices into your day:
- Adjusting your thermostat or using an energy-efficient model
- Using eco-friendly office supplies
- Avoiding “vampire energy use” from unused electronics
- Decreasing the brightness of your computer
Going paperless at home or setting up a recycling station can also help you stay true to your environmental commitment. You might be surprised at how many “little” ways there are to make big sustainable differences.
Go Green at Work
If you have to go to a physical workplace, consider different ways to make your environment more eco-friendly. That could include simple things like:
- Cutting down on personal waste
- Setting an example for co-workers
- Limiting your energy use
You should also consider looking at how your workplace environment is run and whether people are making sustainability a priority. If it’s clear that things will stay a certain way and sustainability efforts are limited, it might be time to look elsewhere for a job. Working in a place that doesn’t line up with your personal beliefs and views can be difficult.
But, you can be encouraged by looking for a job that lines up with your sustainability goals. Include your passion for sustainable efforts in your resume as well as social media links so potential employers can learn more about you. Those who are interested in those efforts are more likely to call you in for an interview.
Make a Change
One person can make a difference when it comes to sustainability. You can start small by making some of the changes listed above. But, if you want to take things further, consider talking to your employer about greener options for your business. If your employer is open to the idea, consider creating a mission statement that reflects a green company culture and a commitment to sustainability.
New mission statements are great for companies looking to rebrand or reinvent themselves. When so many Americans focus on sustainability and the environment, it’s a perfect opportunity for businesses to jump on board. If you’re willing to put in the leg work, you can convince your employer to make positive, lasting changes. Not only could it help with branding and the company’s image, but you can feel a sense of pride in working there.
There are many ways to make your professional life greener, whether you’re working at home or in an office setting. If you’re passionate about a sustainable lifestyle, keep these ideas in mind and watch how your small changes start to add up.
