Green Office Plans from the Ground Up

Many large corporations have adopted a director of sustainability position to guide the company's environmental strategy. Others working in smaller companies or owning their own business hear great environmental suggestions from the media, the government, and other knowledgeable sources. The availability of inspiration is great for the overall state of sustainable business, but begs one question from people committed to day-to-day business and office work: what does this mean for me?

In both large companies with sustainability strategies and small businesses, there is a trend toward office "green groups". These bands of committed employees are looking for ways to translate sweeping environmental ideals and goals into digestible and actionable office plans.

Does your company have a green group? If not, you've just volunteered to get things started.

When forming your green office plan, focus on the 3-"R"s: reduce, reuse, and recycle. Take a look at the trash made at your facility and identify what things can potentially be recycled or reused instead of added to the waste stream. Local city or county Environmental Services can help you find recyclers for materials your business creates through their connections. Set up collection points and partnerships with companies who can reclaim older electronics or used office furniture you would have thrown out before your green office plan was in place.

Once your plan is in place, you will want to throw in the fourth "R": repeat. As with finding a job, networking, and forming business relationships - your green office plan is more social than you might think. Speak with your co-workers about why minimizing your environmental footprint is personal to you. Chat up a new colleague in the break room about where the nearest office recycling bins are when you see him or her going to the vending machine for an afternoon soda. If you want your green plan to become the standard office behavior instead of something everyone has to make an extra step to accomplish, you will need to communicate well. Memos, posters, programming, or demonstrations all work well. Make it convenient, normal, and easier to be green than not to be.

When your plan becomes habit, it's time for the fifth "R": rewards! It is energizing to contribute to the greater good, and green office plans definitely do that. You could be contributing to the business' bottom line too. If you measure trash being hauled away and office energy usage before and after your green plan goes into place, you can prove the impact everyone is having on the business expenses and the earth. You might save enough money by converting a portion of your waste from trash collection to recycling to buy a new Energy Star coffee maker and some specialty coffee for the office this winter.

Regardless of whether your job is a part of a giant conglomerate or a small family business, you can make a difference. Start your green office plan today.