The self sufficient ish Office by Andy Hamilton
Paper - Lunch - Drinks - Office attire - Getting there - Electricity - Plants
It is very easy to step into work and forget about the environment most of us would also like to forget that we are at work too (which is possibly why you are reading this rather than getting on with your job).
There are a few easy things that we can all do to cut down on the waste that your workplace creates and in fact some will also save your company money.
Paper
If you only need a hard copy for reference then why do you need a fresh sheet of paper? Make sure that you print on both sides.
Stop using staples - according to Friends of the Earth "if every one of the UK's 10 million office workers used one less staple we would save 120 tonnes of steel a year". Either use and more importantly reuse, paper clips or get a paperless stapler.
Recycle all your paper - In my other life I am an office temp and there are so many companies that don't do this, on occasion I am sure I am considered a freak just for asking where the recycling bin is! If your company does not recycle then ask your boss. If he turns you down go above his head. If you get the sack for causing trouble then I am sorry.
You can also reuse envelopes and packaging, especially for internal post.
Use email or the internet whenever you can to try and cut down on the need for paper.
Lunch
If you are one of the people that 'do lunch' and always end up in a pub, cafe or restaurant ask your self where the food came from and how ethical it is. Remember - "buy local and think global". - Is the coffee fair traded, is the food locally produced? If everyone started to ethically do lunch then think of the difference it could make.
For the rest of us it is worth thinking about bringing in your own food, especially if there is a microwave. Home made soup is always one of my favorites and it saves you money too.
Drinks
Try and use organic milk and fair trade tea/coffee and sugar. Personally I think that organic milk tastes so much better than the other stuff.
Tea bags and coffee grounds can be composted. Talk to your boss about setting up a collection.
Try not to fill up the kettle to the brim when boiling. I know that many people do this so that the next person will have some hot water - they might want an excuse for a break and will be harbouring bad thoughts about you for doing this all the time.
If your company has a water cooler don't keep using a fresh cup every time you need a drink, instead bring in a glass from home. If you are feeling generous you could bring in a few for visitors.
Get another bin or two to collect everyone's cans and bottles for recycling.
Office attire
Buying your clothes from charity shops can be a triple whammy. You are supporting a good cause, you are not supporting a potential sweatshop and your clothes will have travelled for less miles.
If this is really not your cup of organic fair trade tea then try to give some of the clothes that you no longer wear to a charity shop or to your local freecycle group.
Getting there
Get on yer bike, not only is this a greener option but cycling to work will make you more alert and productive.
Check out your local public transport - I find the local train in Bristol is a far better, cheaper and convenient way to access most of Bristol than simply getting on a bus. Although do also check out the buses in your area as not all of them are as bad as in Bristol.
Electricity
The simplest thing to do is to switch off your computer when it is not in use. Also switch off the printers, faxes, photocopiers and other electrical equipment. In offices where lots of equipment is shared make sure that you have cleared this with the rest of your team - the majority of calls to the IT department are due to equipment being switched off.
Mobile phone chargers still use electricity even when not in use, so do make sure that you have switched off the chargers when not in use.
Ask your boss if you can switch your company's energy to a green supplier
Plants
The office can be the ideal place to start off your seedlings or to grow some herbs. In open plan offices there is much more space than in the average flat and you should have a choice of which way the window faces. This means that sun loving plants can get as much light as possible. Of course at first you might be seen as the office weirdo - but given time most people will be turned around and you will have a queue of willing helpers for times that you are off sick or on holiday. You might also inspire someone to grow produce themselves.
When I look up the sides of many office blocks I also see great potential for climbing plants or vines. Imagine in years to come leaning out of your office window to pluck a bunch of grapes - on the fourth floor! or walking through a major city and seeing food growing off the skyscrapers. Gherkins growing off the tower at 30 St Mary Axe London perhaps?
Have a look at our upwardly mobile article for more inspiration
