5 tips to maintain a green workspace

Technology has now made it possible to have a classy workspace that is environment-friendly as well as highly sustainable. There can be a huge amount of waste in an office which can go unnoticed and uncared for, be it carelessly using papers or consumption of excessive electricity. Going green can lead to improved efficiencies, a healthier environment, and energized workers. A green office is designed to incorporate recycled material with an efficient work environment to reduce all the added stress, inefficacy, and lethargic attitude. According to a study concluded at the Washington State University, dust levels in office spaces can be reduced by at least 20% by incorporating more plants.

Make your workspace an energy-infused healthy environment by following these 5 tips.

Compact fluorescent lights consume 75% less energy and last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. As a result, utilizing them will save you money on electricity, replacement bulbs, and trash. They're available in a variety of sizes and wattages, with gentle sheens that aren't as garishly bright as their predecessors. In comparison to incandescent lights, fluorescent lamps transform electrical energy into usable light significantly more effectively. Fluorescent lighting systems have luminous effectiveness of 50–100 lumens per watt, which is several times that of incandescent bulbs with equal light intensity. Because fluorescent lights require a ballast to control the current through the bulb, they are more expensive than incandescent lamps, but the reduced energy cost generally covers the higher initial cost.

In a workspace, it is often established that paper is like water, you can use it however you want and how many times you want. But just like water, the paper needs to be preserved and not used unnecessarily. We still need paper, no matter how hard we strive to go digital, so it is not only important to be meticulous while scorching the printing papers but also to be aware of recycling them in any which way. Use chlorine-free paper with a high percentage of post-consumer recycled material. You may also seek paper produced from more environmentally friendly materials like bamboo, hemp, or organic cotton.

Incorporating and growing plants at your office spaces could bring you much more than fresh and direct oxygen. Having plants at your desk will not only give your office a homier vibe but will also help in eliminating toxins and impurities from the air around you and your peers. It will give your workspace a much happier and natural ambience by increasing your attention span and reducing stress.

Influence and inspire yourself as well as your co-workers by implementing and creating innovative interactive ideas for your green office. Make a penalty jar when someone forgets to switch off the lights after leaving the room which can be used for more green products, office lunch parties, or as a goodwill donation. You can even promise sweet delicacies when someone checks off a sustainability task from the office’s green list.

The world is slowly advancing to the extinction of a pen and a paper which could be definitely used as an environment-friendly tactic. Gen X has been adapting but the Gen Z has reached the top and acquired a taste for digitally completing every task. The greenest paper is going paperless. Start formulating virtual notepads and assignments rather than printing them out which causes more wastage of not only paper but electricity and ink as well.