Whether you’re doing it for the environment, to save money, or to attract talent, being a sustainable London workplace is never a bad idea! In this two-part series, we will guide you on how to bring the zero-waste lifestyle into your office.
The page explains how Evolution Design and other London workplaces can reduce their environmental impact by encouraging greener commuting, organising carpools, tracking office supply inventory and choosing more sustainable products. It also gives zero-waste kitchen ideas, such as replacing paper towels, plastic bottles, plastic bags, cling film and disposable utensils with reusable alternatives. The overall message is that small, practical changes can reduce waste, save money and support a more sustainable workplace.
- Encourage environmentally friendly transportation
Cycling, walking, and public transportation are by far the most environmentally friendly options for commuting.
Encourage people to cycle to work by providing bike stands, lockers, and showers for the cyclists in the office or start a commuter club for everyone who comes by train so the train ride doesn’t become as boring. You can also create an office challenge, and dare everyone to take the train or bus to work for a week.
… - Arrange carpools
If many people are travelling from the same area and public transportation isn’t an option, try arranging carpools.
Start by making a list of interested co-workers and ask them to provide their postcodes, whether they have a car, and how many people they can fit if they do. Use this information to make carpool groups!
Have the groups themselves arrange pick-up times and solve the issue of money. By alternating vehicles and drivers equally among carpoolers, the issue of money can be ignored. Another option might be to share fuel costs.
… - Track inventory
A final important step in reducing the amount of waste you generate is to keep track of your office supplies inventory. This can potentially save you a lot of space, money, and time. There’s no need to buy five boxes of envelopes if there are five boxes hidden somewhere in a storage space that you completely forgot about…
Make sure there is a system in place for your office supplies and that everything has a designated place, so you don’t forget anything and won’t buy any unnecessary items!
You can also create a dedicated platform to encourage your employees to share any excess items or make supply requests, so nothing goes unused or forgotten.
… - Buy sustainable office supplies
When you’ve put a new system in place and supplies are running low, make sure to buy sustainable supplies.
Remember to think holistically every time you need new supplies: It’s not only the paper and staples that should be sustainable. Replace inefficient, high-energy light bulbs (incandescent and halogen) with lower-wattage, energy-saving bulbs (compact fluorescent and LEDs). When it’s time to upgrade your website, look for a green web hosting company, and when you are getting rid of office rubbish, ensure the company always recycles as much as possible. And when you’re running low on cleaning supplies, swap to non-hazardous, eco-friendly cleaning products.
Making these simple little swaps can quickly add up, making a big environmental difference!Zero waste kitchen! 5 simple tips to get you started
Going zero waste can seem overwhelming. We have been conditioned to buy, buy, buy and changing that can be a little scary. But going zero waste does not have to be difficult. You just need to take one step at a time. The easiest way to do that is to start room by room. So why not start in the kitchen? After all, that’s where the bin is.
How to get started
To be honest, I’ve cheated a bit. For the past week, I’ve been documenting all of my waste. Every time I threw something in the bin I wrote it down. I was shocked. On the first day, I’d already filled two pages with things I’d thrown in the trash. Think about how much that turns into in a year!
However, it did provide a good overview of items that could be easily replaced with reusable ones. Buying all these items did take a little toll on my wallet, but it’s an easy way to start your new zero-waste life, and the money spent is quickly recouped, since you don’t have to buy any of these items again in the near future. It’s a win-win!
Waste responsibly!
Before we get started please note one thing: if you have any of the below items at home don’t just throw them away. You’ve already bought them. Throwing them away without using them doesn’t make a difference. What you need to do is to make a conscious choice the next time you need any of the below items and then make the swap. Getting a zero-waste lifestyle takes time. But don’t worry – we’ll get there.
Top 5 zero-waste alternatives for your kitchen
1. Paper towels
Paper towels are so easy to swap. Cloth napkins, dish towels or microfiber cloths will do the trick just as easily and you can use them for everything. Instead of buying them new, try making them yourself from old bed linen or children’s clothes.
2. Plastic bottles
If you love the ocean as much as I do you will stop buying plastic bottles immediately! Besides being an environmental issue, reusing plastic bottles isn’t good for your health either. Buying a reusable water bottle made from sustainable materials will keep you hydrated without the hazards.
3. Plastic bags
Plastic bags are one of the biggest environmental sinners, as most plastics are not biodegradable. Instead, always pack a tote bag so you’re ready for any planned or unplanned shopping trips. Buy a cool designer one or make one yourself from an old pillowcase or a t-shirt.
4. Aluminium foil, cling wrap, and freezer bags
Normally, I use these things for everything! But the fact of the matter is that it’s just as easy to use reusable bowls and containers. If you don’t have any make sure to buy containers from sustainable materials such as glass – do not buy plastic! You can easily find them in IKEA or other home stores. Or you can simply reuse your glass food containers. It’s definitely cheaper and looks great in your kitchen closet. If you need to replace your plastic containers, do so responsibly, for example, by using our Zero Waste Box.
5. Replace all plastic utensils with metal
Not only will they last longer – it’s also better for the environment. You can easily find these items in IKEA or any other home stores. However, there’s no need to overdo it. Only buy what you need to avoid kitchen drawer clutter. If you’re worried about not having enough for dinner parties, ask your friends to bring their own. Mixing up the place settings at the the dining table can add a fun twist to the evening!
- UK Business Climate Hub: Sustainability and energy saving advice
UK business resource offering practical guidance on reducing carbon emissions, saving energy and making workplaces more sustainable. - GOV.UK: Sustainability and Net Zero Annex
Government workplace guidance covering energy efficiency, carbon reduction, sustainable design and improved environmental performance in buildings. - Energy Saving Trust: Sustainable travel
UK guidance explaining how walking, cycling, public transport and lower-carbon travel choices can reduce environmental impact. - WRAP: Business action on waste and resources
UK resource helping businesses reduce waste, use resources more efficiently and move towards circular economy practices. - Recycle Now: Recycle an item
UK recycling tool that helps workplaces and households check how to recycle common items and reduce unnecessary waste.
- UK Business Climate Hub: Sustainability and energy saving advice
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