Tips for a sustainable day at the office - Part 2

7) From toilet paper to pens: Refillable office materials – such as soap, washing up liquid, pens, text markers, pens, crayons & co. – save a lot of packaging material in the long run. Toilet paper, printing paper and tissues are already available from recycled materials. Tip: anyone who does not want to do without moist toilet paper, should resort to eco-friendly alternatives: the completely bio-degradable VEOCEL™ fibers from Lenzing are a sustainable alternative to fossil-based fibers in wet wipes. The cellulose fibers are made from the renewable raw material, wood, from controlled sustainable forest plantations. Wet wipes made of cellulose are completely biodegradable within a few months both in the soil or compost and in water.

8) Save energy: Did you leave your work computer on overnight? Did you not switch off the light in the toilet? It has happened to us before as well. It is important to be aware that monitors and computers consume a lot of energy – even if they are not in use. It is better to activate the standby mode (that should save up to 20% electricity) or just shut it down right away when you are leaving the office for the day. This also applies to charging devices which are plugged in and not being used.

9) Device-Check: Particularly with devices which are used a lot, it is worth taking a look at the energy class. From PCs to office cleaning equipment, to kitchen equipment such as coffee machines and kettles, in the meantime there are energy-efficient models out there which reduce the amount of energy consumed. If the electricity you are getting from your socket is eco-friendly, then you have already made some considerable changes.

10) Taking the stairs instead of the lift: It is hard to believe but lifts are some of the biggest energy consumers. Walking up the steps saves energy and keeps you fit. So you are doing something for your health.

11) Give plants a chance: How would you like a green office? It does not have to be a jungle but plants filter dust and pollutants from the air, regulate humidity and are said to promote concentration. They also make your workplace a friendlier place to be.

12) Do good: You can also make a positive contribution to the environment through your own social commitment and volunteering work. Instead of spending the afternoon in the office, you and your colleagues could get together and collect plastic waste. Or how about having a party at the office where you swap clothes? Used items that are still fully functional can quickly find a new owner - the same goes for dispensable Christmas gifts.