Benjamin Navarro Helps Employees Create a Green Workplace

As a green-minded business consultant, Benjamin Navarro advises companies on how to improve efficiency and reduce their carbon footprints. To make any eco-friendly corporate initiative work, it is important to make sure employees are on board. Navarro believes it does not take much extra effort for staff to make a big impact on their company’s efforts, either.

Benjamin Navarro Suggests Easy Tips for a Green Office

Here are some key tips for workers to reduce their waste and contribute to their business’ green initiatives.

-Pack a lunch. When employees bring their own lunches in reusable containers, they reduce waste from one-time-use packaging. Not only do they save on packaging waste, but also they contribute to fewer emissions in the air. Going out for lunch or having food delivered means someone is likely driving a car to and from the office. This uses fuel, and puts pollutants into the air with each lunch break. In addition, by packing a lunch, workers can also save a tremendous amount of money each year.

-Stretch office supplies. A dried out pen can cause frustration in the middle of a stressful project, but it can also lead to more supplies being thrown out prematurely. Navarro suggests using one pen at a time to get the most use out of each one. Another tip is to clean pen tips. Benjamin Navarro explains that ink will accumulate at the tip and dry out. This makes it more difficult to write, and pens may end up in the trash because of it. To avoid throwing them out before they are really used up, wipe off the tip of pens after every use.

-Maintain equipment properly.When storing, set pens in a cup with the tip facing upward. This helps to avoid clogging, and ensures a smoother writing experience the next time the pen is used. In addition to pens, keep glue sticks and markers in dry, cool places. Heat and sunlight can cause them to dry out and become unusable.

-Try “precycling.” Benjamin Navarro explains “precycling” means reducing waste before it accumulates, or even begins. It refers to proactive behaviors, like opting for goods that are packaged in recyclable materials or choosing eco-friendly supplies.

Look for office necessities that are reusable or easy to recycle. This helps to end waste before it starts. Consider using paper clips, rather than staples, or choosing old newspaper over bubble wrap. Another key office idea is to invest in a more permanent tape dispenser, rather than using one-time-use dispensers, and replacing tape as necessary.

-Carpool to work. Carpooling, in addition to biking, walking, or taking public transportation to the office each day, can cut down on carbon emissions. Reducing the amount a person drives—even by a fraction—can greatly impact their carbon footprints. In addition, Benjamin Navarro says carpooling is a great way to build bonds and friendships between colleagues that may not have happened otherwise.

-Use less paper. Offices are notoriously known for wasting paper. To cut back, try to avoid sending paper communication. Rather, opt for email, instant messaging, or phone calls. Instead of faxing a document, save it as a PDF and email it to the recipient.

When printing, change computer settings so documents will be printed on both sides of the paper. If an employee only needs to print something for personal reference, they can print it on the back of an old document or flyer.

-Bring in mugs. Help out an office green initiative by bringing in personal mugs, dishes, or silverware. The office kitchen is a source of great waste, as many companies have disposable cups, paper plates, and plastic silverware.

-Cut back on energy. Computers and other office devices require lots of energy to run, which increases a company’s carbon footprint by leaps and bounds. It may seem unrealistic to cut back on this usage, but it is possible with a few small changes.

Consider plugging all devices into a single power strip. When they are not being used, turn off and unplug the whole strip. Benjamin Navarro explains many devices will draw power from outlets, even when they are turned off. It is best to unplug them altogether to avoid this drainage. Where possible, also consider changing computer settings to help improve battery life and reduce energy consumption.

-Take digital notes. Rather than writing notes on paper, opt for an eco-friendly alternative. Many word processing programs have highlighter functions, which make it easy to denote important parts of documents. There are also many other notation programs online, such as Evernote, which let workers bookmark Web pages, take notes, and work collaboratively with colleagues.

Benjamin Navarro Shares Ideas For Starting a Workplace Recycling Program

A great way to support an office eco-initiative is to start a workplace recycling program. Benjamin Navarro shares simple ways to help the green effort get off the ground.

• Get management’s support

• Choose a recycling coordinator

• Audit workplace waste

• Get connected with recycling collection services

• Put recycling bins and other infrastructure in place

• Teach coworkers about recycling

Workers can reduce their waste and contribute to their business’ initiatives. When an office makes the decision to go green, employees can make or break the initiative. They do not have to make big sacrifices, and some of these small changes can even result in more money in their pockets. Benjamin Navarro urges employees to get educated and learn about the little things they can do to make a big eco-impact.