Zero Waste Work - 5 Favorite Switches

Sustainable Work - Transitional Tips and Suggestions

Perhaps you work in an office, in the field, from home, from your car, wherever; can you can be more sustainable with your day to day usage of items?

(i.e - No more plastic, no more disposables, less trash in the long run…..and over time, less money!)

Overall, its amazing how many items used during the day or items that, long term, would not be great for health-wise concerns (like microwaving plastic containers) are thrown away, over used,…..perhaps it's time for a change.

Maybe, one day in the week, jot down everything that is thrown away; how much is it? What trends do you notice? (plastic silverware, Styrofoam containers, paper plates, stirrers, straws, plastic cups, napkins,..) ………..

Let's start step by step: replace one item, at a time, or each week!

Here are some suggestions on quick wins for your Sustainable Work Transition:

1. Plastic Containers - Tiffins, Glassware

2. Paper and Plastic Products - Real Plate (Glass, Ceramic - US Manufactured products have significantly reduced risk of lead, Stainless Steel), Real Silverware or Bamboo Set

3. Individual Snacks - DIY Tasty Almonds in Mason Jar, Other bulk snacks in reusable bags

4. Water - Mason Jar, Reusable Cup

5. Disposable Coffee Cups - Ceramic (US Manufactured products have significantly reduced risk of lead), other Reusable Cup (Stainless Steel, etc) - (Terrever loves the Drink Tank!)

To be honest, it’s a bit more cleanup at the end of the day and the week, but its pretty simple once you get going and continue over a period of 21 days (habit forming).

(Note: Any materials hand on before (plastic food containers), donate or recycle or repurpose.)

Additional items to consider transitioning at work –

• Tissues – Old Fashioned Hanky

• Napkins – Make some nice napkins from old shirts, towels, etc.

• Bathroom Towels – Bring in a towel, use air driers if available (easiest)

• Candy (in moments of desperation) – Buy in bulk and use a reusable bag

Be the change you want to see, perhaps you will influence the members of your team to transition as well, or family members or even your community!

Remember: You don’t need to be perfect to help.

What ideas on Sustainable Work tips can you share?