Week 31: #Waves4Change 2020 Sustainability Challenge: Rid Your Work of a Single-use Item or Improve Office Recycling

Why Take This Challenge?

Employers often make decisions about waste based on how they can save money, and how they think their competitors are spending. Employees can influence these decisions by drawing attention to issues that impact their satisfaction at work, particularly if they make positive changes that can be advertised for public relations. Maybe your employer uses disposable plastic coffee pods, or has an excessive paper budget in a digital world. Maybe you’ve spotted a recycle bin combined with the regular trash at the end of the day.

How Does This Challenge Benefit Me?

Some recycling initiatives can save your employer money in the long run. Eliminating the styrofoam coffee cup budget helps the bottom line, and in exchange for a branded reusable mug for employees, might boost morale a little bit. A Find out who the other eco-warriors are at your office. Now you’re networking too!

What If I Already Did This?

Some switches are more complicated, such as renegotiating a multi-year waste service contract. Consider how a standing sustainability committee at work could tackle longer term changes, and offer an opportunity to demonstrate leadership. Think big! Maybe your company could be at the forefront of office composting!

Prep This Weekend for a More Sustainable Week

Start with something with a straightforward solution, like an unnecessary batch report on the printer. Find out who is responsible, and who else will be impacted by the change. If you find resistance, try to demonstrate cost savings. Find some allies to help you make your case.