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Honoring Earth Day: Simple Tips To Do Your Part
Posted by lucyh This is a time to join together and celebrate our planet – now more than ever. In a world littered with plastic bottles, single-use straws, and cigarette butts, it can be hard to understand where each of us fits in and how we can contribute to making a positive impact on the environment. In our homes, schools, and (eventually) the office, we all have the opportunity to make positive changes to offset some of the negative side effects that humanity puts on Planet Earth. In honor of Earth Day, here are some examples of how to support sustainability in our daily lives. We’re hopeful that such small changes can make a big impact!
Reuse your water bottle
Bonus: Carrying a reusable water bottle with you not only reduces the number of plastic bottles in the world but is also a great reminder to stay hydrated!
The amount of plastic water bottles used is astonishing. At home – and when we return to the office – think about committing to a reusable, refillable water bottle. At our office, we are fortunate to have a local company that provides and services a smart water cooler that can add flavor and bubbles to water, without the need for disposable bottles or cans. At home, naturally infuse your water with lemon or lime!
Proper Sorting
Tip: When in doubt, throw it out!
Sound counter-intuitive? Keep reading! The term “wish-cycling” was coined to describe the phenomenon of people recycling things that they think, or hope can be recycled. [1] By keeping up to date and informed, you can reduce the amount of misplaced waste in your trash bin. At the office, a best practice is to communicate this internally by posting clear information and reminders by the bins and by including a sustainability tip or fact in companywide newsletters.
Recycle smart
Hint: Single-use plastic is not recyclable!
Reduce is a major, yet often forgotten word in the “reduce, reuse, recycle” slogan. We suggest making a few swaps to get rid of single-use products. Glassware, dishware, silverware, and a dishwasher are a great alternative to plastic cups, plastic plates, plastic cutlery, and a landfill of even more single-use plastic items.
Clear the air
Fact: Did you know that plants can remove pollutants in the air? Simply having plants in your home or office not only contributes to better air quality but also contributes to a more positive work environment and is a proven mood booster!
Yes, plants can be complicated, but you don’t have to be on a biophilic journey alone. Local resources and companies can help you select the best plants for your space and teach you how to take care of them. Surrounding yourself with plants creates a strong connection with Mother Nature and can, in turn, provide a positive effect on health and happiness. This “Outside In” principle is something that EAW and our partner, Haworth, have experience with and passionate about. Just ask!
Pass the Sustainability Torch
Goal: Inspire each other by setting a good example.
EAW is proud to represent Haworth, a company that makes sustainability a priority. As a zero-waste-to-landfill manufacturer, Haworth has worked towards more sustainable processes in its supply chain, manufacturing, transportation, and usage and performance of the product. These actions set a good example for us that we can then relay to others. One example: when clients visit our office and showroom a nice gesture is to provide our guests with clean, filtered, water in a glass, rather than chucking them a plastic water bottle. Translating these practices into our home, too, helps support our planet and truly make a difference.
While these are just some small habits to becoming “greener”, there is no limit to the ideas that you can create that will help to work towards living in harmony with the planet we inhabit.
What are some actions that you take around your own home or office to reduce your waste or offset your environmental impact? Share your ideas and tag us @enviroatwork on Instagram so we can learn and grow together!
