As an eco-minded company, Bloomin’ is determined to help others learn how to reduce their carbon footprints. A great way to reduce your own negative effects on the environment is to cut back on the amount of waste you produce—even when you’re at work. Going green at the office may seem like a challenge, but these tips on how to be waste-free at work can help.
Assess your waste habits
The first step to changing your current habits is to address them. Take a couple of days to assess your waste habits. Maybe you’ll find yourself printing out stacks of paper each day or filling your wastebasket with plastic water bottles. Try to be conscious of how much trash you throw away and identify the areas you need to improve the most.
Cut back on single-use plastics
Once you have addressed your current behaviors, it’s time to start making changes. One of the easiest changes you can make is to reduce your use of single-use plastics, which are some of the biggest sources of waste. These products may include disposable water bottles, plates, and straws; Styrofoam coffee cups; and plastic cutlery. If you’re currently using these products on a regular basis, switch to reusable items instead; try keeping a coffee mug and some silverware at your desk. If you do still find yourself using single-use plastics from time to time, make sure to recycle them.
Go digital
Thanks to technology, going paperless is easier and more cost-effective than ever. There are many ways to reduce the amount of paper you use in the office: for example, you could switch to a digital filing system or start uploading digital versions of paper documents. If you still must print out papers or make copies, at least make sure to reuse or recycle them to minimize your impact on the environment.
Pack your lunch
Takeout involves a lot of packaging that often ends up in a landfill. Instead of ordering delivery, do some meal prepping at the start of every week and bring your lunch to work. Using a reusable lunchbox and containers will help you have a zero-waste lunch break. Don’t forget to bring your reusable silverware.
Bring a portable compost bin
Many offices have recycling bins, but only a select few have compost bins on their properties. As such, you may have to take matters into your own hands and bring one of your own. Using a simple mason jar to stash your banana peels, fruit cores, pits, and other food waste and composting it when you get home is a great way to reduce your waste.