Paper waste is destroying the environment. About 68 million trees are cut down to produce paper and products, which accounts for 25% of landfill waste.

Much of paper waste is extracted from the workspace. If we want to keep breathing good air, be surrounded by majestic trees and thrive in a livable habitat, we need to make changes on how we work.

Below are steps in creating a green office space the earth will be grateful for.




1. Digitize where you can



Surely, you don’t need to print those meeting minutes and office statements. Make the most of digital storage by uploading documents on shared files and emailing them to everyone. You must also consider implementing e-signatures more often. Not only are you helping save the environment. You’re also creating a system of better keeping certain documents. Not all departments may find this applicable but with every chance you get, paperless is the way to go.




2. Reduce the number of printers



Creating a green office space means lessening the number of printers you have. The more inconvenient it is to print files, the easier it is for your employees to make the switch. Ensure you equip them with more digital tools like PDF editors and online database subscriptions.




3. Embrace natural light



If your office space has access to natural light, welcome it. Not only does it help cut down your electric bills. It also conserves plenty of energy. Plus, natural light gives a boost of energy, increasing productivity in your office.




4. Practice better recycling

Recycling shouldn’t only be done at home. Workspaces must practice it too. Segregate your trash cans, particularly in the pantry and common areas. These communal spaces have a greater tendency for trash to be left unkept and unorganized. Provide the tools, and see how people’s habits change.




5. Encourage the use of reusable items



A green office space is only as good as the people who work in it. Apart from the tools you can provide, it’s also helpful to introduce certain habits like utilizing reusable items. Provide reusable storage of office supplies. Encourage bringing one’s own lunchboxes and reusable coffee tumblers. While you’re at it, invest on green office supplies that have eco-friendly certifications. For starters, try going for business cards made with recycled paper or compostable notebooks.




6. Decorate naturally



Livening up the office can boost productivity. Don’t decorate at the expense of Mother Earth by choosing to do it naturally. You can choose upcycled décor or invest on plants. They restore imbalance, purifies the air and some can take in carbon dioxide and emit oxygen. Succulents are some of the most useful and easy to take care of.




7. Raise awareness

Dedicating times to educate your co-workers and employees can inspire them to be more conscious. Whether it’s a short presentation nowadays, having a guest speaker over or sending out memos about living a more eco-friendly lifestyle, there’s always something learn and more ways to do better.




8. Give back



Whether it’s holding a fundraiser for pro-environment causes, planting trees or donating to environmental organizations, giving back helps a green office space thrive more. These are enriching ways to make work outings more productive.

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Aiming to be eco-friendly isn’t always easy, especially when traveling. We put our best luxury foot forward, wanting the most of what the holidays can give us. However, it’s continuously devastating Mother Nature no thanks to our carbon footprint. That’s why we should all be more responsible travelers.

Keep these low impact travel tips in mind when planning your next trip.




1. Support conscious airlines and agencies



At the state Mother Nature is in, there’s no room for us to be complacent with agencies or airlines that don’t care about the environmental effects of traveling. The first step is for you to spend on those that have reduced their carbon footprint or created programs to help fight travel pollution.

For example, Virgin Atlantic are taking steps to convert industrial waste to jet fuel. Air France has reduced their carbon dioxide emissions by 20% since 2020 started. United Airlines has recently introduced their 30/70 blend biofuel.




2. Go for direct flights and economy class



Another low impact travel tip is to choose direct flights over layovers when you can. Much of the carbon footprint generated by planes is during take off and landing. So if you can afford to skip long haul flights that have plenty of stops, go for it.

Flying economy class also helps lessen one’s carbon footprint when traveling. Airlines utilize planes that have maximum seating capacity, thereby being efficient on the amount of flights it can take.




3. Travel on land where you can



Taking a road trip or riding the train over short flights across Europe is another way to be a more eco-conscious traveler. It’s much kinder on the environment, with energy-efficient cars being available for rent across continents. Bicycle tours can also be equally thrilling, if not more enriching.

It may take more time but these journeys can often be more scenic. There’s no telling what you can chance upon along the way.




4. Learn more about where you’re going

Every place has its own set of rules. When traveling to foreign countries, it helps to learn about what they value. Not only does it save you from trouble. It also encourages you to be more aware of how others take care of the environment.

Reading up on wildlife laws and recycling rules is a start. Educate yourself and understand how you can be a responsible traveler wherever you end up.




5. Bring your reusables



Aiming for low travel impact also means being equipped with your array of reusables. From your beverage tumblers and cutlery to grocery bags, it’s essential to have them with you wherever you go. It will eliminate the need for single-use purchases.




6. Consume smart – food, drinks, electronics, switching off lights, plant based

It’s not just how you intend to travel. It’s also about how you will spend your time when you get to your destination.

A part of low impact travel is to consume responsibly. Skip the buffet if you can and opt for plant-based choices. Switch off the lights when you leave your hotel room. Go for restaurants or stores that try their best to be ecofriendly.

“Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures, kill nothing but time.” Let these famous words, along with these tips be your creed the next time you travel.

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Christmas is the time we show our loved ones how much they mean to us through giving gifts. However, we often get caught up with the noise that we end up stressed and knee deep in the fast-paced, Earth-destructive realm of consumerism.




Beyond expense and extravagance

Gift giving must not only be about thoughtfulness but also mindfulness. At the state Mother Nature is in, we need to take every step we can to ensure that we have a future wake up to—even when it’s the most wonderful time of the year.

Many of us worry about getting expensive and extravagant gifts. We want to buy the latest, trendiest items off the shelves. However, many of the items we choose to put under our trees contribute to the increasingly worrying state of our planet.

When we choose to be ethical and sustainable gift givers, we not only give Earth a better shot. We also have the opportunity to give something more personal and lasting to our loved ones.




Road towards greener gift giving

Acknowledging the need to be better, more responsible gift givers are already half the battle won. Now, it’s time to get started on your road to ethical gift giving this Christmas.




1. Create a list



Develop the habit of creating a list of possible gifts to give your loved ones. Taking the time to understanding exactly what they deserve to have and what could genuinely make them happy for a long time makes a difference. For example, a friend of yours who is into fashion may benefit well with a gift card from fair trade and sustainable stores like Everlane, Alternative Apparel, Patagonia, and many more.




2. Embrace DIY



If we are to live in a better world for all living things, we must begin to fully embrace the idea that DIY gift giving is just as thoughtful as store-bought. Creativity knows no limits and with just a few items and a bucketload of brilliant ideas to pair it with can result to the most unforgettable Christmas.

There are many ways to get crafty with gifts. You can upcycle old textiles into shopping bags, knit your friends and families sweaters and socks or even repack granola mixes and mix up the ingredients. Even when it comes to packaging and wrapping your gifts, there are so many ways DIY can take your ethical gift giving to the next level.




3. Go beyond material things



Donating for a cause your friend truly believes in is a thoughtful gift beyond words. Taking the time to be with your grandmother and spending a whole day with her can be a dream come true for her. Gift giving is not only about material things. If anything, time and effort are among the best gifts you can ever give someone during this season.




4. Support local businesses



When you shop local, you are saving the Earth a hefty amount of carbon footprint compared to having gifts shipped out to you from far away. Moreover, going local also shows your support for small businesses that need the help of their community now more than ever.

Get a regional wine from a winemaker that just sells around the corner, or a houseplant from the nursery down the block. The joy you’ll spread throughout the neighborhood will be immeasurable.




5. Research, research, research

Knowledge is power. Equipping yourself with information about the current state of the planet, and what you can do about it is essential. Saving Earth must go beyond conscious shopping and ethical gift giving. Living sustainably means living it everyday.

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