As our awareness of the planet’s environmental predicaments continues to expand, we recognize that the less obvious, everyday activities often carry substantial ecological implications. It’s easy to focus on overt culprits such as deforestation or unrestrained fossil fuel consumption, but there’s a myriad of unaddressed factors right within our offices that equally contribute to environmental damage. This article aims to spotlight these areas of opportunity for office sustainability and highlight the innovative businesses developing tangible solutions to mitigate these effects.
Food Waste Solutions for the Office
According to the World Food Programme, approximately one-third of all food produced worldwide, equivalent to 1.3 billion tons, is wasted each year. Food waste squanders valuable resources, including water and energy, but when these decompose in landfills, they release harmful greenhouse gasses such as methane.
Food waste significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, as evidenced by the United Nation Environment Programme. If it were a country, it would rank as the third-largest emitter in the world. Reducing food waste at all levels, from production and distribution to consumption, must become a top priority in our fight against climate change. Reducing food waste at all levels, from production and distribution to consumption, must become a top priority in our fight against climate change.
In tackling the issue of food waste, several businesses and companies have emerged in recent years, focusing on innovative solutions to reduce waste and create a more sustainable food system.
Too Good To Go is an app-based platform that connects consumers with local restaurants and food establishments that have excess food at the end of the day. Users can purchase surplus meals at a discounted price, reducing food waste while enjoying delicious meals.
Imperfect Foods, formerly known as Imperfect Produce, this company sources “ugly” or imperfect-looking fruits and vegetables directly from farmers and delivers them to customers’ doors. By embracing produce that may be rejected based on cosmetic standards, Imperfect Foods helps eliminate food waste and supports sustainable farming practices.
Olio is a mobile app that allows individuals and businesses to share surplus food items with their neighbors. Users can post listings of items they no longer need, reducing waste and fostering a sense of community around food sharing.
Apeel Sciences addresses food waste at the production and distribution levels by developing a plant-based coating for fruits and vegetables. This coating extends the shelf life of produce and reduces spoilage, helping to reduce waste throughout the supply chain.
Rubies in the Rubble is a UK-based company that creates delicious condiments and preserves using surplus fruits and vegetables that would otherwise go to waste. Their products prevent waste and promote sustainable farming practices and support local communities.
Leanpath provides technology and tools for commercial kitchens and food service operators to track and measure food waste. Their solutions help businesses identify areas of waste and implement strategies to reduce it, saving money and resources in the process.
Alternatives to Fast Fashion Office Wear
Since the 1980s the fast fashion industry has gained popularity, with trends changing rapidly and clothing being produced at a cheap, rapid pace. Fast fashion inevitably leads to excessive consumption and disposal of clothing items in record time. The conventional textile production process involves massive water consumption, excessive use of chemicals, and emits significant amounts of greenhouse gasses. Additionally, many fast fashion items are made from synthetic materials that do not biodegrade, further adding to the environmental impact. Here are metrics on the impact of fast fashion.
The fashion industry is a major contributor to environmental degradation, often overlooked due to its association with personal style. A study by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation reveals that the fashion industry generates 1.2 billion tons of carbon emissions each year, surpassing the combined amount produced by international flights and maritime shipping. It’s important to know that textile dyeing is a major contributor to water pollution, ranking as the second-largest polluter of water worldwide. In fact, up to 20% of industrial water pollution can be attributed to textile treatment and dyeing.
The fast fashion industry undoubtedly presents many challenges to our environment. However, there are growing solutions and businesses that offer eco-friendly materials and sustainable options for office wear. These companies are taking a stand against the damaging practices of fast fashion and are striving to provide high-quality clothing that is both stylish and environmentally conscious.
One such company is Patagonia, known for its commitment to sustainability. They offer a range of office and worker wear options made from recycled materials such as polyester and nylon. By using recycled fibers, they reduce the demand for virgin materials and decrease the amount of waste produced. Patagonia also ensures that its manufacturing processes are as sustainable as possible, aiming to minimize water usage and eliminate harmful chemicals.
Another brand leading the way in eco-friendly office wear is Eileen Fisher. They create timeless and versatile pieces using sustainable materials like organic cotton, Tencel, Linen, and recycled polyester. Eileen Fisher prioritizes transparency by sharing their supply chain and manufacturing processes, allowing customers to make informed choices about their purchases.
For those seeking a more tailored and professional look, there are companies like Amour Vert. They focus on creating office wear using ethical and sustainable practices. The clothing produced by Amour Vert is crafted from natural and organic materials, which are free from harmful pesticides and chemicals. In addition, the brand uses non-toxic dyes and strives to minimize waste by designing pieces that are durable and can be worn for an extended period of time.
Outerknown is a brand that focuses on creating sustainable clothing for both men and women. They use organic, recycled, and regenerated materials in their office wear collection, focusing on the reduction of waste and having a positive environmental impact.
People Tree is known for their commitment to fair trade and organic materials, offering stylish and eco-friendly office wear options. They collaborate with artisans in developing countries, providing them with fair wages and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
Reformation is a curated marketplace, offering its own line of sustainable office wear that incorporates eco-friendly materials, responsible manufacturing methods, and transparent supply chains.
In addition to these listed brands, several online marketplaces have emerged, providing a platform for various sustainable fashion brands. Websites like Reformation and Good On You curate collections of eco-friendly office wear, making it easier for consumers to make conscious choices. These platforms ensure that the brands they feature adhere to sustainable practices and offer alternative options to fast fashion for professional wear.
Eliminating single-use plastics in the workplace
While it has gained some attention in recent years, the true environmental impact of single-use plastics is often underestimated. These plastics, such as water bottles, cutlery, and packaging, are designed for short-term use but have long-lasting consequences. The majority of single-use plastics end up in our oceans, harming marine life and ecosystems. Plastic pollution poses a genuine threat to marine biodiversity, with over 8 million tons of plastic ending up in the ocean every year, according to a study published in the journal Science. Furthermore, plastics do not fully biodegrade. Instead, they break down into tiny particles called microplastics. These particles can find their way into the food chain and potentially harm human health.
In order to combat the detrimental effects of single-use plastics, a growing number of businesses and organizations are stepping up to provide eco-friendly alternatives. These innovative solutions aim to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable practices. Here are a few examples of businesses leading the way in eco-friendly plastics:
Repurpose is a company that produces a wide range of compostable and renewable plastic alternatives. Their products include compostable cutlery, cups, plates, and food storage containers made from plant-based materials like corn and sugarcane. By providing sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics, Repurpose encourages consumers to make more conscious choices.
Life Without Plastic is an online store offering a vast assortment of plastic-free alternatives for everyday products. From reusable water bottles and straws to biodegradable food wraps and bags. Life Without Plastic makes it easy for consumers to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics. Their focus is on offering durable, non-toxic, and sustainable alternatives that last for years.
Loop is a unique service that aims to eliminate single-use packaging altogether. Customers can purchase products from well-known brands but receive them in reusable containers. Once the products are used, the containers are collected, cleaned, and refilled, creating a circular system that significantly reduces packaging waste.
Biopak specializes in manufacturing compostable and biodegradable food packaging solutions. Their range includes cups, plates, bowls, and takeaway containers made from renewable plant-based materials. By offering sustainable packaging options, Biopak enables businesses in the food industry to reduce their environmental footprint.
Loliware produces edible and compostable cups made from seaweed, providing a unique and eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic cups. These cups are designed to break down naturally and can even be consumed, making them an innovative solution to combat plastic pollution.
Moving Away from Unsustainable Agricultural Practices
While discussions about climate change predominantly focus on transportation and energy sectors, unsustainable agricultural practices often remain overlooked. Industrial farming relies heavily on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and these chemical compounds, while intended to protect crops, often have unintended consequences. Pesticides contaminate soil and water bodies, leading to ecosystem degradation and posing risks to human health.
According to The Food and Agricultural Association of the United Nations, pesticide use has contributed to the decline of bee populations, which are crucial for pollination and maintaining biodiversity. Furthermore, pesticides can persist in the environment for long periods, leading to bioaccumulation in wildlife and potential biomagnification up the food chain.
Sustainable farming methods, such as organic agriculture and regenerative practices, offer alternatives that can restore soil health, protect water quality, and preserve biodiversity.
There are several businesses and organizations in the market that are working towards promoting sustainable agricultural practices and offering alternative solutions to industrial farming. Here are a few examples:
Patagonia Provisions is a food company that focuses on regenerative agriculture, organic farming, and sustainable sourcing. Their product range includes organic and responsibly sourced food items, and they are dedicated to promoting sustainable farming practices.
Dr. Bronner’s is a personal care product company that also advocates for regenerative organic agriculture. They support farmers and organizations that promote sustainable farming methods and work towards reducing the use of synthetic chemicals in agriculture.
Organic Valley is an organic food cooperative that works with a network of farmers who follow organic farming practices. They focus on sustainable agriculture, animal welfare, and maintaining soil health.
Fairtrasa is a social enterprise that supports small-scale farmers in developing countries and promotes sustainable agriculture. They provide training, resources, and market access to farmers practicing organic and regenerative farming methods.
Seed Savers Exchange is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting heirloom and open-pollinated seed varieties. They work towards maintaining biodiversity in agriculture and providing access to diverse seed options for farmers and gardeners.
Improving Energy Efficiency in Buildings
While renewable energy sources like wind and solar power garner much attention, the role of energy efficiency in buildings often goes unnoticed. The environmental impact of buildings, particularly in terms of energy consumption, is often underestimated. According to the International Energy Agency, buildings account for nearly 30% of total energy consumption in the United States.
Phantom loads, also called vampire load, refers to the power consumed by electronic devices even when they are turned off but still plugged in. Many gadgets and appliances, such as laptops, phone chargers, and coffee makers, draw power constantly to maintain standby functions or recharge batteries. This unnoticed energy wastage at the office can account for a substantial portion of energy consumption. Awareness, along with using smart power strips or manually unplugging devices, can help minimize this hidden energy drain at the office.
Improving energy efficiency in buildings could reduce energy-related CO2 emissions by 2050. By implementing energy efficient measures such as insulation, LED lighting retrofits, and efficient appliance replacement, we can significantly reduce energy consumption and associated emissions.
Energy-efficient buildings have become a key focus for many government funded iniatitices and forward-thinking businesses in recent years. These organizations understand the importance of reducing their carbon footprint and are actively seeking sustainable solutions to improve energy efficiency. Here are a few notable players in the market:
Tesla Energy, known for its electric vehicles, is also committed to creating sustainable energy solutions. Their subsidiary, Tesla Energy, offers products such as the Powerwall and Powerpack, which provide energy storage solutions for residential and commercial buildings. These systems enable users to store surplus energy produced by renewable sources for utilization during high-demand periods, decreasing dependence on conventional energy sources.
Johnson Controls focuses on sustainability and energy efficiency, Johnson Controls provides a range of building management systems and technologies. They offer solutions for HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems, lighting, security, and energy management. Their technologies enable energy optimization, improved indoor air quality, and reduced energy consumption.
Schneider Electric is a world renowned global energy management and automation solutions pioneer. They provide solutions for building management systems, improved energy efficiency measures, improved HVAC, lighting, and energy monitoring. Their technology helps optimize energy consumption, control costs, and improve building performance.
Siemens offers comprehensive energy efficiency solutions for buildings, including building automation systems, HVAC, lighting control, and energy management software. Their products help reduce energy consumption, improve occupant comfort, and optimize building performance.
Philips, now Signify, is a well-known company in the lighting industry and has expanded its focus to energy-efficient lighting solutions for buildings. Philips offers LED lighting products that use less energy and last longer than traditional lighting options. They provide smart lighting solutions that can be conveniently controlled and automated to maximize energy efficiency. They also provide smart lighting solutions that can be easily controlled and automated to optimize energy usage.
Honeywell offers a wide range of energy management solutions for buildings, including HVAC controls, energy monitoring systems, and smart thermostats. Their technologies enable building owners to track and optimize energy consumption, leading to energy and cost savings.
Carrier HVAC is a leading provider of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. They offer energy-efficient solutions for HVAC systems, including variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems and energy recovery ventilation. Carrier’s technologies help improve energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and occupant comfort.
Trane specializes in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems that prioritize energy efficiency and sustainability. Their products include high-efficiency HVAC systems, smart thermostats, and advanced control systems that optimize energy usage and reduce environmental impact.
These companies are just a few examples of businesses that are actively working towards improving energy efficiency in office buildings. Their innovative solutions and technologies have the potential to make a significant impact in reducing energy consumption and combating climate change.
Overuse of water resources in the office
With water being a readily available resource in many developed countries, people may not think twice before overusing it. Excessive water use, whether for personal consumption, agriculture, or industry, puts a strain on freshwater resources. In many regions, water scarcity is a growing concern, and over-extraction of water from rivers, lakes, and aquifers can lead to their depletion. Additionally, the energy required to pump, treat, and distribute water contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Conserving water through efficient use and implementing sustainable water management practices is vital to ensure the availability of this precious resource for future generations.
Flushmate is a company that uses pressure to flush toilets saving gallons of water and reducing wasteful practices with one simple shift in engineering. For business buildings this can have a huge impact on maintenance and water bills, in addition to being the right equipment to install for saving water.
Short-Distance Trips Around Work
While we talk about reducing air travel and long road trips to combat climate change, short-distance trips are frequently overlooked as a significant contributor to environmental degradation. Often, individuals choose to drive rather than use public transportation for relatively short distances, releasing significant carbon emissions into the atmosphere. By prioritizing public transportation, carpooling, biking, or walking for short-distance trips, we can considerably reduce our carbon footprint and promote cleaner air quality.
Excessive Paper Consumption in the Office
In the digital age, paper consumption might not seem like a significant concern, but the environmental impacts are noteworthy. Deforestation and energy consumption associated with paper production, along with increased waste in landfills, contribute to ecological harm. It is crucial to minimize paper usage by opting for digital documents, double-sided printing, recycling paper products, and supporting sustainable forestry practices.
In the office, it’s helpful to move to cloud-based files storage systems and away from paper in all cases possible. Becoming a more digital office, and putting systems and practices in place that eliminates the need for paper unless absolutely necessary reduces one of the top carbon emitters – cutting down trees for paper.
A great alternative to cutting trees for paper is hemp paper. Brands that specialize in hemp business paper including Gmund Paper and Bulk Hemp Warehouse.
Chemical-laden Cleaning Products in the Office
Office cleaning products, often taken for granted regarding their environmental impact, can be a significant source of indoor pollution. Many conventional cleaners contain harmful chemicals that end up in our waterways and contribute to water pollution and ecosystem degradation. By opting for eco-friendly cleaning products with natural ingredients can help protect our environment and still maintain clean living spaces.
Thankfully, several businesses and companies have recognized the need for environmentally friendly cleaning solutions and have emerged in the market. Here are a few notable ones.
Seventh Generation is a well-known company that focuses on creating cleaning products that are safe for people and the planet. They offer a range of biodegradable and plant-based cleaning solutions, including laundry detergents, dish soaps, and surface cleaners. Seventh Generation also takes sustainability seriously by using renewable energy sources and incorporating recycled
materials in their packaging.
SC Johnson Lifestyle Brands is known for its fragrant and effective cleaning products that are made with plant-derived ingredients. They offer a wide range of household cleaners, including multi-surface sprays, hand soaps, and laundry detergents. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day products cleans well leaves behind a fresh, natural scent.
Single-Use Coffee Pods
Single-use coffee pods have revolutionized coffee-making convenience. However, the environmental consequences associated with these convenient pods are often underestimated. The disposable plastic and aluminum capsules are not easily recyclable and generate substantial waste. In 2013 alone, single-serve coffee capsules produced enough trash to circle the Earth more than ten times! Switching to reusable coffee pods or traditional brewing methods can significantly reduce this environmental burden.
Personal Care Products
Personal care products, including cosmetics, shampoos, and exfoliants, often leads to the release of microplastics into the environment. These tiny plastic particles, often hidden in ingredient lists as polyethylene or polypropylene, find their way into oceans and water systems, disrupting marine ecosystems and potentially entering our food chain. Opting for natural and eco-friendly personal care products or those explicitly stating no microplastics can help minimize this hidden environmental impact.
As awareness about the detrimental effects of microplastics grows, many businesses and companies have emerged in the market, offering sustainable alternatives and actively combating this issue. Here are a few notable ones:
Lush is a well-known brand that prides itself on creating handmade cosmetics with minimal packaging. They have explicitly committed to eliminating all microplastics from their products since 2014. Their range includes shampoo bars, solid body washes, and face cleansers, allowing customers to cleanse without contributing to microplastic pollution.
Ethique, the New Zealand-based company, focuses on producing zero-waste, plastic-free personal care products. Ethique offers shampoo bars, conditioners, facial cleansers, and other toiletries, all formulated without any microplastics. Their products are packaged in compostable materials, further reducing their environmental impact.
Dr. Hauschka is a skincare brand that uses natural and organic ingredients in its products. They are committed to sustainability and have eliminated microplastics from their formulations. Their range includes cleansers, moisturizers, and makeup, all designed to nourish the skin without harming the planet.
The Body Shop has been a pioneer in the ethical beauty industry for several decades. They have taken a strong stance against microplastics and have phased them out of their products. The Body Shop offers a wide range of skincare, bath, and body products with a focus on sustainability and natural ingredients.
Beautycounter is a skincare and cosmetics brand that prioritizes safety and transparency. They have banned over 1,800 potentially harmful or questionable ingredients, including microplastics. Their products are tested rigorously for quality and are packaged in recyclable materials.
Unregulated E-Waste Management
The improper disposal of electronic waste, or e-waste, is a critical environmental concern that is often underestimated. As our reliance on electronic devices grows, their short lifespans result in a significant amount of discarded gadgets that contain dangerous materials. Smartphones, laptops, and televisions, for instance, contain harmful substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. When these devices are carelessly thrown away in landfills, they can contaminate the soil and groundwater with hazardous chemicals, endangering nearby ecosystems and human health.Furthermore, e-waste often ends up in developing countries, where informal and unsafe recycling methods are employed, leading to further environmental and health risks.
Several businesses are actively working towards addressing the issue of unregulated e-waste management. These organizations play a vital role in promoting responsible recycling and disposal of electronic waste. Let’s take a look at a few notable players in the market:
GreenCitizen is a company that specializes in providing eco-friendly electronic waste management solutions. They offer various services, including free e-waste drop-off locations, electronics recycling pickups, and data destruction. They also refurbish and resell electronics that are still in working condition.
Sims Recycling Solutions is a global leader in electronic waste management. They offer comprehensive services, including recycling, asset recovery, secure data destruction, and responsible e-waste disposal. They have a network of recycling facilities worldwide and comply with strict environmental regulations.
REPOWERED (fka Tech Dump & Tech Discounts) is a non-profit social enterprise that focuses on electronics recycling and refurbishment. They provide secure data destruction and offer job training and employment to individuals with barriers to employment. Tech Dump ensures that e-waste is recycled responsibly and that reusable electronics are sold or donated.
Excessive Packaging Waste
Packaging waste is a major environmental concern that tends to be underestimated. The growing reliance on single-use packaging, particularly for online shopping, exacerbates the problem. Excessive packaging contributes to waste generation and requires significant energy and resources for manufacturing. Opting for eco-friendly packaging alternatives, supporting companies with sustainable packaging initiatives, and advocating for policies promoting reduced packaging waste can make a considerable difference.
In the ever-growing market of eco-friendly packaging alternatives, several businesses and companies have emerged as trailblazers in reducing packaging waste. By supporting and promoting these companies, we can actively contribute to mitigating the environmental impact of excessive packaging. Here are a few noteworthy businesses in the market:
EcoEnclose offers a wide range of sustainable packaging solutions, including recycled and biodegradable boxes, mailers, and padded mailers. They prioritize using renewable materials and minimizing waste in their production processes.
Seed Phytonutrients produces personal care products packaged in innovative, biodegradable paper bottles made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper. Their commitment to sustainable packaging reflects their overall dedication to environmental stewardship and reducing plastic waste.
Pela is a company that specializes in creating eco-friendly phone cases and accessories made from plant-based materials. They prioritize using renewable resources and ensure their products are compostable at the end of their life cycle.
Package Free Shop is an online marketplace that offers a wide range of sustainable, package-free alternatives. They curate eco-friendly products, including reusable food storage, cosmetics, and household items, encouraging customers to reduce their reliance on single-use packaging.
TerraCycle is a global leader in recycling hard-to-recycle waste, aiming to eliminate the idea of waste altogether. They work with various companies to establish recycling programs for items such as snack wrappers, beauty products, and cleaning supplies.
Uncontrolled Air Conditioning Use
Air conditioning provides comfort, but its environmental impact is often disregarded. The energy-intensive nature of air conditioning contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. Moreover, refrigerants used in cooling systems, such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), are potent greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. Utilizing energy-efficient air conditioning units, setting moderate temperature levels, and exploring alternatives like natural ventilation can help mitigate the environmental impact of cooling.
While the environmental concerns surrounding air conditioning are significant, there are companies and businesses in the market that are actively working to address these issues and provide sustainable cooling solutions. Let’s explore a few of them:
Mitsubishi Electric is a leading manufacturer of energy-efficient air conditioning systems. They offer a range of products that prioritize energy savings and reduced environmental impact. Their technologies provide superior cooling performance and contribute to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Daikin Comfort is another prominent player in the air conditioning industry with a strong focus on sustainability. They have developed cutting-edge technologies that optimize energy efficiency, resulting in reduced energy consumption and lower emissions. Daikin also actively promotes the use of refrigerants with low global warming potential.
EcoBreeze is a startup that specializes in natural ventilation systems as an alternative to traditional air conditioning.Their innovative solutions harness the power of nature to provide cooling, ventilation and improved indoor air quality. By utilizing natural airflow and advanced filtering techniques, EcoBreeze reduces energy consumption and minimizes environmental impact.
Carrier is a well-known name in the HVAC industry and has been committed to sustainability for several years. They have developed advanced air conditioning systems that prioritize energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Carrier also offers solutions like heat recovery ventilation that promote energy savings and improved indoor air quality.
As we strive to tackle environmental issues, it is essential to broaden our focus beyond the obvious culprits and take into account the hidden but significant practices that contribute to ecological degradation. Let’s not overlook these often-neglected practices and work towards positive change for a healthier and more sustainable future. Overall, these unsustainable environmental practices may not seem important on an individual level, but when multiplied by millions or billions of people, they have a significant impact on the environment. It is crucial for individuals to be aware of these practices and make conscious choices to reduce their negative environmental impact. Small changes in our everyday lives can lead to significant positive changes for the planet.
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