Ideas to get you started.
It can be overwhelming, I get it - that’s why I have put together a list of some easy wins and simple changes that any organisation can implement to be greener.
Start by stopping.
Once you stop and look around offices, and even homes for that matter you will realise that are excess. Open cupboards, draws and ransack storerooms. What the hells in all these boxes and why are you order so much? What can you list as excessive or optional? Removing these items from your organisation's purchasing lists is gold star worthy.
= less consumption = less impact = happy earth.
Remove plastic from the ordering list; straws, cups plates, bottles - an obvious one but I have been to so many organisations and there is always a sneaky draw in the kitchen filled with these things
Have a look at what you order into the business. You can probably stop ordering Post-it’s and highlighters and the world won’t end.
Snacks in plastic. There are these magical items that nature has created with their own wrapping - Fruit! You guessed it! Please stop buying single wrapped anything.
Printed information - use an App and share documents, papers, meeting notes electronically. Cloud based sharing is stupid easy.
SWAG, merch (whatever you would like to call it) is a thing of the past. Offer experiences or digital SWAG.
Swap it out.
There are so many amazing companies with more sustainable options available. Seek out alternatives. The more we purchase these items the more shops, distributors will make them more readily available. Demand = Supply. If you can find it, ask a shop, they can do the leg work and reap the benefits of more sales.
Paper 100% recycled paper - seems simple I know.
Fairtrade tea + coffee (No-one will ever complain about improving their caffeine source).
Compostable coffee pods, easy win.
Get environmentally friendly cleaners that have a refill option. My fav is Pleasant State.
Buy bulk - this means less packaging, less transport and you don’t have to order so often (so less work) Win!
Even your loo paper can make a difference. Try a subscription to Who Gives a Crap and then you never have to think about ordering again.
Locally produced produce. Start with Australian grown and if you can narrow it down to your state or region, even better!
If you need disposable crockery, use sugarcane or biodegradable containers with bamboo cutlery
Branding still a must for some, consider keep cups, water bottles or vouchers on seed paper that guests can plant once finished
Hire instead of buy. Delivery and pick up without having to rehome items
Fabric items - start with unbranded or with just a company logo (rather than an event/promotion specific) so you can extend the life. Move to a bamboo option - that stuff grows like a weed!
Get rid of plastic branding, pull up banners (PLEASE!), corflute signage, fabframe backdrops, check out ReBoard from Next Printing.
Change behaviour.
This can be hard but with clear communication you can empower people to jump on board and not be put out.
Bring back the water fountain. I know they are a thing of your youth but they are a super easy win. Let guests, colleagues, crew, teams know to bring their own bottle so they aren’t caught unawares.
Make a deal with your local coffee shop to hold a bunch of your branded keep cups for your staff in return for washing them. More business for them and less disposable coffee cups. Win = Win
Friday drinks never look better. Order from a local winery, brewery and distiller. There are plenty of micro operations happening in big cities. Your riesling doesn’t need to come from Germany!
Offset your flights. Just the tick of a box while booking.
Opt for more vegetarian options, meat takes a lot more energy to produce so opt for 50/50 veg and meat options at functions. Use a caterer who has done the hard yards for you like Radish Events.
Burn that laminator - every recyclable piece of paper becomes landfill once you laminate it. If you NEED to print, use thicker stock.
Buy jugs and glasses for boardroom meetings.
Start sharing meeting documents on the boardroom screen rather than printing out copies.
This is just the start, I’m sure that you will come up with many more stop, swap or change ideas to implement!
Remember… start small and learn along the way. Motivation will come in droves with each success and people will be enthusiastic to be part of a positive change.
Don’t forget to record your impact. Help data tell your story.
And now…. Get moving. Lots to be done!
May you make many small changes that have big and lasting impacts.