More and more businesses are promoting sustainable practices in the workplace, but what does that actually mean? Recycling? Less printing? LED bulbs?

Perhaps, all the above!

According to the United Nations, global greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced by 45% by 2030 to prevent catastrophic climate change. Companies are prioritizing sustainability in their business due to environmental concerns, consumer demand, cost savings, regulatory pressures and reputation.

In the workplace, sustainability typically means reducing carbon emissions, waste, and resource consumption, while increasing efficiency and productivity. For example, businesses that offer catered lunches or break room snacks are embracing food recovery as a way to repurpose leftover meals. The average employee generates 2.3 pounds of food waste per week (US EPA), thus the impact is substantial.

Beyond recycling and food recovery, there are countless creative ways to go green at work.

• Consider better procurement opportunities, like sourcing office supplies, furniture, and equipment from environmentally friendly and socially responsible vendors. Look for products made from recycled materials and those with eco-certifications.

• Encourage water-saving practices such as installing low-flow faucets and toilets.

• Provide incentives for employees to use public transportation, carpool, cycle, or walk to work. This could include subsidized transit passes, bike storage facilities, or games. We recently heard about a company in Switzerland that requires employees to walk or bike to work one week out of the month, in assigned teams, and track their progress.

• Flexible work options also reduce commuting and energy consumption.

• Set goals, measure your success and celebrate achievements to encourage an eco-friendly culture

Just a few ideas to get you started!

If you’d like to learn more, our CEO Maen Mahfoud will be joining Adam Kaye, Co-Founder and Chief Culinary Officer of The Spare Food Co for a discussion on building a more sustainable workplace, hosted by Fraiche this week. Led by Fraiche Co-Founder and CEO Tximista Lizarazu and Jennifer Gianni, Chief Human Resources Officer for Interparfums, they’ll be sharing best practices, success stories and more.

To learn more about Replate, visit our website!