By Bronwen Dowman, TopLine Comms

Approximately 8 million tons of plastic enter the ocean each year. That’s 21918 tons a day, 913 tons an hour or 15 tons a minute. It’s pretty horrific: pollution, in whatever form, is everywhere and it’s destroying our health and the environment.

Our planet is precious, it is under threat and we can’t afford to ignore it by doing nothing. And If most of our time is spent at work, then we should hold the companies we work for responsible for implementing greener practices.

Sustainability in the workplace doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive and when it’s lacking, it might well end up costing businesses good employees. A recent survey by TopLine Film showed that 24% percent of UK workers said they would refuse a job at any organisation with a poor sustainability record. And according to Fast Company, nearly 40% of millennials have chosen a job because of company sustainability practices. Regardless of what country you’re in, this should matter: millennials are not only shaking up the workforce, they’re dominating it too.

If your company has a sustainability policy, then great. If not, encourage them to start by making small changes that’s bound to resonate with staff.  

Start by eliminating plastic 

At TopLine Comms, as part of our sustainability policy, we’ve decided to do away with single use plastic bottles and cutlery. The company has provided us with reusable cups instead. Now this may not be possible for all businesses, especially those with larger teams, but employees can also be encouraged to bring reusable cups or cutlery from home.

Recycling, recycling, recycling

Posters help to educate and remind staff on the importance of recycling and adding recycling bins with clear instructions on what should be thrown into what bin, is not difficult to do.

Stop or reduce paper waste

Where possible, try to use recycled paper and keep the printer switched off when not in use. It could also be a matter of asking yourself whether you really need to print a document or whether it can be viewed or shared electronically.

Eco-friendly cleaning products

Let’s face it. You can’t do away with cleaning the office, but you can control the products you or the staff use to clean it. Often these products come in plastic containers and is riddled with chemicals. Rather opt for eco-friendly cleaning solutions.

At the end of the day, sustainable living comes down to being more conscious and making better choices. So, if you don’t know where your company stands on an environmental policy, ask them.