The fight for environmentalism is no longer just a battle waged outside of work. As a California employee, you spend more than eight hours of your day in a workplace that could be contributing to the ongoing climate crisis. Therefore, it’s worth considering making changes within your workplace to address the environmental impact that your company can have.
California has been leading the way in environmentalism for decades now. Our state has set some of the strictest environmental regulations and targets in the country.[1] However, even with various policies in place, there is still a lot of work left to be done. That’s why it’s time for each Californian to take ownership of the environmental impact that we are all responsible for, starting with the workplace.
- Make small behavioral changes: As an employee, making small changes in your daily routine can have a huge impact. You can start by simply switching off the lights before you leave a room or only printing when necessary. Encourage your coworkers to do the same, and this will create a domino effect that leads to a positive impact on the environment.
- Propose the use of alternative cleaning products: Most commercial cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that are not eco-friendly. You can advocate for the use of alternative cleaning products that are non-toxic, biodegradable, and effective. You can also encourage your workplace to adopt eco-friendly cleaning practices, such as the use of microfiber cloths.
- Use less paper: By reducing paper usage, your workplace can help save trees, which are a necessary resource for our environment. You can reduce your paper usage by digitizing documents, avoiding printing multitudes of pages, and using double-sided printing whenever possible.
- Adopt better recycling methods: Waste and other pollutants can have a massive environmental impact. Be an advocate for better recycling methods, such as composting and recycling electronic waste. Recycling can also reduce the carbon footprint of the company and save funds.
- Encourage green commuting practices: Encouraging the use of sustainable transportation methods, such as biking, walking, or public transportation can have a huge positive impact on the environment. You can also advocate for carpooling and telecommuting to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Making positive changes to your workplace can have a significant and positive impact on the environment. However, for these changes to be effective, employees need to band together and work towards achieving common goals. If you are passionate about environmentalism, don’t hesitate to take action in your workplace. Encourage your coworkers to do the same and together we can create a more sustainable workplace and a brighter future for our planet. So as California employees, let us all take the initiative to create a better and sustainable future for ourselves and for generations to come.
[1] https://www.npr.org/2022/09/09/1121952184/the-impact-of-californias-environmental-regulations-ripples-across-the-u-s