Looking for ways to contribute to a more sustainable planet? This is the perfect time to start taking action. We'll share with you six actionable ways to reduce plastic use in the workplace.
The Earth Day 2024 theme was focused on plastic use reduction. According to data from the Earth Day organization, plastic production has grown to over 380 million tons per year. That's more plastic in the last ten years than in the entire 20th century.
To change our attitude toward plastic use, we need to change our behavior. Be part of the solution. Start implementing a few actionable tips to reduce plastic use in the workplace.
Have you thought of ways your business can reduce its environmental impact? Offices around the world are finding ways to minimize their ecological footprint, and cutting down on plastic waste is a great place to start.
Planet vs. Plastics
Earth Day is the world’s largest recruiter to the environmental movement. It's devoted to diversifying, educating, and activating the environmental movement worldwide.
Since 1970, this organization has mobilized over 1 billion people for the future of our planet.
This organization works in countries around the world to drive meaningful action. Earth Day's 2024 theme was focused on plastic reduction. It's about bringing people together from different sectors of society. The aim is to demand a 60% reduction in the production of plastics by 2040.
So how are they planning to do that? Earth Day is promoting actions and programs such as:
- increasing public awareness about the harm plastic causes to humans, animals, and biodiversity
- eliminating all single-use plastics by 2030
- implementing policies to eradicate the environmental damage caused by fast fashion
- investing in new tech and materials for a world free of plastic
Now let's go over some easy-to-follow tips that you can implement this year.
6 Tips to Reduce Plastic Use in The Office
Now let's inspire you to take action and motivate change by educating colleagues on how to reduce plastic waste. Discover six easy-to-follow tips on how to reduce plastic use in the office:
1. Identify Plastic Waste in Your Office
Data shows that over 500 billion plastic bags were produced last year. That's one million bags per minute.
How many sources of plastic are in your workplace? Start identifying where the plastic waste is originating in your office.
In addition to plastic bags, consider disposable cutlery, plastic water bottles, packaging, single-use cups, etc. Once you know where plastic waste is generated, it's easier to tackle it.
A good industry example comes from Adobe. Since 2017, they've joined forces with their employees to engage in environmental office practices.
Recycling, composting, and reuse programs have been facilitated worldwide. That's how paper, plastic, glass, printer toner cartridges, and batteries have been recycled ever since.
2. Encourage Reusable Alternatives
Last year alone, 100 billion plastic containers were sold in the United States.
Wondering how to reduce plastic waste? To take meaningful action for a plastic-free world, all industries must come together.
For example, you can encourage the use of reusable alternatives. Instead of disposable cutlery and dishes, invest in metal, glass, or ceramic dishes.
You can also suggest that employees bring their reusable water bottles to work. They could even bring their favorite coffee cups to use in the office.
Companies worldwide have been taking action to promote this culture shift. Google has been "rethinking their approach to the way we source products, serve food and reduce our waste". In 2023, they launched the "Single-Use Plastics Challenge". They encouraged companies with single-use, plastic-free packaging solutions to apply. This way, they promote collective change while getting closer to their sustainability goals across their operations.
3. Go Digital
Have you noticed how much plastic is used in document storage? Consider going for a digital-first approach in your daily operations.
Instead of archiving everything in paper and plastic binders, invest in cloud storage solutions. Digital document sharing can also be a great way of cutting down on plastic use. Plus, it'll reduce your storage needs.
Adobe again works as an example for this case. 98% of their licensed products were digitally delivered by the end of 2016. That eliminated their physical supply chain. The amount of waste produced by the company was drastically reduced.
Can you apply a similar solution in your own business? Brainstorm solutions with your team.
4. Shift to Eco-Friendly Office Supplies
According to National Geographic, over 91% of plastic isn’t even recycled and is sitting in landfills.
Think of all the products and materials your office consumes on a daily basis. How many of your suppliers offer sustainable solutions?
Partnering up with companies and suppliers with sustainable products is a great place to start. Look for local providers of plastic-free packaged supplies. Go for compostable or biodegradable packaging.
Or what about single-use plastic packaging? Maybe you can replace snacks and beverages with healthier and more sustainable alternatives. For example, use reusable containers to store snacks like nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.
An interesting industry example comes from IKEA. This furniture giant has been committed to turning plastic waste into beautiful objects. This is aligned to their commitment to becoming a circular business by 2030. That means they'll be using only renewable or recycled materials.
IKEA collaborates with Spanish fishermen to collect plastic pollution in their fishing nets. Then, the company sorts and cleans this plastic waste. Finally, this waste is turned into flakes, pellets, yarn, and fabric.
5. Develop Recycling Programs
Start promoting the habit of separating and recycling plastics in the office. Here are some easy actions you can start implementing:
- Make sure recycling bins are easily accessible and clearly labeled. You can even use pictures or diagrams to make it easier to understand.
- Host workshops to educate employees on how to properly recycle various materials.
- Keep employees motivated by turning these programs into a game. Designate a recycling champion every month to inspire their colleagues.
These are some ways your employees can be educated on how to reduce plastic waste.
Companies like Toyota are working towards a sustainable circular economy. This impacts the way they design their products. Led by their "mantra of the four R's – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Recover", they look to constantly improve the way vehicles are designed.
Toyota not only implements recycling programs for their employees but also finds innovative ways to repurpose waste. For example, they convert old bumpers into new ones.
6. Promote Environmental Education
According to the UN, plastics are "the largest, most harmful and most persistent fraction of marine litter."
Start fostering a culture of sustainability in your office. Encourage your colleagues to adopt greener practices in their daily routines.
Here are some strategies you could start implementing:
- Organize and host monthly sessions with environmental experts. Make sure these talks are tailored to your industry and particular practices.
- Launch campaigns every few months focused on environmental education. Share plastic pollution facts through newsletters and social media.
- Include environmental education in onboarding processes. This way, you emphasize your company's commitment to the environment.
- Organize sustainability challenges to encourage employees to reduce plastic use. Promote a zero-waste week and offer rewards to inspire action.
Involve your employees in this sustainable culture shift. For example, you can assign a "green team" to lead eco-friendly initiatives in the office.
More Resources for a Better Future
Learn about more ethical and diverse practices to include in your business:
![]()
![]()
![]()
7 Ways Inclusion Can Impact Productivity and Creativity![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
10 Tips for Dealing With Difficult Changes in Work & Life![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
Why Make Mental Health Care and Well-Being a Priority for All? (World Mental Health Day 2022)![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
The Benefits of an LGBTQ-Friendly WorkPlace![]()
![]()
![]()
.jpg)
.jpg)
Work to Reduce Plastic Usage Every Day
Environmental education in the workplace is a much-needed shift towards a sustainable culture. Start implementing strategies to inspire and engage your employees. For example, you can host educational workshops to share plastic pollution facts.
Sustainability challenges can also be a great way to engage your employees to take action. This not only enhances your green credentials, but also significantly contributes to a collective effort towards a better future.
As you've seen with the examples we shared, companies are increasingly taking action. Learning ways to reduce plastic waste is the first step. Next, work to inspire the people around you and your community to adopt a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
Try implementing some of the tips shared in this article. Your businesses could lead the way to making a positive impact on our planet.
