TLE-AFA Agri-Crop Production

Quarter 4– Module 6:
Workplace Environmental
Practices

What Is It

Good Environmental Practices are defined as those actions that seek

to reduce
the negative environmental impact caused by activities and processes
through
changes and improvements in the organization and development of
actions.
More and more companies across business industries are committing to
reducing their impact on the environment.

These are just a few newsworthy examples of organizations that are

taking
the initiative in creating more environmentally conscious workplaces and
company culture through eco-friendly policies.

From a business standpoint, consumers are more inclined to buy products

from, invest in services from, and lend their support to companies with a
proven record of social responsibility regarding reducing their
environmental
impact. Research has shown that 80 percent of consumers are more
inclined
to support companies and brands with a history of sustainability.

Developing an eco-conscious organization begins on the ground level with

your workforce, as it is crucial for your people to believe in your vision
and
practice environmentally friendly habits in the office for your mission of
sustainability to signal out accordingly.
There are various accessible and cost-effective measures your company
can
take to reduce your carbon footprint and affect your environmental
impact.
Here are ten examples of sustainable initiatives you can implement to
encourage an environmentally conscious workplace for your employees,
not
just on Earth Day, but every day.
Implement a recycling program

One standard way of supporting mindfulness around sustainability is to

establish a recycling program within your office. From the kitchen area to
your workspaces, provide education on responsible waste disposal
through
clear signage on designated waste stations to help your people
distinguish
between what items belong in recycling, compost, and in the trash bin.
You
can also investigate the safe removal and donation of old computer parts
and
other items unnecessarily taking up space in your workplace to a local
organization supporting the ethical recycling of electronics.

Conserve energy within the office

Turning off the lights and switching off electronic equipment around the
office
during off-hours will help to conserve energy resources as well as save
your
company a significant amount on your electric bill. Ensure that your
workplace has communicated your policy around reducing energy
consumption at their desks and around the office and provide suggestions
such as shutting off their computers at the end of the workday and
keeping
the lights off when a meeting room is not in use.

Promote a paperless office

Digital and cloud computing solutions have enabled companies to

become
more collaborative, streamlined, efficient, and yes, green too. From using
desktop applications such as Microsoft Office and Google Drive for
coordinating work projects to investing in digital HR and payroll software
to
handle workforce management, paper and ink are swapped out for an
ecoconservative alternative.
Support green vendors

Choose to do business with green-friendly brands and companies to

create a
more environmentally conscious workplace. Conduct research into
vendors of
interest to learn more about their sustainability efforts and see if they
align
with your company’s own vision and values regarding environmental
impact.
At Rise, we are proud to be partnered with Thirst First, a locally based
organic
and fair-trade coffee provider.

Reduce by reusing

Annually, Canadians use approximately 1.6 to 2 billion disposable coffee

cups. Discourage this wasteful habit from your employees by encouraging
the
use of reusable coffee mugs, along with reusable water bottles. You can
promote this initiative in office by offering company merchandise items
such
as travel mugs and stainless-steel water bottles, and also by incentivizing
the
program by doing a monthly gift card draw for team members who use
their
reusable mugs for an entire week.

Invest in office plants

Placing plants around the office can help to beautify your workspaces,
uplift
the overall atmosphere of your workplace, and reduce stress and anxiety
for
your workforce. Indoor greenery can boost oxygen levels and remove
harmful
 pollutants such as carbon dioxide and formaldehyde. In fact, NASA
research
reveals that indoor plants reduce 87% of indoor air pollutants within 24
hours. If you’re convinced of the health benefits of office greenery, this
infographic can help you select the ideal plant for your office
environment.

Conserve human energy

This may not be an idea that readily comes to mind when considering
environmental practices, but the wellbeing of your people is crucial to the
healthy habits of your organization. Mindfulness is just as important.
Consider that sustaining healthy and energetic employees will be
beneficial to
your company’s overall productivity. Help to keep your team happy and
energized by establishing a safe, non-toxic environment always. It can
start
by providing sustainable and nutritious options, such as organic fruits and
vegetables.

Encourage sustainable transportation

Support your team members in taking alternative modes of transportation

to
and from the office—such as walking or carpooling with fellow colleagues
—
during the work week. Your company can offer transit subsidies to
employees
who commute to work as a benefit. Additionally, if it is not mandatory for
your
people to be in the office from Monday to Friday, consider cutting out
their
commute time during the week by allowing employees to do remote work
from
home on occasion.
Get outside and volunteer

Cause-driven volunteer programs are an excellent way to support

something
meaningful and have a big impact on your communities. There are all
sorts
of green causes and conservation campaigns your company can
participate
in. Last summer, Rise participated in a beach cleanup with CPAWS BC.
Find
a philanthropic project that’s close to your organization’s heart and get
your
people involved.

Make green thinking a key part of your company culture

Include your employees in your environmental vision by getting them

engaged
and involved. Talk to and collaborate with your team members to gather
their
ideas for how your organization can go green and be more
environmentally
conscious in the workplace. Getting input from your employees will allow
them the opportunity to embody and embrace your new mission and
goals.

Over to you

From promoting workplace wellness through a mindful and healthy office

environment to allowing your team members to think of the bigger
picture,
encouraging environmentally conscious practices in the workplace will
help
your people feel healthier, more satisfied with your company, and more
driven
to thrive at work. Above all, the benefit of leaving a lasting impression of
environmental impact for your organization will stay for generations to
come.
Answer me!

Direction: Answer the following questions. (3points each)

1. What are Good Environmental Practices defined as, according to the
text?
2. How can companies encourage sustainable transportation among their
employees?
3. How can a recycling program be implemented effectively within an
office environment?
4. How does promoting a paperless office contribute to environmental
conservation?
5. Name one sustainable initiative suggested in the text to encourage an
environmentally conscious workplace.