3 Changes every Company can make to be more Eco-friendly

“We can’t save the world by playing by the rules, because the rules have to be changed. Everything needs to change – and it has to start today.” Greta Thunberg

As the threat of global warming looms over us, we couldn’t agree more with you Greta. Everyday we hear frightening statistics about the devastating effects of climate change on the planet. If we want the earth to remain habitable in just a few hundred years, we need to act collectively to reduce our carbon emissions. 

The very nature of our own business at Mindspace boils down to sharing. Our flex office and co-working spaces encourage people to share resources (such as kitchens, utilities and meeting rooms), which reduces overall energy consumption and is more environmentally friendly compared to a traditional office. Co-working aside however, there are numerous other ways to shift towards a more eco-conscious work model.

As we mark Earth Day 2023, we’re sharing 3 simple rules that every company can follow to reduce their carbon imprint and become more environmentally friendly.

Rule No. 1: Reduce Energy Consumption

One of the easiest ways to become more eco-friendly is to reduce energy consumption. This can be done in several ways, including:

• Switching to LED lighting: LED lights use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, and they last up to 25 times longer.
• Upgrading equipment: Older equipment can be energy hogs. Upgrading to newer, more energy-efficient models can save a significant amount of energy.
• Turning off electronics: Encourage employees to turn off computers and other electronics when they’re not in use. This can save a significant amount of energy over time.

Rule No. 2: Reduce Waste

Reducing waste is another important step to becoming more eco-friendly. Some ways to do this include:

• Going paperless: If your company hasn’t yet made the switch to digital documents yet, now is the time.
• Recycling: Make sure recycling bins are available throughout the office (super important!), and educate employees on what can and can’t be recycled.
• Encouraging reusable items: Encourage employees to bring their own reusable water bottles, coffee cups, and utensils. This can significantly reduce the amount of waste generated in the office.

Rule No. 3: Use Sustainable Materials

Finally, using sustainable materials is another step in the right direction. This can include:

• Using recycled materials: Look for products made from recycled materials, such as paper, pens, and office furniture.
• Choosing sustainable packaging: If your company ships products, look for sustainable packaging options, such as biodegradable or compostable materials.
• Choosing eco-friendly products: When purchasing products for the office, look for eco-friendly options. This can include everything from cleaning products, office supplies, and even office plants for decoration.

If your company is already following these 3 golden rules – then bravo! If not, it’s time for change.

With over 40 locations in the world that are servicing hundreds of companies, we are mindful of our own carbon imprint and having an eco-friendly approach. In fact, we take it pretty seriously (check out Mindspace Impact). However, although it’s important to have a corporate rulebook when it comes to the environment, it’s even more important to foster a culture that respects it. We encourage our members and employees to be conscious about how they work, and try to nurture a passion for sharing more and consuming less. Carpooling, walking to work or taking public transport are the norm at Mindspace and we actively support local green initiatives, such as recycling programs, cleaning beaches, planting trees and sustainable food options.

Take note, although zero-net emissions is the desirable goal, even small changes can make a big impact in the long-run. And even Greta agrees.

“I have learned you are never too small to make a difference.” Greta Thunberg.