Sustainability at Workplace

It’s certainly beyond doubts, that the climate change caused by humans is reaching its epitome. And if we don’t act now, then by 2050 we will be deprived of natural resources like water and clean air. While climate change is being addressed at a global level by the United Nations and other organizations to save our planet from the apocalypse, it’s also our responsibility to do our bit and practice sustainability.

Sustainability can be practiced at every place; homes, schools, shopping malls & work, etc.

The following are some practices at work which everyone; from the top to the bottom level employees can do and contribute to sustaining the fast exhausting natural resources:

Conserve energy: At work, use energy-efficient lights that will help in sustaining energy by consuming less of it. It will cut down the heavy electricity bills by a reasonable margin. Energy conservation can be looked after at the time when the office building is under construction by inculcating the practice of using transparent glasses in windows. This helps in keeping the seating places near the windows lit during the day. Also, using the natural light of the sun is considered healthy for the eyes. 

Using solar panels for supplying electricity to the entire office is also suggested. 

Turn off the lights and fans when not required. Avoid switching any electric device on and off too quickly to avoid the energy loss. Seal all the opening and leakage in the walls or roof to ensure that there is no energy loss when you use fans or air conditioners at work.

Conserve water: Water is one of the fastest depleting natural resources on Earth. This is evident from the recent year’s water crisis in Cape Town and then in Chennai this very year. It is also predicted that in 2020, more than 60% of Delhi will be facing a water crisis.  

To avoid such serious situations, indulge in water conservation practices everywhere you are; home, office or anywhere outside. When at work, pour only that much water in a glass that you want to drink and can finish. Then pour again if you feel the need to. Collect the water loss by water purifiers and use it to wash dishes or water plants. 

Regularly check the taps and pipes for leakage or seepage. If there’s any, get it fixed by a plumber. Rainwater harvesting is another alternative that one can take if conditions are favorable. 

Employee engagement & awareness: Organizations should engage employees in awareness programs. A lot of organizations have employee engagement as a part of their work culture. While engaging employees, organizations should indulge them in activities on sustainable development and also spread a word on the same.

Employee engagement activities majorly revolve around employee perks, discounts & benefits. Inculcating a weekly activity contributing to sustainable development will start a cult. More and more organizations should participate in this and make employees aware of the current crisis going on.

Use carpooling: All those employees who live in the same locality or nearby areas can use the same vehicle to work. This is cost-efficient and helps in reducing the emissions that further save vehicles from contributing to the greenhouse gas effects. Carpooling helps in saving another natural resource; fossils, as the consumption of petrol of 4 cars can be avoided by using one to travel to-and-fro from work. 

Use reusable/biodegradable cups to consume tea and coffee at work.

Avoid using plastic cups as they degrade the soil quality, are tough to dispose of if buried and pollutes the air when burnt.

Maintain the greenery: At work, you can make a small garden outside where small plants and flower saplings can be grown. This will ensure clean air around the office and also help in adding clean oxygen to the air.

Similarly, indoor plants should also become a practice. Indoor plants do not require direct sunlight and need lesser water as compared to the other plants. Keeping indoor plants help in circulating clean air within the office by reducing the carbon dioxide levels and the airborne dust levels.

It’s high time that people start reacting to the increasing crisis of natural resources at a global level. And it won’t be sorted out if only a bunch of environmentalists act. This is something that every individual has to take part in and do his bit. Natural resources have never been depleted to this level before. Spread the word. Save the Earth!