I've always found the best way is to show people how easy it is to change little things to be a bit greener. Thats how I got my last batch of housemates recycling. I think it's a bit harder at work, but could still be done. I feel fortunate to "work" in a place that has much of this built into the infrastructure, but also to "work" with people who already care. I do lab research and we do some things a particular way because we can then use less resources and reuse more items. I'm sure other labs would cringe, but it works for us.
Yeah, lead by example is usually a good idea but is it effective at work?
I mean, I always have my own cup, bring my food in reusable containers, and drink coffee I brew at home, but do coworkers notice that sort of thing and use it as inspiration? I think probably not. :(
I think it really depends on what your mindset is. If your goal is to Change The World, then no, this won't be enough. But if you're like me, and know that every little bit helps, then I do think this is effective at work. Over the years I've encouraged people to drink more water instead of soda by doing so myself (and to bring their own vessel to do so). By showing people how yummy my leftovers are for lunch, I've also converted a few people to doing the same. AND to actually attempting to cook rather than just eating packaged foods. While *I* may not be the person who gets someone to change, it might be another link in their path of becoming more conscious of being greener, and the next person who encourages them in such ways may be that tipping point. I guess I try to be the "Be the change you wish to see in the world" kind of person, living by example (ok, some of the time, I've definitely still got room for improvement).
I'm so afraid of coming across as preachy; that isn't my goal. I'm not judging anyone! I just think maybe they aren't aware (we are all like zombies at work sometimes ;) ) and maybe even a few of us are thinking the exact same things and just don't have the courage to speak up.
I've been trying to get my practice to recycle. I put a garbage can in the work area for plastic and glass bottles. Unfortunately, the garbage company who picks up our trash doesn't do recycling and the apartment building manager next to us won't allow us to put our once measley bag to recycleables out with theirs.
I was laid off in december from the best place I've ever worked. We recycled everything, the business vehicles are hybrids, the company owner even took home the office compost to his home bin! Another staffer brought the paper food container waste home to her yard waste bin (paper cups that managed to make their way in, take out containers...)
A few other bits: No disposable ware in the kitchen, biodegradable soaps in the kitchen and bathroom, "green" cleaning products, cellulose sponges instead of plastic, hand towels rather than paper, dual flush toilets, organic milk and creamer.
They would NEVER do hand towels instead of paper; it is too ingrained in chemical hygeine plans/culture and this is a heavy chemicals company. Using a hand-towel in a laboratory is a huge no-no and I suspect that people who work in that environment every day would have trouble with it in their cafeteria. :(
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I think it's a bit harder at work, but could still be done.
I feel fortunate to "work" in a place that has much of this built into the infrastructure, but also to "work" with people who already care. I do lab research and we do some things a particular way because we can then use less resources and reuse more items. I'm sure other labs would cringe, but it works for us.
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I mean, I always have my own cup, bring my food in reusable containers, and drink coffee I brew at home, but do coworkers notice that sort of thing and use it as inspiration? I think probably not. :(
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But if you're like me, and know that every little bit helps, then I do think this is effective at work. Over the years I've encouraged people to drink more water instead of soda by doing so myself (and to bring their own vessel to do so). By showing people how yummy my leftovers are for lunch, I've also converted a few people to doing the same. AND to actually attempting to cook rather than just eating packaged foods. While *I* may not be the person who gets someone to change, it might be another link in their path of becoming more conscious of being greener, and the next person who encourages them in such ways may be that tipping point. I guess I try to be the "Be the change you wish to see in the world" kind of person, living by example (ok, some of the time, I've definitely still got room for improvement).
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I'm so afraid of coming across as preachy; that isn't my goal. I'm not judging anyone! I just think maybe they aren't aware (we are all like zombies at work sometimes ;) ) and maybe even a few of us are thinking the exact same things and just don't have the courage to speak up.
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So yeah, I'm trying and failing I guess.
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A few other bits: No disposable ware in the kitchen, biodegradable soaps in the kitchen and bathroom, "green" cleaning products, cellulose sponges instead of plastic, hand towels rather than paper, dual flush toilets, organic milk and creamer.
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Check on those other suggestions; thanks.
They would NEVER do hand towels instead of paper; it is too ingrained in chemical hygeine plans/culture and this is a heavy chemicals company. Using a hand-towel in a laboratory is a huge no-no and I suspect that people who work in that environment every day would have trouble with it in their cafeteria. :(
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