1. Paper has two sides: the DIY note pads

We’ve all been there: the printer has once again spat out a page printed on one side, which usually ends up in the bin after a single use. But what if you could reuse these sheets? That’s exactly what we did in our office! Instead of throwing the papers away, we collect them and use our new metal paper clips with smiley faces to staple them together into notepads. Not only is this environmentally friendly, but it also brings a little joy to everyday office life.

Tip: Create a collection point in your office for used paper that is still blank on the back. These sheets can then be used as notepads, for sketches or for quickly jotting down ideas. This way you reduce paper consumption and avoid unnecessary costs for new notepads.

2. Digital notes instead of paper chaos

Another way to save paper is to switch to digital notes. Tools like Evernote, OneNote or Google Keep allow you to store thoughts and ideas quickly and clearly – without any paper. Especially handy: you can access and share your notes from anywhere, which makes it easier for your team to work together.

Tip: Set up regular training sessions or info sessions for your team on the benefits and use of digital note-taking and collaboration tools. This not only saves paper, but also increases efficiency and organization in the office.

3. Double-sided printing as standard

Paper is often wasted unnecessarily because documents are printed on one side only. However, it is so easy to set double-sided printing as the default in the printer settings. This way, you can halve your paper consumption in no time at all.

Tip: Check the printer settings in your office and set them to double-sided printing by default. Inform your colleagues about this step and motivate them to be more conscious about how they use paper.

4. Reusable coffee cups and water bottles

There are many other ways to make your office more sustainable besides reducing paper consumption. One big point is to avoid using disposable products such as plastic bottles and paper cups. By offering reusable coffee mugs and water bottles, you can make another contribution to protecting the environment.

Tip: Give your employees personalized reusable coffee mugs and water bottles. These can be given as a welcome gift for new employees or as an incentive for particularly environmentally conscious behavior.

5. Save electricity with smart devices

It is not only paper and plastic that can be saved in the office, but also electricity. The use of intelligent devices that switch off automatically when not in use, or the use of LED lighting, can significantly reduce energy consumption.

Tip: Carry out an energy audit in your office and identify devices that consume a lot of electricity. Consider whether these can be replaced with more energy-efficient models and make sure that devices are switched off outside working hours.

6. Green plants for a healthy indoor climate

Not only the environment, but also the health of your employees benefits from a greener office environment. Plants improve air quality, create a more pleasant atmosphere and can even increase productivity.

Tip: Place easy-care houseplants in your office. Plants such as the spider plant or the English ivy are particularly suitable, as they require little care and have a high air-purifying effect.

Conclusion: small steps, big impact

Sustainability in the office starts with small changes that, when added up, can make a big difference. From recycling paper to using digital tools to energy-efficient devices, there are many ways you can make your office more environmentally friendly. Implementing these measures is not only good for the environment, but also for the working environment. After all, a sustainable office is a happy office. 🌍✨