January marks the start of a new work year, and as Australians head back to the office, site or shop floor, it\u2019s a good opportunity to revisit and refresh some wasteful work practices.<\/p>\n
Most people spend a considerable amount of time at work so actions we take there can be meaningful, says Helen Oakey, chief executive at Renew<\/a>, a not-for-profit that advocates for people to live sustainably.<\/p>\n Change doesn\u2019t have to start at the top, she says. \u201cOften in a small business, it can be somebody who\u2019s very passionate about sustainability that can drive action and get the whole staff body enthusiastic about making changes.\u201d<\/p>\n Purchasing power<\/p>\n Whether it\u2019s choosing recycled toilet paper, or providing locally grown fruit instead of packaged snacks, businesses big and small can \u201chave a powerful voice in supporting sustainable products\u201d, Oakey says.<\/p>\n That extends to the packaging \u2013 plastics or packing peanuts \u2013 that products arrive in, she says. \u201cTry to give feedback to your suppliers that you\u2019d like to see those products delivered in more sustainable packaging.\u201d<\/p>\n Angie Farrugia, communications and engagement director at B Lab Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand<\/a>, agrees. The not-for-profit helps companies, from small businesses to multinationals, improve their environmental and social performance.<\/p>\n Look at your supply chain, and use your influence as a supplier or buyer to encourage responsible practices and environmental improvements, she says. An example is Market Lane, a Melbourne-based coffee brand, which engages directly with the producers of their coffee and has taken steps to reduce waste and emissions across its business.<\/p>\n Reboot the commute<\/p>\n Transport is one of the fastest ways to cut emissions in the workplace, Oakey says \u2013 with actions such as encouraging more sustainable commutes<\/a> or meeting online instead of interstate or overseas travel.<\/p>\n \u201cEven if [people] only cycle twice a week, that can really help lift staff morale and health, and reduce emissions.\u201d<\/p>\n Workplaces can support walking and cycling by providing secure bike parking, and access to shower and end-of-trip facilities such as lockers. Incentives including subsidised fares might encourage more people to take public transport.<\/p>\n Make it fun, by setting up a workplace bike challenge, Oakey says, or join in with events such as Biketober or Ride2Work Day. Organisations like Love to Ride<\/a> run programs designed to get staff biking more often.<\/p>\n Some businesses might consider putting in an electric vehicle charger for employees who have to drive, or to recharge fleet vehicles.<\/p>\n \u201cThe other thing that\u2019s happened since Covid is we\u2019ve become much more flexible in our work practices. One of the easiest ways to reduce transport emissions is to not travel. And with flexible work practices, a lot of employees are now able to work part-time at home and not take that journey at all,\u201d Oakey says.<\/p>\n Activities such as a ride-to-work challenge might seem small, Farrugia says, \u201cbut if you introduce them into the culture of a business, and they happen repeatedly, then over time that can have a really positive impact\u201d.<\/p>\n Get your waste systems in order<\/p>\n