Recyclers at the ready

UK office workers throw their green ideals out of the window when they enter the work place, according to a government research poll. A new initiative is aiming to change green behaviour in offices throughout the country.

YouGov research has revealed that despite office workers efforts to be green at work they are being held back by a lack of recycling facilities, no environmental policy and cynical colleagues.

Green Office Week, which takes place from 26 – 30 April, is an initiative to educate office workers to make work places greener. The week aims to inspire employees to make changes and empower office workers with tips, advice, blogs and events.

92% of office workers believe that it is important for businesses to be environmentally responsible but only 51% of companies have a green policy in place. Employees are sick of their employers laissez faire attitude to the environment and only 54% think their company does enough towards helping the environment.

Simon Walsh, co-founder of one of Europe’s largest electronics recyclers www.shplimited.co.uk, said: “This research seems to qualify what a lot of the recycling industry always knew – employees are too busy and too lazy to recycle

office waste. 70% of office waste is recyclable but only 8% is actually recycled .
“We spend a third of our lives at work, and businesses are responsible for 40% of the UK’s carbon emission - so it’s vital that offices start to take action.”

Here are five tips to make your workplace a greener space:

1. Place plants around your office. Not only will they enhance your work space but they can reduce air pollution in enclosed spaces.
2. Buy recyclable products, paper and wood products that are FSC-certified.
3. Recycle all old IT and electrical products rather than storing them.
4. Set up a green ideas scheme to encourage and reward colleagues who come up with novel energy saving ideas.
5. Switch off computers, photocopiers and lights at the end of the day.