You already know how to be resourceful at home, and it can be equally rewarding to engage in the same sustainable practices when you are at work. And when businesses use stuff wisely, it has a big impact – over ¾ of Portland’s waste comes from the workplace!

In addition to making changes in your own habits, you can make an even bigger impact by involving your co-workers or working to change purchasing and disposal practices for your workplace. Cutting back on the stuff you use and throw away means cost savings for your employer too.

Try creating a “swap space” for office products. Encourage coworkers to check the swap space before buying new storage equipment, binders and other frequently discarded items. Organize donations for items that are still usable, but are no longer needed at your organization. Find places to exchange products with other workplaces at www.nwmaterialsmart.com.

Create a campaign to engage your coworkers and make waste reduction common practice. Many workplaces have encouraged employees to “kick the can”. Employees receive rewards for trading their trash can in for recycling bins. Recycling becomes easier, and employees become more aware of the waste they create at work.

Learn more about how your workplace can use less stuff – with 30 best practices, free resources and tips at:

http://www.sustainabilityatworkpdx.com/how-it-works/resource-guide/#materials