Plastic Free July: 7 Easy Swaps to Green Your Workspace

July is more than a summer month; it's a chance to join a global movement—Plastic Free July. This annual event encourages people to refuse single-use plastic and help develop solutions for a cleaner planet. At your workspace, small changes can have a huge impact. Here are seven practical "swap and go" ideas to make your office more environmentally friendly this July.

Green Your Desk with BĪJ Notebooks

One simple swap is using plantable notebooks instead of traditional ones covered in plastic layers or laminated coatings. These eco-friendly alternatives not only serve their main function as notebooks but also offer an exciting bonus: the pages can be planted to grow flowers or herbs once you've filled them up with meeting notes or creative ideas.

• Benefits: Dual-purpose use and reduced waste.
• Solution: Choose plantable notebooks made from recycled materials, embedded with seeds that grow when planted.

How to Use BĪJ Notebooks

To maximize their ecological benefits, use your plantable notebook until it's full. Afterward, instead of discarding, soak the pages in water for a day, place them under a thin layer of soil in a pot or garden, and wait for nature to do its thing.

Go for Eco-Friendly BĪJ Pens

Ever thought about how many plastic pens you dispose of each year? Swap your everyday pens for eco-friendly options like our plantable pens, which decompose naturally or sprout into plants once you've used them up.

• Benefits: Reduced plastic waste and a greener planet.
• Solution: Choose pens made from biodegradable materials or containing seeds, so when they're disposed of, they return to nature in a beneficial way.

Maintaining Your BĪJ Pens for Longevity

To ensure longevity, store your eco-friendly pens in a dry place and use them regularly. When finished, follow packaging instructions to plant them properly.

Switch to Recycled BĪJ Paper

Traditional paper is typically manufactured from virgin wood pulp, impacting forests worldwide. By swapping to recycled paper, you'll significantly reduce your carbon footprint.

• Benefits: Supports sustainable forestry and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
• Solution: Use paper products with certifications like FSC or "100% recycled."

Paper Management Tips

Reduce paper usage by printing double-sided and only when absolutely necessary. Also, consider digital alternatives to minimize your reliance on physical documents.

Adopt Reusable Lunch Containers

Plastic containers abound in breakrooms everywhere. A simple swap is replacing them with reusable and sustainable alternatives like stainless steel or glass containers.

• Benefits: Reduced exposure to plastic toxins, long-lasting durability.
• Solution: Opt for containers that are durable and free from BPAs and other toxic materials.

Cleaning and Maintenance

To maintain your containers, wash them after each use to avoid odor build-up and preserve freshness. Most types are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup easy.

Invest in Sustainable Packaging

If your office handles shipping or package deliveries, switch to sustainable packaging options that are compostable or fully recyclable.

• Benefits: Less landfill waste and improved environmental impact.
• Solution: Use boxes and wrapping that are biodegradable and made from renewable resources.

Choosing the Right Packaging

Look for packaging suppliers offering eco-friendly options, ensuring that your organization contributes positively to the ecosystem with every parcel sent or received.

Opt for A Reusable Water Bottle

Instead of single-use plastic water bottles, switch to a reusable option such as stainless steel or glass. These options not only last longer but also come in stylish designs.

• Benefits: Cost-effective and support a reduction in single-use plastics.
• Solution: Select bottles with features like insulation to keep your drink at the desired temperature.

Tips on Keeping Hydrated

Keep your reusable bottle within reach at all times and take regular sips throughout the day to stay hydrated. This habit is excellent not just environmentally but also for personal health.

Rethink Office Décor

Environmentally conscious office décor can replace plastic-heavy items. Consider plants, bamboo, and other sustainable materials to enhance your workspace.

• Benefits: Improves air quality and increases office morale.
• Solution: Decorate with potted plants, sustainable furniture, and natural mats.

Enhancing Workspace Aesthetics

Choose low-maintenance plants that can thrive indoors and pair them with stylish pots that add character to your space. Avoid office décor items with heavy plastic content.

Conclusion

By embracing these seven simple "swap and go" solutions, you'll contribute to a larger cause while enjoying a more sustainable workspace. Begin today with a single change, and feel your larger impact. Let this Plastic Free July be the beginning of a year-round commitment to sustainability.