So, you want to begin implementing green business practices, but your coworkers aren't on board. Sure, you can do your part by recycling and walking to work, but the green office has the greatest impact if everyone's on board. But what do you do if your colleagues can't get energized about environmentalism?
Initiating an eco-friendly conversation with your coworkers can be awkward--it's not exactly small talk. If your coworkers bristle at the very mention of green business practices, broach the subject by simply asking why they're resistant to the idea. Knowing this reasoning will inform your next step. You might hear responses like "the green office issue isn't worth my time." If you get this response, get help going green by convincing your peers that green business practices don't have to be costly--or even time-consuming, for that matter. Don’t overwhelm them with a condescending lecture or a long list of dull facts. Simply highlight some things you do, and explain why they're green. Even small changes can make a big difference, paving the way to the green office.
Instead of pointing out ways your office is inefficient or wasteful, present solutions that will help green your office along with your findings. If you offer green solutions, your colleagues may be more receptive to green business practices that may even streamline their workdays! Most office workers dread their commute: It's typically boring, time-consuming and expensive. Company carpools and telecommuting options make the green office more sustainable and improve camaraderie and morale. If your coworkers enjoy the benefits of simple green business practices like this--and who wouldn't enjoy working from home in comfy clothes every now and then?--they may be more receptive to your other green proposals. Long hours are increasingly common in most work spaces. Tell your coworkers that using electronic document storage to reduce copying and printing will lighten their workloads. Going green with electronic documents saves paper and time--and they'll never again spend their lunch hour facing off against the office printer! Purchase a reusable water bottle and refill it daily rather than buying water or soda. If your office doesn't have a water cooler, request one. See if you can even finagle some company-sponsored reusable water bottles. Tell management that these bottles engraved with your company logo can be inexpensive giveaways that will cast the company in a sustainable light.