Create a Zero-Waste Workspace

We all know that work can be stressful for us, but offices can put a ton of stress on the planet, too. Offices, even those in your home, can waste loads of energy, paper and other precious resources. But don’t put your head down on your desk in despair. Check out our quick and easy tips for greening your workspace, and cut the footprint of your workday in half.

Photo: Flickr/ada-adelina

Make supplies last longer

In the middle of a long workday, grabbing for a pen, marker or glue stick and discovering that it’s dried up can make you want to pull your hair out. But it can also prematurely tossing your supplies. Are there really ways to make these supplies last longer? Absolutely.

The ink of your pens and markers dries up faster if they aren’t being used regularly. So, try using them one-at-a-time to ensure they won’t end up forgotten in the back of your desk.

And keep your pen tips clean. Inks naturally coagulate at the tip of your pen, making them trickier to write with over time. To avoid plastic waste (and frustration), wipe the tip of your pen with a cloth after each use, and store pens with the tip pointing upward to prevent clogging.

Also, keep all pens, markers and glue sticks in a cool, dry place – like inside a desk drawer or closet. Heat and exposure to direct sunlight can cause inks and glues to dry up and harden.