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Sustainable Living – How You Can Help the Planet

Unprecedented fires raging in Australia
Hottest temperatures on record reported in the UK
Decreased air quality throughout the world

Climate change, the cause and the unfortunate repercussions are a hot topic in today’s news.

For example, did you know that every year, Canadians throw away over 3 million tonnes of plastic waste?

Obviously looking at these issues all at once can bring on a sense of dread and despair. However, this doesn’t mean we should give up! Many of these issues require the attention of governments and large corporations. However, there are a few ways you can contribute to the cause! In this article, we discuss how a few simple changes at home and in the office can help reduce your carbon footprint.

Transport

  • Where possible, walk, cycle or catch public transport (for members of the GBC, we have free bike parking)
  • Carpool to the office with a friend or colleague
  • When in Vancouver, utilise the Mobi Bikes by SHAW
  • Invest in a vehicle that runs on electricity instead of gas
  • Minimize air travel where possible (Thank goodness for Zoom calls and Skype)

 

Sourced from BBC, British Broadcasting Network

 

Food

  • Shop local where possible
  • Avoid purchasing processed foods with excess packaging
  • Compost all leftover food and waste products
  • Cut down your intake of meat by introducing vegan and vegetarian recipes into your week (#meatlessmondays)
  • Grow your own veggies and herbs
  • Do not waste food, recreate leftovers, freeze excess and always take your leftovers from a restaurant (they taste even better the next day)
  • Ditch tea bags and coffee pods for loose leaf tea and ground coffee that can be composted
  • Invest in travel cups and take out containers. In BC many coffee shops and takeout places will even discount your food if you bring your own containers
  • Form a small committee or elect yourself as the ‘Environmental Officer’ at your office or workplace and ensure that the practices in the space are eco-friendly and promote sustainability

Home

  • Switch off all lights and appliances when they are not in use
  • Be mindful of your heating and air conditioner use
  • Use LED lights throughout the household and workplace
  • Go paperless at work and at home by paying your bills online, opting out of junk mail, digitizing files, printing on recycled paper and only when necessary
  • Ensure all items are recycled correctly

Retail Products

  • Purchase high quality products that last longer. ‘Buy cheap, buy twice’
  • Borrow items instead of buying new: clothes, books, luggage, ski equipment, the list is endless!
  • Mend items instead of throwing them away and buying new
  • Switch to bars of soap, shampoo and conditioner instead of plastic containers (a great resource is the Eco Boost website by Kate Arnell that provides sustainable directory)
  • Refuse to purchase or accept anything that comes in a plastic container or packaging
Kate Arnell published her book this year in 2020

 

We are very lucky here at the Guinness Business Centre, that our community prioritizes sustainable practices. However, it is always helpful to check in with our own behaviors and see where we can improve. If you have any suggestions or ideas about how your coworking community or office space can be more sustainable, do not hesitate to voice your concerns. Together we can all reduce, reuse and recycle to help the planet!

References 

How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

By Livia Albeck-Ripka

Illustrations by Adam Simpson, Animations by Fraser Croall

Environmental Performance Index – Canada  

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