Whether you are a business owner, manager or employee, you may have noticed that workplaces can often be wasteful. Perhaps the waste baskets are always full of barely used paper products or the lights remain on all day in rooms that are barely used. It can be difficult to prioritize a company's productivity and the environment at the same time. Even so, there are a few small changes that you and your coworkers can make to not only protect the environment but also to cut costs for your business.

1. Conserve Energy

A major source of waste in many office spaces is rather inconspicuous. Electricity, costly for companies and the environment, can silently slip away throughout the day. One way that you can conserve energy in your workplace is turning off lights and unplugging electronics when they are not in use. Some devices even have energy-saving settings you can utilize. These practices may take some extra time, especially at the end of the work day, but once it becomes a habit it will reduce both waste and your utility bill. Your business may also wish to consider investing in alternative sources of energy. For instance, you could design and buy solar panels that suit your office's energy needs. If you live in a sunny environment, you may not need to use any power from your local electric company during the day.

2. Recycle

If your business has not become paperless, you could significantly lessen waste by promoting recycling. The most effective way to encourage your coworkers to recycle is to make recycling bins as visible and accessible as possible. You might consider placing the proper receptacles in a central area of your office that all employees can reach easily. Be sure to label the bins properly so that workers do not have to spend unnecessary time determining which to use. Remember that recycling services may cost extra in your area, so you may need to make a call to arrange for items to be picked up.

3. Reduce Single-Use Products

While recycling paper and plastic items is very helpful, ideally your company will limit the number of single-use products it uses in the first place. Take some time to brainstorm and make a list of all the things you and your coworkers use only once and then throw away. These items might include papers, cups, plates and plastic silverware. It might be a good idea to invest in dry-erase boards that can be used in place of paper for announcements and other important messages. You could also consider buying a set of dishes and a variety of coffee cups that all employees can use. If employees all clean what they use each day, this will not become especially troublesome.

4. Consider Alternative Transportation Options

Another way to conserve energy is by decreasing the amount of driving each employee does in personal vehicles. You could do this by setting up a carpool system between you and your coworkers. Some employees likely live in the same neighborhoods, so they could conveniently pick up one another in the mornings. Additionally, it may be a good idea to provide workers with information about local public transportation options. Many cities have bus systems that can be a great substitute for driving to work each day.

Your business may also wish to consider alternative scheduling. Depending on the type of service you provide, you and your coworkers could work from home one day each week. Another option is to give employees the ability to work four ten-hour days instead of five eight-hour days. Either way, this significantly cuts down on fuel emissions. Furthermore, workers often appreciate this flexibility and may even be more productive when they can arrange their work hours to best fit their own schedule.

5. Implement a Reward System

Oftentimes, transitioning from normal practices to more eco-friendly ones presents some inconveniences at first. A great way to encourage all employees to adhere to waste-reducing policies is to create a reward system. For instance, workers could accrue points for recycling paper products, carpooling or unplugging their electronics before leaving each night. Even if the prizes are inexpensive, people will feel that their efforts are appreciated and will be more likely to turn them into long-term habits.

With some creativity, your workplace could significantly reduce its footprint on the environment. Even very simple practices like recycling, carpooling and drinking out of reusable cups can make a big difference. In the long run, your business will likely save money on paper products and energy expenses. Everyone wins!