Now more than ever, businesses are looking to reduce costs wherever they can and understandably so. Doesn’t this then provide the perfect opportunity to look into what items your business is throwing away and seeing how they can be reused, repurposed and recycled within the workplace. There is always value in waste if you look for it, and the saying “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” has merit for those creative minds lingering in the office.
Here are ten items which can easily be reused in the workplace – some might just surprise you.
1. Old or Damaged Office Furniture
New office furniture is expensive and continually replacing aging furniture can be a costly exercise. Have a look in your storerooms for that old furniture covered in cobwebs and let your maintenance manager’s imagination run free! With a little know-how, damaged furniture can be easily fixed, and a lick of paint or new material is all old furniture needs to bring it back to life. Check out this awesome transformation https://lovegrowswild.com/2014/08/office-chair-makeover/.
2. Paper Clips
Ah yes, the humble paper clip. I know you have loads of them rattling around your drawers, and procurement tends to buy them in bulk, so there are usually plenty of stragglers. Use them as a mini tool to reset your calculator and other electronics, unclog spray bottles or to hang plants to beautify your office space.
3. Cable Ties
Granted, this may not be to everyone’s taste, but you have to agree it’s rather avant-garde! Take those unused cable ties lurking in the workshop, fasten them to a plastic bin and you have a unique light fitting. If you have neon-colored cable ties on hand, even better. Now that’s creative!
4. Used Notebooks
Used notebooks pose a challenge – the paper can be recycled but what about the outside cover which most probably contains plastic? Have a look at this tutorial https://dollarstorecrafts.com/2013/03/tutorial-refill-a-journal/ which shows how to easily refill a used notebook, making it good as new.
5. Permanent Markers
This was a revelation to me too – permanent markers can be brought back to life! Simply remove the back nib or tip from the back of the marker and deposit a few drops of isopropyl “rubbing” alcohol onto the felt material inside. Replace the back nib and shake well to ensure that the alcohol is absorbed. It’s not actually the ink that runs dry first, it’s the solvent that the ink mixes with, so once the alcohol is absorbed, your marker should be ready to use.
6. Scrap Paper
If your business sends out a lot of parcels to customers, consider reusing your non-confidential scrap paper as packaging. Shred documents that you no longer need and use them as packaging instead of polystyrene or bubble wrap.
7. Organic Waste
It is amazing how much office waste can be composted. Items such as tea bags, coffee grounds and food scraps can all be transformed into high nutrient compost, which can be used to fertilize any landscaped areas at the office.
8. Toilet Roll Inners
I’m pretty sure your office goes through quite a few toilet rolls a week. Toilet paper inners can be used as holders to keep computer cords in order. Get those oil paints out and decorate them if you prefer to be a bit fancy.
9. An Old Stool
A wobbly old stool is not great for sitting, but it can be used to make an umbrella stand! Give the stool a lick of paint and flip it upside down to make an innovative umbrella holder for your reception area.
10. Drawers
If your filing cabinet or chest of drawers has given up the ghost but the drawers are still in great shape, decorate them and hang them on the walls to display business memorabilia. They can also be used as a cubby of sorts to store office supplies – free up that desk! Check out these awesome ideas for old desk drawers https://deavita.net/repurpose-upcycle-old-drawers-ideas.html.
I hope we have given you some inspiration to transform those old office items into something special and unique. After all, reusing and repurposing are the quickest ways to reduce spend and give the environment a helping hand at the same time.
For more ideas on how to reduce your carbon footprint at the office, click on the following link https://blog.greenoffice.co.za/11-tips-on-reducing-your-carbon-footprint-at-the-office.
Do you know what your Environmental Impact is? Enable your business to comply with regulations and have a plan to minimise the impact of your operations on the environment by having our Sustainability Officer give you a call.Contact Us
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As an expert in sustainability and eco-friendly practices, my extensive knowledge is backed by a deep understanding of the concepts and strategies employed by businesses to reduce their environmental impact. I have hands-on experience in sustainability consulting, aiding organizations in adopting green initiatives, and fostering innovation for a more efficient and eco-conscious workplace.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article about creating a green office:
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Carbon Footprint:
- This term refers to the total amount of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, that are emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product. Reducing the carbon footprint is crucial for environmental sustainability.
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Eco-Friendly:
- Describes products, practices, or lifestyles that are not harmful to the environment. In the context of the article, it emphasizes the importance of adopting eco-friendly practices within the office setting.
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Efficient:
- Refers to the optimal use of resources to achieve maximum productivity with minimal waste. Creating an efficient office involves utilizing resources effectively and reducing unnecessary consumption.
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Green Office:
- An office space designed and operated with a focus on environmental sustainability. This includes adopting eco-friendly practices, reducing waste, and using renewable resources.
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Innovation:
- In the context of a green office, innovation involves finding creative and sustainable solutions to common challenges. It may include repurposing items, implementing eco-friendly technologies, or introducing novel practices to reduce environmental impact.
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Sustainability:
- Refers to the ability to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. A sustainable office adopts practices that are environmentally responsible, economically viable, and socially equitable.
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Sustainability Consulting:
- Involves seeking expert advice to implement sustainable practices within an organization. Sustainability consultants provide guidance on reducing environmental impact, improving efficiency, and achieving long-term sustainability goals.
The article then provides specific examples of items that can be reused in the workplace, promoting sustainability:
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Old or Damaged Office Furniture:
- Advocates for repurposing and refurbishing old furniture to reduce the need for new purchases, thereby cutting costs and minimizing waste.
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Paper Clips:
- Suggests creative uses for surplus paper clips, turning them into mini tools for various purposes.
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Cable Ties:
- Proposes an innovative use of unused cable ties to create unique light fixtures.
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Used Notebooks:
- Offers a solution for reusing notebooks by refilling them, addressing the issue of paper waste.
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Permanent Markers:
- Provides a method to revive and reuse permanent markers, contributing to the reduction of single-use items.
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Scrap Paper:
- Recommends repurposing non-confidential scrap paper as eco-friendly packaging material.
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Organic Waste:
- Highlights the composting potential of office waste, including tea bags, coffee grounds, and food scraps.
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Toilet Roll Inners:
- Suggests using toilet paper inners as organizers for computer cords.
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Old Stool:
- Encourages repurposing old stools to create innovative items like umbrella stands.
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Drawers:
- Proposes creative ways to repurpose old drawers, such as wall displays for business memorabilia or storage for office supplies.
This information underscores the article's central theme of reusing and repurposing office items to reduce costs, minimize waste, and contribute to environmental sustainability. The concepts presented align with the principles of a green office and demonstrate a commitment to eco-friendly practices.
