Man putting plastic bottle in recycle bin.
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Going Green: Sustainability Tips That Promote a Eco-Friendly Gym and Work Environment

Want to make your office or gym more environmentally friendly? Here are six sustainability tips to help you create a eco-friendly office or gym.

By

Sept. 13 2024, Published 10:49 a.m. ET

This article is brought to you by Too Good & Co. ®, part of the Danone family of brands and proud to support diverse voices

Society is becoming increasingly concerned about environmental sustainability, and rightfully so.

Businesses — from office spaces to fitness centers — have stepped up to the plate to adopt eco-friendly practices across the board. From reducing energy consumption to minimizing waste, offices, and gyms are finding innovative ways to operate sustainably.

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Embracing green practices not only benefits the environment but can also enhance the well-being of employees and gym-goers. As the importance of sustainability continues to grow, office spaces and fitness centers could play a crucial role in leading the charge toward a cleaner future. Here are a few tips for fostering sustainability at work or in the gym.

Switch to energy-efficient lighting.

pupils on the karlsruhe energy mountain bulbs
Source: Getty Images

LED lightbulbs screwed into a black hanging lamp are turned on.

Switching to energy-efficient lighting options such as LED bulbs can drastically reduce electricity consumption. Additionally, installing motion sensors in meeting rooms and common areas ensures lights are only activated when needed, further conserving energy.

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Employers can switch to energy-efficient appliances and equipment, including computers, printers, and kitchen appliances. Business owners can also encourage employees or gym-goers to turn off electronics and lights when not in use and utilize power-saving features.

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Commuting helps reduce emissions pollution.

the  carpool connector road in costa mesa ca
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Cars driving on the 405/73 carpool connector road in Costa Mesa, Calif.

Carpooling, biking, and public transportation are good ways to reduce vehicle pollutants. Gyms and employers can offer incentives such as subsidized transit passes or preferred parking spots for those who choose eco-friendly transportation methods. Also, consider implementing a telecommuting policy to reduce the need for daily commuting altogether.

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Go virtual (if you can.)

skater his stationary bike which is connected to a online virtual training program
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Speed skater on his stationary bike which is connected to a online virtual training program.

Encourage virtual meetings whenever possible to minimize travel-related emissions. Gyms and offices can make use of call-sharing software like Zoom or Microsoft Teams to facilitate small or large group meetings. When in-person meetings are necessary, provide reusable cups, plates, and utensils instead of disposable ones. Additionally, consider catering options that prioritize locally sourced, sustainable foods.

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Use incentives to get employees and gym members to participate in green practices.

Everyone likes free stuff. Whether in the workplace or gym, offering rewards, recognition, or tangible benefits can effectively encourage environmentally conscious actions.

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For instance, businesses can incentivize employees to carpool or use public transportation by providing subsidies or preferred parking spots while gyms can offer free training or free fitness programs to those who make sustainability a priority.

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Green office supplies exist, and they are just as good.

spiral notebooks on shelf close up
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Spiral notebooks are stacked on a bookshelf.

Opting for eco-friendly alternatives like recycled paper can have a game-changing impact. These choices help conserve natural resources and minimize the pollution associated with traditional office supplies.

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By prioritizing suppliers that value sustainability, businesses can contribute to the growth of eco-friendly spaces. The process is simple – just use environmentally friendly office supplies like refillable ink cartridges and non-toxic cleaning products.

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Reducing, reusing, and recycling still works.

young man emptying household recycling into green bin
Source: Getty Images

A young Black man throws the contents of a recycling bin in the garbage can.

Although the concept might seem outdated, reducing, reusing, and recycling can go a long way when it comes to sustainability.

Encourage employees to minimize paper usage by opting for digital documents and emails over printed materials. Similarly, gyms can send documents electronically to avoid additional paper waste. When printing is necessary, opt for double-sided printing on recycled paper.

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