How You Can


		how you can make a difference

		So, how can you make a start in the workplace towards achieving environmental sustainability? You can: • Increase your own and your fellow worker’s awareness of what our current environmental problems are, the causes and possible solutions to these problems; • Increase your own and your fellow worker’s awareness of how your organisation impacts on the environment; • Contribute to setting up new decision-making processes that allow staff to be involved in developing and implementing strategies to reduce environmental impacts; • Collect information that will help identify cost-effective ways your organisation can change its practices to reduce its environmental impacts; • Collaborate with other individuals and organisations to support your efforts in implementing solutions. There are four main areas of environmental impacts associated with office workplaces Energy Use • Greenhouse gases (climate change) • Air pollution • Depletion of non-renewable resources Waste Production • Resource use • Pollution and litter • Landfill space and contamination issues • Greenhouse gases (climate change) Paper Use • Deforestation • Habitat destruction • Energy use • Air and water pollution Water Use • Energy and resources for dams • Habitat destruction • Waste water treatment • Water quality issues