Collect Information on Resource Efficiency Procedures

To encourage people in your workplace to act in an environmentally sustainable way, you must keep yourself informed about environmental initiatives. Learn how to source information from credible sources and convey this information clearly to your work group.

Green initiatives, such as reducing paper and electricity use, are simple and can easily be implemented in every workplace. Other initiatives may depend on the industry; for example, warehouses or manufacturers may need specific procedures for storing or disposing of hazardous materials, and transport companies may need specific procedures for vehicle maintenance and controlling emissions.

Motivational information explains to people why they should do something. People are more likely to get involved and participate when they fully understand what the benefit is; for example, featuring a short statement on a ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’ poster about how reducing paper use saves trees and makes the air cleaner.

Even if someone is keen to participate, they can’t help you reduce paper usage if they don’t know how. Some people may be embarrassed to say they don’t know something, so make sure you give them the operational information in a way that is easy to understand. The easier you make it for people to change, the more likely they will be to participate; for example, providing some simple instructions on how to make duplex copies.

Successfully implementing a green initiative requires people to want to participate and to know how to participate. You need to provide motivational and operational information.