Are you looking for an opportunity to bond with your coworkers? Or a new initiative to be part of your office? Or a way to practice sustainability in your workplace? A Green Team might be just the answer!
A Green Team is an enthusiastic group of employees dedicated to promoting eco-friendly ethics and actions in the office. There are many benefits to creating a team like this for the environment and office life. Green Teams can make a healthy social impact in the workplace by bringing together coworkers who don’t usually interact and creates a fresh, positive dynamic. It’s a win-win for the environment and your office morale!
Getting your Green Team Started
When establishing a Green Team in your workplace, having knowledge and representation from all areas of your company is important, as this allows diverse input and perspectives on each subject matter. A good size for your team would be around 5-10 people – big enough to generate a variety of ideas, but not too big that ideas get lost or overshadowed (this may vary for larger or smaller companies). By including people from every department, you can leverage the group’s strengths. For example, custodial staff can ensure proper sorting and disposal of waste, operations staff can help source green suppliers, and IT specialists can improve computer efficiency.
In keeping with the spirit of inclusivity, it is also a good idea to take ideas, feedback and constructive criticism from outside the team. When employees see their ideas brought to life and know they were listened to, it boosts morale and positivity around your Green Team. You never know who you can inspire through this initiative. Yes, maybe even your oldest co-worker who still calls “Google” the “Interweb” might come around to the idea of using a computer rather than using 50 pieces of paper for one file.
Green Team Tips
Here are some quick tips to get your Green Team started:
- Build a strong commitment to each other as a team – set regular meeting times, establish incentives, celebrate completed goals, and ensure accountability.
- Think about roles and delegate tasks: who will manage the budget? Who will be the leader or spokesperson? Maybe you’ll need more than one!
By organizing these key elements, you’ll set up your Green Team for success and make the journey fun and rewarding.
Start simple and “easy”, a small win is still a big win! Beginning with less time or less money-consuming ideas first demonstrates capability and accomplishment to your team members and co-workers. This will boost morale to continue and grow. Smaller initiatives can include carpooling, reusable kitchenware in your breakroom, sharing “how-tos” on proper recycling methods, or setting up GOOSE (“Good-On-One-Side”) paper bins for scrap paper reuse. After demonstrating the team’s efficiency and how simple sustainability practices can be, you can move on to larger goals.
Going Green Takes Time
One challenge you might face along the way is potential discouragement from external sources within your workplace – this is just a mature way to say “haters gonna hate.” It is important to remember that any resistance is not personal but comes from various factors. Stay positive and develop strategies to handle these situations effectively – basically “Shake It Off” (Yes, this is a Taylor Swift reference).
If expenses become an issue, start with smaller initiatives, or prioritize cost-effective solutions while sticking to a budget. Embrace a “short-term pain, long-term gain” mindset, recognizing that investments now can lead to significant savings later. If you encounter a lack of interest or engagement, leverage the influence of leaders or respected figures in your workplace. Ask for guidance on effective communication or enlist their support to convey important messages and capture greater attention. By proactively addressing potential challenges and using available resources you can navigate obstacles more effectively on the path to sustainability.
When it comes to sustainability there’s no better time than the present! Start your Green Team today and be part of the solution. While it might seem intimidating, remember that it is okay to start small – everyone begins somewhere. Share this message with your future recruits now and let’s make a positive impact together!
