Sustainable Practices at Home and Office: Simple Steps to Save Our Environment

If you work in the oil and gas industry, then the tales about the importance of protecting the environment should already be familiar with your ears. To some degree it was already a rhyme recited every Monday during my time with TSG Cameroon and a morning song chanted everyday during my brief stay at COTCO platforms. However, this shouldn't only be an affair for the oil and Gas and manufacturing industries after all they are the ones who cause spills and use heavy machineries with carbon emissions for their processes, it is a concern for all. In this domain of environmental sustainability, every small activity counts starting from as small as loitering a piece of wasted paper or used plastics, spilling of groundnut peels to using of far outdated equipment including electronics and Machineries etc.

The environment is at a critical juncture and our daily practices, both at home and in the office, significantly impact the planet's health, needless to say our lives depends on it. Adopting sustainable habits in our personal and professional lives can reduce our carbon footprint, conserve natural resources, and contribute to a healthier future. It never gets old when you hear they say, what you give the environment is what you get. Here I've put together some guidelines to sustainable practices that can make a big difference whether at home or in the office.

At Home: the small Changes with Big Impact

Energy Conservation

• Replace traditional incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED lights.

• Unplug devices when not in use to prevent phantom energy consumption.

• Invest in smart thermostats to optimize heating and cooling.

Water Efficiency

• Fix leaky faucets and install water-saving showerheads.

• Collect rainwater for outdoor use and minimize lawn irrigation.

• Use eco-friendly dishwashers and washing machines.

Waste Reduction

• Adopt a three-bin system for recycling, composting, and trash.

• Purchase products with minimal or recyclable packaging.

• Upcycle old items instead of discarding them. Upcycle is a way to recycle something in such a way that the output becomes of higher value than the original product. It is different from recycling which is just a way to renew an item or product. The result is the same product but new durable for another consumption.

Sustainable Food Practices

• Grow your own vegetables or herbs in a small garden or indoor pots. As an aside, My Director always advised consuming leafy vegetables with holes. Vegetables harvested with little holes caused by insects proofs the vegetable is good if not, it wouldn't have been bit by those insects.

• Buy local, organic produce to reduce food miles.

• Reduce food waste by planning meals and storing leftovers properly. Now its common to see some people really waste food, why not take just what you can finish?

Eco-Friendly Products

• Use biodegradable cleaning supplies.

• Opt for reusable items such as cloth bags, stainless steel bottles, and beeswax wraps.

• Avoid single-use plastics wherever possible.

At the Office: A Greener Workplace

Energy Efficiency

• Power down computers and other electronics at the end of the day or AC units when not in use. You maybe surprised to see how much you'll save on electricity bills just doing this for a month.

• Use energy-efficient equipment and appliances. This I have to emphasize. Research the market to fine alternative solutions to energy efficient equipment. It is well noted in Africa that when a product reaches an African, it has truly met the final consumer. Take not that some products when outdated can cause serious hazards. In my subsequent article, I will be sharing equipment that can cause serious hazards when outdated. If you so much like the brand, you can always check back with the supplier or manufacturer for an updated version. Most manufacturers are aware of environmental hazards and so they will always try so step their game with better solutions.

• Install motion sensor lights in common areas to save electricity.

Paperless Operations

• Transition to digital documents, invoices, and reports. Emphasis on Digitalization Digital transformation

• Use cloud storage to share files and reduce printing needs.

• Recycle used paper and print double-sided when necessary. This can't be overemphasized

Sustainable Commuting

• Encourage carpooling, biking, or the use of public transportation.

• Offer incentives for employees who adopt eco-friendly commuting habits.

• Allow remote work options to reduce travel-related emissions.

Eco-Friendly Office Supplies

• Purchase recycled or sustainably sourced paper and stationery.

• Use refillable pens and markers.

• Invest in ergonomic and durable office furniture made from sustainable materials.

Green Office Spaces

• Incorporate indoor plants to improve air quality and ambiance.

• Use natural lighting where possible to reduce electricity consumption.

• Partner with green vendors for office supplies and services.

The Ripple Effect of Sustainability

Adopting sustainable practices at home and in the office goes beyond reducing your carbon footprint. It sets a positive example for others and contributes to building a culture of environmental responsibility. Every small step, whether it’s switching off unused lights or biking to work, adds up to a significant impact when multiplied across communities.

Let’s commit to making sustainability a part of our everyday lives. Together, we can create a healthier planet for future generations.

The Call to Action here is to begin your sustainable journey today by assessing your habits and making small, consistent changes. Share your progress and inspire others to join the cause. Every effort counts! In addition to this effect we're introducing the GREENTECH FOR SME PROJECT. aimed at helping small and medium-sized enterprises like yours take the first step toward a greener future. Through our initiative, you’ll gain access to tools, insights, and support to measure your carbon footprint and adopt practical solutions to reduce it. Together, we can make sustainability a reality for your business by helping you save money, meet stakeholder expectations, and contribute to a healthier planet. So why wait? Join us in leading the way to a more sustainable tomorrow! To participate fill our Carbonization Evaluation form https://forms.gle/qFsmKJnuD5vZMRF19, the results will benchmarked via our Dashboard and Carbon API Calculator. Let's work together https://forms.gle/qFsmKJnuD5vZMRF19