Give a Lasting Green Gift to Your Office this Valentine’s Day

Purchasing local, organic or fair trade candy, wine and flowers  is one way to green your Valentine’s gifts. 

But, why not give your coworkers something that will continue to reduce your office’s environmental footprint over time?  Here are some green commitment ideas that may also do less damage to the wallet.

1. Plant a tree, or a native plant. In addition to adding aesthetic value, planting a tree will serve as reminder of your commitment and your office’s commitment to the environment.  You may not have time to plant a tree before V-day, or it might not be the best time of year for planting.  Instead, research what trees, or flora are most compatible with the surrounding environment and make a commitment to plant in the spring (as long as your office approves of course). 

2. Give recycling bins.  Tired of seeing recyclables thrown in the trash bin because there’s only one recycling bin in the office building? Ok, so buying a bin may not be as appealing as chocolate, but your coworkers are likely to appreciate not having to walk down the hall every time they need to recycle paper.  

By purchasing a recycling receptacle from EcoGreenOffice, you’re increasing your office’s waste diversion rate and becoming an EcoGreenOffice partner.  As an EGO partner, your business can show off its long-term commitment to the environment and connect with other like-minded green businesses. 

3. Donate old, or unused office materials. Old office electronics, furniture, unused writing supplies and office accessories generally can be donated to a local school, charity, or nonprofit.  By donating these no-longer used items, not only are you helping the environment and the community, but most of your coworkers are bound to appreciate the extra space in the office.  Earth911 is a great resource for looking up where to give everything from old electronics, to furniture. 

It may be unconventional, but purchasing this deskside recycling container for your coworker, featured above from EcoGreenOffice,  instead of flowers or chocolate, shows your lasting commitment to the environment. 

Consider a larger recycling bin for the whole office, such as the Brute Recycling Container featured above from EcoGreenOffice.