8 Easy Steps to Designing a Sustainable Office

Julie Starr • June 13, 2022



Designing an eco-friendly office is not as difficult as it seems. It just takes a little planning and effort. Sometimes, you don’t have to mess too much with the infrastructure of the building itself, instead, you just need to make some tweaks to the interiors, the power, and the plumbing. There are guaranteed ways that you create that sustainable office, here are eight that you may want to consider.

1. Opt for tinting your windows

Since a lot of office spaces are rented out, or even when purchasing a certain floor, there may be some limitations, you’ll need to first figure out what you can and can’t do. Window tinting can be a great option that is very sustainable. Fewer UV rays get into the space, plus, it helps prevent sun bleaching for the walls, floor, and furniture.

2. Make sure that the furniture you use is made from eco-friendly materials

It is important to ensure that the furniture you buy is made from eco-friendly materials. This will help to reduce the environmental impact of your purchase. The most popular types of eco-friendly furniture are bamboo, wood, and leather. But why not look into Mesh Office Chair , as this is built to last for years!

3. Use LED lighting for your computer screens and desk lamps

LED lighting is great for your computer screen and desk lamps because of its energy efficiency and low heat output. This makes LED lighting perfect for any room in the house or office. Even if you’re renting the office space, this is usually a renter-friendly option that’s possible to try.

4. Select plants that are best suited for your office space

While it’s proven that plants are a great way to purify the air and make spaces beautiful, they can do so much more. While this is an eco-friendly decorative option, just keep in mind that plant waste is a thing. So, you’re going to need to determine what will work best in your office space.

There are many types of plants that can be used in office spaces. However, there are some that are more suitable for certain types of offices. Some plants require little maintenance and won’t get in your way as they grow. Others need more attention and care than others, but they’ll still look great and add a lot to the ambiance of the office space.

5. Use natural cleaning products for your office space

Some office spaces that are rented (or purchased) will offer janitor services, so this may not be something entirely in your control. However, if it is, why not get them to use natural cleaning products? These are healthier, less harsh, and eco-friendly.

6. Start using solar energy for your office space

Solar energy is becoming more and more popular in the world today. This is because it is a renewable source of energy that can be used to power different types of industries. There are many ways to start using solar energy in your office space. You can use solar panels on your roof, choose a power generator that uses solar energy, or even set up a small system to power your office lights.

Start using solar energy for your office space by doing the following:

-Check if you have any roof space available for a solar panel installation

-Check out the different types of panels available and see which one would work best for your needs

-Choose an appropriate power generator according to the size and number of people in your office

Of course, if you’re renting the office space, this may not be something that you can sadly do.

7. Look into ways you can create an efficient recycling system for the office

This is fairly simple, just create a recycling system for your office space. This can be as simple as having a bin for reusing paper or separating the trash into categories.  If you have unused space you might want to hire Equipment For Land Grading so you can clear an area for recycling on-site. 

8. Consider low-flow toilets and low-flow sinks for the office bathrooms

Low-flow toilets and sinks are a great way to save water and energy. Low-flow toilets are often installed in new office buildings, but they don’t always have enough water for everyone to use them. Low-flow sinks can be used as a substitute for these toilets and can be installed in any bathroom. The best part about low-flow toilets is that they are more affordable than high-efficiency ones, so they are a great option for small businesses and startups.

Sustainability in Ecommerce: 3 Ways to Make Progress Where It Matters

By Julie Starr • May 21, 2025
Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have—it's essential. That’s true across every industry, and ecommerce is no exception. But let’s be honest: building a more sustainable ecommerce business isn’t always straightforward. From packaging to supply chains to last-mile delivery, the challenges are real—and often feel like they’re outside your control. But here’s the good news: sustainable ecommerce is absolutely possible. And it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Small, strategic shifts can make a meaningful difference—not just for the planet, but for your customers and your brand’s longevity. Here are three actionable ways you can move the needle toward a more environmentally responsible ecommerce business. Choose Sustainable Packaging That Works for People and Planet Packaging is often one of the most visible and wasteful—aspects of ecommerce. From oversized boxes to plastic fillers, the impact adds up fast. But it doesn’t have to. Thoughtful, sustainable packaging design can dramatically reduce your environmental footprint. Start by right-sizing your shipments to reduce excess material and emissions. Opt for recycled, recyclable, or compostable materials that align with circular economy principles. Better yet, one option is to design custom boxes with sustainable materials, for example. These custom packaging solutions eliminate unnecessary layers while enhancing your brand’s presentation. These aren’t just more sustainable choices, they’re smarter ones. Today’s customers care about where materials come from, and where they end up. Your packaging can reflect your commitment to both. Partner with Purpose: Choose Sustainable Suppliers Your supply chain is an extension of your brand and one of the most powerful levers you have to reduce your environmental impact. You could end up using more than a few suppliers when you’re running an ecommerce company . It’s always worth making sure these are as sustainable as possible . While you may not control every aspect of your suppliers’ operations, you do control who you choose to work with. Prioritize suppliers who share your commitment to sustainability. Look for transparency in sourcing, third-party certifications, and a clear track record of environmental and ethical practices. Ask the right questions: Are their materials responsibly sourced? Do they minimize waste and emissions? How do they treat their workforce? Choosing partners who align with your values not only improves the sustainability of your products—it strengthens your brand’s integrity and resilience. When your supply chain reflects your mission, it creates trust and long-term value across your business. Lead with Impact: Promote Environmental Awareness Sustainability doesn’t stop at your supply chain. As an ecommerce business, you have a unique platform to elevate environmental causes and inspire meaningful change within and beyond your operations. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of highlighting and supporting various sustainable initiatives and causes around the world. One powerful way to do this is by supporting organizations and initiatives that align with your values. Whether it’s donating a portion of your profits, partnering with mission-driven nonprofits, or amplifying important causes across your website and social channels, your advocacy matters. By shining a light on solutions and inviting your customers to participate, you strengthen your brand’s purpose and build a community rooted in shared responsibility. This isn’t just good for the planet; it’s good for business. Sustainable ecommerce is entirely possible. With the right mindset and a few strategic shifts, your business can lead with integrity, reduce its footprint, and become part of a much-needed transformation in the digital economy.

Cutting Cost Without Cutting Corners

By Julie Starr • May 20, 2025
No one likes having to tighten their belts, especially when it comes to running a business or managing a big project, but sometimes cutting costs isn’t just a good idea - it’s actually the only way to keep things moving. The tricky part, of course, is doing it without sacrificing quality or ending up with a long list of regrets you’ll be paying for (literally in many cases) later. The thing to remember is that cost-cutting doesn’t have to mean cutting corners, and if you can be a bit creative and rethink how you usually do things, you can reduce your spending and still get great results. With that in mind, keep reading to find out more. Not only does this support your project, but it can support sustainable business initiatives as well. You Don’t Have To Buy Everything One of the most common ways money disappears in business is buying things you don’t need to buy. If you’re in the trade or construction field, you already know how expensive equipment can be, especially when it’s only needed on occasion, which is why it’s crucial to get out of the idea of having to buy everything - there are other ways. Rather than buying every tool, machine, or device upfront, it’s worth thinking about short-term options instead, and that way you don’t have to commit thousands to something you’ll only use once or twice a year. Instead, renting can help bridge the gap between affordability and getting good results, and you’ll still have access to the tools you need. For example, if you’ve got a job coming up that needs specific welding gear but you don’t use it regularly, you’re better off exploring welding equipment rental rather than buying it. You’ll get high-quality, up-to-date equipment, but you avoid the ongoing expense of maintenance, storage, or even depreciation. And when the job is complete, it just goes back with no wasted budget or clutter. Aim For Better Planning Another area where money leaks is in poor planning . The fact is that scheduling and communication are basically very often the difference between staying under budget and going over budget. Over-ordering materials, miscommunication between suppliers, last-minute bookings, and so on all has an impact and the ability to add up and cost significantly more. Spending a bit more upfront in the planning process can save considerable amount of funds later, which is why it’s worth planning projects in phases, double-checking inventory before you place any new orders, and staying as realistic as possible about delivery times. In doing so, you’re not just avoiding waste, you’re keeping the entire project on track, and that’s going to give you much better results and success in the future. Use Tech In Useful Ways We’ve all seen the impressive new software packages with prices to match, but tech doesn’t have to be expensive to work well, and in fact, using a few smart digital tools can save hours of time and lots of paperwork, especially if you’re managing a team or you’ve got multiple projects to juggle all at once. Free or low-cost apps for time tracking, job scheduling, or being able to share communication can help you avoid missed communications and reduce admin hours. And of course, spreadsheets can still work if you like using them, but adding a digital tool to the mix could be just what you need to reduce confusion, mistakes, and having to repeat work. Invest Where It Counts Saving money doesn’t mean always choosing the least expensive option or not buying something when you really do need it. Sometimes, saving money just means choosing the best value item over time, and factoring in sustainable concepts taht support the project and business case. Be mindful and invest in the right things. You’ll want to fund equipment and purchases that support safety and the items that your team use every day that support the business. Cutting corners on essentials might save you money at the start, but it usually just creates more problems later on, and it’s just not worth the risk. Invest wisely.