Cumbria CVS Green Blog No 16 – June 2025
June 12, 2025
Welcome back to Cumbria CVS Green!
In our sixteenth blog post Emily Wilson, our South Lakes & Furness Development Officer, returns with some simple, sensible, and mostly free ideas for making your workplace more environmentally friendly. From office supplies and cleaning products to keeping it local and Green challenges, there’s something for everyone to try!
If you have any suggestions about what you’d like to see in our regular updates, let us know! Contact us by emailing info@cumbriacvs.org.uk
You can find our what we’re doing to minimise our environmental impact and find details of organisations supporting positive environmental action in Cumbria on our Climate Commitment page here
Catch up on our other blog posts here
Making Your Workplace More Environmentally Friendly
Leading Sustainability Through Training
Recently, my colleague Andrea Huxley and I had the privilege of running our Environmental and Sustainability Policy Training Workshops, where we explored practical ways to reduce workplace carbon footprints, enhance energy efficiency, and embed sustainability into everyday office culture. These sessions empowered staff with the knowledge and tools needed to drive meaningful change. Which led to everyone leaving with a draft of an environmental and sustainability policy for their individual organisation.
I thought I’d put together some simple but effective changes that organisations can make to create an eco-friendlier workplace. These small steps add up, helping organisations and charities lower their environmental impact while creating a sustainable work culture.
1. Choose Sustainable Office Products
Swap conventional office supplies for eco-friendly alternatives. Opt for 100% recycled paper, refillable ink cartridges, and non-toxic pens. Companies like The Green Office provide products that align with sustainability goals.
2. Green Cleaning Practices
Standard cleaning supplies often contain harsh chemicals that can harm both health and the environment. Make the switch to biodegradable and non-toxic cleaners to keep office spaces fresh without unnecessary pollution.
3. Reduce Energy Consumption
Simple habits can make a big difference. Turn off lights and electronic devices after hours, set screens to lower brightness, install energy-efficient bulbs, and maximise natural light where possible.
4. Make Smarter Food Choices
Food waste and packaging add up quickly. Encourage staff to reduce waste by using reusable containers and coffee cups. Consider adding more plant-based options to office lunches and meetings to lower your carbon footprint.
5. Go Paperless Where Possible
Cloud-based tools like Google Drive and OneDrive eliminate unnecessary printing. Digital agendas and e-signatures reduce paper waste, creating a streamlined and efficient workplace.
6. Rethink Recycling & Waste Reduction
Recycling is essential, but reducing waste is even better. Invest in reusable office supplies, ensure that both sides of paper are used before disposal, and encourage employees to take notes digitally. Every small action adds up!
7. Embrace Remote Work
Even a few work-from-home days can reduce carbon emissions from commuting. Virtual meetings also help limit unnecessary travel while maintaining productivity.
8. Adjust Office Dress Codes for Sustainability
Summer can bring excessive air-conditioning usage. Allowing lighter clothing options can naturally reduce the need for artificial cooling.
9. Bring Nature Indoors
Desk plants do more than look good—they improve air quality by increasing oxygen flow and reducing toxins. A small investment in greenery can brighten the workspace while promoting health benefits.
10. Sustainable Transport Options
Encourage employees to carpool, cycle, or take public transport. If feasible, swap in-person meetings for video calls to limit unnecessary travel.
11. Support Local Businesses
Sourcing food and office supplies from local vendors lowers environmental costs associated with transportation while supporting your community.
12. Create Monthly Green Challenges
Make sustainability engaging! Monthly competitions or rewards for eco-friendly behaviour can inspire long-term change and create a culture of environmental responsibility.
By implementing these simple yet effective changes, organisations can significantly reduce their environmental impact and foster a culture of sustainability. Every small step counts, and together, we can make a big difference. Let’s continue to innovate, inspire, and lead the way towards a greener future. Stay tuned for our upcoming Environmental and Sustainability Policy Training Workshops. 🌱🌍
Training and Events
Recycling at Home
Wed 18 June, Online. Find out about recycling at home, why it matters and the difference it makes.
Climate & Carbon Literacy
25 June & 2 July, Online. An in-depth look into the causes of climate change. Get a clear understanding of climate science, and the impacts of daily activities with our accredited course.
Electric Vehicles
Mon 14 July, Online. This free webinar will introduce electric vehicles (EV), benefits and considerations.
News and Information
Ten tips to encourage green remote working
Many charities are working hard to reduce their carbon footprint. But with the rise of remote working, how can you support your team to work sustainably when they’re in their own homes?
25 Big Local Actions in 2025
When people who live or work in a local area, from a small neighbourhood to a big region, share a sense of belonging and collaborate on action for climate and nature, the sum is magically bigger than the parts. From different organisations and groups, they work together to make a meaningful difference and enjoy transforming the world around them.
Carbon Copy, together with WWF UK, The Carbon Literacy Project and Climate Emergency UK, have identified 25 big local actions they would like to encourage as many people as possible in their community groups and work places to do, and help create something bigger for climate and nature in 2025.
