9 Ways to Fight Climate Change in the Workplace

If you’re looking to make a difference, the workplace is a powerful place to start. While climate change can feel like an overwhelming global challenge, small sustainable choices at work—made consistently—can have a big impact.

From cutting waste to rethinking the way your team collaborates and consumes, here are 9 practical, future-focused strategies to reduce your carbon footprint and help build a more eco-conscious workplace in 2025.

1. Ditch Single-Use Plastics for Good

Single-use plastics remain a massive contributor to landfill and ocean pollution. In Australia, only 13% of plastic is recycled, and much of it ends up in waterways or the environment. Coffee cups, plastic cutlery, sachets and single-serve condiments all contribute to the problem.

Start in your office kitchen by swapping out disposable items for reusable alternatives—think ceramic mugs, metal utensils, and glass containers. Consider switching to a coffee solution that avoids pods altogether, like a French press or drip brewer. Encourage employees to bring in their own reusable items and reduce unnecessary waste.

Bonus tip: Stock the office pantry with communal items (like sauces or spreads) in larger, refillable containers to avoid excess packaging from takeaway meals.

2. Choose Office Equipment with a High Energy Rating

Outdated appliances and office gear are energy guzzlers. When upgrading office essentials—fridges, printers, lighting—look for products with high star ratings under Australia’s Energy Rating Label program.

If you’re not the decision-maker, you can still research efficient options and present a simple proposal outlining potential energy savings. And no matter your role, encourage small habits like shutting down devices overnight and enabling sleep modes.

Need a starting point? The Energy.gov.au business hub offers guidance on how to assess your office’s energy usage and find eco-friendly alternatives.

3. Go (Almost) Paperless

With digital tools now deeply embedded in how we work, going paperless is more achievable than ever. Reducing paper not only saves trees—it also lowers printing emissions and waste.

Start with manageable steps like:

• Switching to digital forms and e-signatures
• Replacing physical filing systems with cloud-based storage
• Setting printers to default double-sided or limiting them altogether

If you must print, opt for recycled paper and eco-friendly inks. Small shifts, consistently applied, help reduce your environmental footprint across the year.

4. Support Sustainable Suppliers

Your office’s purchasing decisions matter. Partner with vendors who share your values around sustainability—whether it’s for catering, printing, cleaning services, or branded merchandise.

Look for suppliers that:

• Use biodegradable or compostable packaging
• Produce locally to reduce transport emissions
• Offer eco-certified or recycled materials

Every contract or order is a chance to make a more sustainable choice.

5. Set Up a Clear Recycling and Composting System

A well-labeled, accessible recycling system is the foundation of an eco-friendly office. Make sure you have bins clearly marked for:

• Paper and cardboard
• Soft plastics (if accepted by your provider)
• Coffee grounds and food scraps (consider a compost caddy)
• E-waste collection points for old cables and batteries

Need help setting it up? Many local councils and waste companies offer workplace recycling audits or collection services.

6. Gift Reusable Lunch Kits and Keep Cups

Kickstart low-waste habits by gifting staff reusable lunch kits as part of your workplace sustainability push—or include them in new employee welcome packs. A kit could include:

• Reusable containers for meals or snacks
• Cutlery made from bamboo or stainless steel
• A reusable coffee cup or water bottle

Consider branding them with your logo for a functional and sustainable piece of company swag that encourages eco habits daily.

7. Host a Climate Change ‘Lunch and Learn’

Build awareness and team engagement with an educational session focused on environmental impact. Choose an inspiring documentary, invite a sustainability speaker, or organise a short quiz with eco prizes.

You can find documentary ideas through platforms like Documentary.org or stream options on ABC iView or SBS On Demand.

Encourage discussion afterward to brainstorm how your team can implement what they’ve learned in the office environment.

8. Make Carpooling or Active Commuting Easier

Transport is one of Australia’s largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Help cut back on commuting emissions by:

• Promoting carpooling via apps like Karpuddle
• Offering end-of-trip facilities for cyclists
• Supporting hybrid and remote work to reduce travel frequency

Even one less car on the road makes a difference—plus carpooling builds stronger workplace connections along the way.

9. Celebrate World Environment Day (June 5)

Mark your calendar for World Environment Day on June 5—it’s the perfect time to rally your team around climate awareness and action.

Ideas for workplace activities include:

• Tree planting through programs like Carbon Neutral
• Building nesting boxes for native wildlife
• Organising a clean-up walk or green-themed fundraiser

Get creative—and involve your whole team in a shared mission that makes a lasting impact.

Build a More Sustainable Career Path

Looking to embed environmental impact into your career? Explore sustainability courses and qualifications that help you drive change from within your organisation.

Whether you’re a team leader, office manager, or entry-level employee, your actions can create meaningful ripple effects. Start with one or two of the ideas above—and build momentum from there.