Most of us spend over a third of our day at work. On average that’s 90,000 hours over the course of our lifetime so, it’s safe to say that our surroundings at work play a big part in our overall quality of life. In fact, employees that feel happy with their environment are 33% happier at work and, as a result, 31% more productive. UK workers also appreciate an eco-friendly office, with 72% saying that working at an environmentally conscious company is important to them. To help with this we’ve put together some inventive ways you can decorate your office the eco-friendly way.
Greener Paint
If your walls are looking a bit past their best, there are two greener ways you can give them a lick of paint. Every year over 50 million litres of paint goes to landfill or is incinerated. However, there are now companies who specialise in turning any unused paint from household waste recycling centres into brand new paint. The proportion of recycled paint in each tin will vary, but some companies such as Paint360 are able to use a minimum of 95% recycled paint in every can. If you need lots of paint to cover a large area, make sure you look for low VOC (volatile organic compound) paints and check out our blog post on what to do with your paint if you have some leftover.
Reclaimed Furniture
Reclaimed furniture is a great way to spruce up your office space whilst being kind to the planet. There are plenty of companies out there that make buying second hand an affordable, easy and stylish option, that significantly reduces landfill waste. If you do buy your furniture new, make sure you look for pieces made from greener materials. Wood items should have the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) accreditation to ensure it comes from trees grown in a sustainable manner. Bamboo is a great alternative as it grows fast and is therefore replaced quicker.
Ethical Decor
Make your recycling area stand out as a feature of the space. We recommend bright colours and simple labelling to encourage staff to recycle. If your decor is looking a little plain, you could always commission a local artist to paint a mural or make a piece of art out of recycled materials. Adding lots of green plants is another great way to bring a bit of colour and nature to your space.
For more information on how GME Painting Contractors can help you decorate your office, give us a call on 01924 723 723 or contact us here.