As part of the Lovin Dubai Dubai Works podcast, we spoke to the founder of Sprudel, a planet-friendly water company that is set on targeting the corporate environment in the city.

He made mention of the excessive plastic waste in Dubai offices, used during meetings, workshops, seminars and even day-to-day among employees. If you look around your office, you’ll probably notice the same.

The problem ties in with the convenience, ease of access and price point BUT also that most companies haven’t considered that the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to adapting and implementing sustainable changes at the office.

There’s no point in waiting for the heads of businesses to take charge, however; when you, yourself, can start making a change. Here are a few little changes you can start building on now to reduce your carbon footprint at the office and contribute to the preservation of the environment.

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While you’re at it, advise your colleagues to do the same and remember- a little goes a long way.

1. This is an obvious one- use less paper

Surely, working in the tech-savvy society that we’re in now, we can make use of the fact that notes, contracts and forms can all be done digitally.

There’s PandaDoc for document signings, your laptop’s Word document for notes and emails- all for the perfect reason.

Be conscious of what you use paper for and you’ll realise how much we take it for granted.

Who needs post-its when you’ve got sticky notes on your laptop?

And why print when you can send?

2. Only charge your laptop and phone when need be

Simple and direct.

Read our op-ed on how much energy was saved with Dubai’s community switching off for just ONE hour.

3. Consider reusable utensils, mugs and a water bottle

It’d be a wiser investment to purchase proper utensils that will last years (with adequate care) than keep shamelessly spending on those AED1-5 bottles.

The plastic bottle you take five minutes to drink out of and dump into a trash bag will be left in the landfill for longer than your great grand children’s lives. Take that in.

Lots of shops like Daiso and Home Centre will sell reusable utensils so that when you bring in your food, you’re sorted. Same goes for when you order in.

4. Consider subscribing to meal plan subscriptions that bring in your food in reusable containers

Living in Dubai gives us great perks to stay within our fitness routines, diet plans and STILL not add to the excessive plastic waste.

Restaurants like The Cycle Bistro have monthly plans that mean your breakfast, lunch and dinner will get delivered to the office at a set-time daily, and it’ll cost less than ordering in from different restos.

The best part? They pick up your previously used container and bring you another one.

OR start prepping your meals every Saturday for the rest of the week. NO plastic containers please.

5. If you live close to work, consider waking up a little earlier and walking

I know, I know- the weather can get WAY too intense during the summer but consider the benefits you’re adding to enrich your life.

Or at least, meet the environment half-way and only drive to work during the summer and not the colder months. You know, compromise.

6. Bring the conversation to the table

Conversation is key to raising awareness, so don’t be afraid to advise your colleagues on the little ways they can live a more sustainable office life.