Reducing Plastic Waste in Offices: Practical Steps for a Sustainable Workplace

Plastic waste is a growing problem in offices, from single-use bottles to disposable coffee cups and excessive packaging. However, trimming down this waste is not only possible, but easily achievable—leading to benefits for not only employees, but also a company’s bottom line.

The average person uses 156 plastic bottles each year, and Americans discard 2.5 million bottles every hour. Polystyrene foam, commonly known as Styrofoam, is among the most harmful forms of plastic pollution—and it's widely used in offices for coffee cups. Each year, Americans discard an estimated 25 billion polystyrene cups, averaging about 82 cups per person.

These statistics highlight the need for workplaces to reevaluate their waste management practices and adopt more sustainable solutions.

For building owners and facilities managers, reducing plastic waste is not just an environmental imperative, but also a strategic opportunity to reduce waste management costs, promote employee wellbeing, and enhance their organization’s appeal to clients and investors.

Prioritize Convenience

The U.S. Green Building Council identified convenience as one of the top drivers for reducing plastic waste. Employees are more likely to adopt sustainable habits when they’re easy to implement.

Providing reusable water bottles and installing water dispensers in high-traffic areas, such as lobbies, break rooms, or event spaces, can significantly reduce reliance on disposable plastic bottles. By making access to clean, filtered water more convenient, these changes help eliminate a major source of plastic waste that often ends up in landfills.

Additionally, it can promote healthier hydration habits by encouraging individuals to drink more water throughout the day. Hydration plays a critical role in employee energy levels and cognitive performance, according to a study from the University of Connecticut. Offering sustainable water solutions like filtered water dispensers throughout the office ensures employees have access to fresh water throughout the day, helping them stay hydrated and maintain productivity.

Similarly, encouraging the use of washable mugs and cups instead of single-use coffee cups can drastically cut down waste. This can be encouraged by offering incentives, such as discounts on coffee or gift cards, for those who consistently bring their own reusable cups. Facilities managers can further drive adoption by promoting these alternatives during onboarding or employee wellness campaigns.

Over time, these seemingly small changes can foster a culture of sustainability in shared spaces, and contribute to a greener, cleaner environment.

Educate and Engage Employees

Sustainability initiatives are most impactful when employees actively participate. To do this, managers can organize workshops or offer educational resources on the environmental effects of office waste. These efforts can empower staff to understand how small, simple changes can lead to significant positive outcomes for both themselves and the company.

For example, workshops can share the benefits of using reusable items and raise awareness about the environmental impact of single-use plastic bottles. By presenting real-world examples and measurable results, these initiatives can inspire employees to embrace greener habits, both at work and at home. This creates a ripple effect of sustainability beyond the workplace.

Align Sustainability with Business Growth

Adopting sustainable practices isn’t just good for the environment—it also benefits a company’s bottom line. Cutting down on waste helps save money by eliminating the costs associated with delivery, storage, and the disposal of plastic bottles often tied to traditional bottled water services. These hidden expenses can quickly escalate, making waste reduction a smart financial move.

In addition, promoting sustainability initiatives can help attract eco-conscious clients and investors. Additionally, fostering a greener workplace enhances the company’s appeal to current and prospective employees, particularly as sustainability becomes an increasing priority for younger generations in the workforce.

Customer-focused businesses that understand how to prioritize sustainability excel at adapting to evolving market demands. By streamlining processes, they minimize inefficiencies, enabling them to deliver products and services more quickly and at lower costs. This approach allows them to respond effectively to quick changes in the market and new trends.

A Sustainable Future

For offices looking to make sustainable changes but unsure where to begin, focusing on water usage is a practical first step. Transitioning from disposable bottles or outdated water coolers to eco-friendly solutions is straightforward and impactful. From there, facilities managers can expand their efforts to other areas, such as reducing paper waste, improving recycling systems, and adopting energy-efficient technologies.

By taking these steps, building owners and facilities managers can create work environments that reduce waste, support employee well-being, and contribute to long-term growth.

Sustainability is no longer just an ethical choice—it’s a business necessity that benefits everyone involved.