How to create an eco-friendly office: building a greener workplace together

The demand for change has never been greater. With Gen Z and Millennials actively pushing employers for sustainable practices, there’s no better time to lead by example. 

Creating a sustainable office isn’t just all about policy or pledges. It’s about people. When everyone is on board, that’s when real change happens. By making conscious changes, such as upgrading to eco-friendly office supplies or organising community initiatives, you can transform your office and create a workplace where sustainability is built into the fabric of your company culture.

93% of employees in environmentally friendly workplaces report being happier at work—which means more energy, more ideas, and a deeper commitment to building a greener future together.

Here are some creative ways to get your team involved in turning your workplace into a truly eco-friendly office.

Make it a team effort

Embedding sustainability into workplace culture works best when employees feel part of the process. 

• Run green challenges: Gamify sustainability with monthly challenges. Whether it’s a zero waste week or a ‘bring your own lunch’ challenge, friendly competition can make sustainability fun and engaging.

• Organise eco-friendly team retreats: Instead of jet-setting to a conference venue, opt for an eco-conscious retreat somewhere like Project Farmhouse. Look for locations that prioritise renewable energy, low-impact catering, and sustainable travel options. 

• Reward the office eco-warriors:  Recognising green champions is good for morale and keeps sustainable workplace initiatives front and center. Whether it’s a ‘Zero-Waste Hero’ badge or ‘Eco Innovator’ trophy, celebrating their efforts encourages everyone to get involved.

Embrace green spaces and community impact

Sustainability doesn’t stop at the office door. Building an eco-friendly company culture is also about making a positive impact on the wider community.

• Grow an office garden: Bringing greenery into the workplace is proven to reduce stress and cut down on sick days. But an office garden goes further. Growing fresh herbs and vegetables creates a sustainable food source, lowers the carbon footprint of lunch breaks, and builds a stronger sense of community among employees. A greener space = a happier, healthier team.

• Turn office scraps into something amazing: Take your composting game to the next level by partnering with brands like Compost Now. Their Garden Partner Program lets businesses share their compost with local farms and community gardens, transforming lunch scraps into fresh produce.

• Plan tree-planting and clean-up days: Swap the usual team socials for something that makes a real difference. Partner with organisations like American Forests to plant trees, restore green spaces, and bring greenery to urban areas in need. Or, rally your team for a beach or park clean-up. Nothing beats fresh air, good company, and leaving the planet better than you found it. 

• Organise workplace donation programs: Set up a donation station in the office and make it easy for employees to pass on unused office supplies, tech, or clothing to charities instead of letting them collect dust or end up in landfill. Partner with organisations like Goodwill or Dress for Success to ensure items reach those who need them most.

Upgrade sustainable office essentials 

Change starts with small steps—like rethinking your team’s sustainable workplace staples. 

• Invest in reusable drinkware: Ditch the disposables by gifting employees stylish, reusable bottles or mugs. Drinkware helps teams stay hydrated and makes great branded gifts that reinforce your new eco-friendly company culture.
  
• Network sustainably: Make a statement for the planet (and your brand) with a sustainable business card. Just take MOO’s Cotton Cards; they’re made from cotton linters (the soft, fuzzy fibers around cotton seeds that would otherwise go to waste). They’re fully recyclable, so your brand can make an impression without leaving a footprint.

• Quality over quantity is key. A beautifully printed Postcard to display on your desk or a well-made, genuinely useful Notebook—those are the kinds of thoughtful choices that make sustainability meaningful. Focus on what people actually want.

Create an eco-friendly office with MOO

With MOO Business Services, you can streamline ordering for your whole team, making sustainability effortless. To get started, fill out this simple form, and one of our team members will be in touch shortly.