How to Choose Eco-Friendly Office Supplies for a Greener Workspace

Whether you’re in a buzzing corporate office or working from the comfort of your spare room, the things you use every day make a difference to the planet. Choosing eco-friendly office supplies isn’t just a trendy move; it’s a simple, practical way to make your workspace greener, reduce waste, and save resources. Let’s face it, many of us spend a big chunk of our lives at work, so why not turn your workspace into a place that aligns with your values? Here’s how you can choose eco-friendly office supplies and practices to make your workspace better for the planet – and maybe even a bit more inspiring.

1. Paper: The Classic Culprit

Paper is one of the most common office supplies – and one of the biggest offenders when it comes to environmental impact. Thankfully, there are greener ways to use it. The first step is to reduce your use of paper in the first place. Consider going digital whenever possible, and use cloud-based services to share documents, take notes, and communicate.

But let’s be real: sometimes you need to print. When you do, make sure you’re using recycled paper. Look for products labelled with a high percentage of post-consumer recycled content. Not only does this reduce waste, but it also saves trees and reduces energy used in production. Don’t forget to print double-sided to cut down on paper use, and make recycling bins easily accessible in your workspace so everyone knows where to toss those no-longer-needed documents.

2. Pens and Pencils: Small, But Impactful

It’s easy to overlook the humble pen, but they add up – fast. Most disposable pens are made of plastic, and millions end up in landfill each year. Instead of grabbing a pack of cheap plastic pens, consider refillable options. Brands like Pilot offer refillable ballpoint pens that are easy to use and reduce the waste created by single-use plastics.

For a more natural touch, look for pencils made from sustainably sourced wood or recycled materials. Mechanical pencils are another eco-friendly alternative, as they last much longer and simply need new lead refills, rather than being replaced entirely. Bamboo pens and recycled pens are great options too, adding a bit of eco-flair to your desk while being kinder to the environment.

3. Notebooks and Stationery

Notebooks, sticky notes, and other bits of stationery are a core part of any office, but there are ways to make these supplies more sustainable too. Look for notebooks made from recycled paper or even stone paper, which is produced without water or trees. Some companies even offer notebooks where the pages can be wiped clean and reused – imagine never having to buy another notebook again!

Sticky notes are a tricky one because they usually have glue that makes recycling difficult. But there are brands out there offering recyclable or compostable sticky notes. Or, go digital – apps like Notion or Evernote are great alternatives that allow you to make, move, and delete notes without using any paper at all.

4. Desk Accessories: Go Green with Style

Your desk doesn’t have to be a monument to plastic. There are loads of eco-friendly office supplies that can add some style while being kind to the environment. Think bamboo organisers, recycled plastic trays, or even desk accessories made from cork. Not only do they look great, but they’re also sustainable and durable, meaning you won’t need to replace them every six months.

Consider swapping your plastic mouse pad for one made from natural rubber or recycled materials. It’s a small change, but when you start replacing every small item on your desk with a greener option, the overall impact adds up.

5. Ink and Toner Cartridges

If you’re still printing at the office, then ink and toner cartridges are another big consideration. These can be incredibly wasteful, but there are eco-friendly alternatives out there. Choose recycled or remanufactured cartridges, which reduce the need for new plastic. Alternatively, many companies now offer cartridge recycling programmes, so make sure you’re disposing of your used cartridges properly instead of sending them to landfill.

Another tip is to use a printer that supports refillable ink tanks rather than cartridges. These models typically last longer, are cheaper to run, and produce less waste, making them a win for both your wallet and the planet.

6. Go for Reusable Supplies

Single-use items are the bane of sustainability, so wherever possible, switch to reusable options. Staplers that don’t require staples, reusable tape dispensers, and refillable markers can all help reduce waste in your workspace. Keep a few cloths on hand instead of tissues or disposable wipes, and use durable cups or glasses instead of single-use plastics.

This extends to your kitchen supplies too – ditch the disposable cutlery and plates in favour of reusable alternatives. If your office has a coffee machine, consider using compostable coffee pods or, better yet, a filter coffee maker with reusable filters. Every little swap can make a big difference when it comes to waste.

7. Sustainable Furniture and Lighting

Eco-friendly office supplies aren’t just about stationery – furniture and lighting matter too. When setting up a workspace, consider investing in sustainable furniture. Look for desks and chairs made from reclaimed wood or FSC-certified timber, which guarantees that the wood is sourced responsibly. There are even office chairs made from recycled plastic that are durable, comfortable, and much kinder to the planet.

Lighting is another area where you can make a positive impact. Switch to LED bulbs, which use significantly less energy than traditional light bulbs and last much longer. If possible, use natural light to brighten your workspace during the day. Not only does this save electricity, but natural light is also much better for your mood and productivity.

8. Choose Green Cleaning Supplies

Even keeping your workspace tidy can be done in a more sustainable way. Many traditional cleaning products are full of harsh chemicals that aren’t good for the environment – or for you. Instead, opt for green cleaning supplies with natural ingredients. Brands like Ecover or Method offer a range of environmentally-friendly cleaning products that still get the job done without the toxic nasties.

Or, you could DIY it. A simple mix of vinegar and water is an excellent all-purpose cleaner, and baking soda can handle tough stains without damaging the planet. Keeping your workspace clean without harmful chemicals is another step towards creating a truly eco-friendly office.

9. Energy Conservation Practices

Beyond office supplies, how you use energy in your workspace also makes a difference. Turning off electronics when they’re not in use, using power strips to cut down on vampire energy consumption, and setting computers to energy-saving mode are all small practices that help make your office more eco-friendly.

If you’re working from home, try setting up your office in a part of the house with good natural lighting to reduce the need for lamps. It’s also a great idea to unplug chargers, printers, and other devices when they’re not in use – standby power might be small, but it adds up over time.

Eco-Friendly Office Supplies: Small Changes, Big Impact

Choosing eco-friendly office supplies for your workspace is all about making better choices where you can. Whether it’s swapping out your regular notebooks for recycled paper ones, buying bamboo desk organisers, or ditching disposable pens for refillable ones, each small step adds up to something much bigger. The office, whether at home or in a corporate building, is a place where we spend countless hours – why not make it a little greener and more sustainable?

The key is to start small and make these changes a habit. Once you begin, you’ll likely find that going green at work is a lot easier (and more rewarding) than you thought. And who knows – maybe your commitment to sustainability will inspire your co-workers to do the same. Together, we can create workspaces that not only support productivity but also help protect our precious planet.