Sustainability and the overall climate crisis has occupied the minds of many in recent years, pushing more and more people to adopt environmentally-friendly measures in their daily lives. Just turn on the news and it's easy to see why. Record forest fires, global flooding, drought, super storms — we've clearly had an impact on our environment and Mother Nature isn't happy.
While many of us have cleaned up our acts at home, there are certain territories where we have less control; one of these being the office. A study by Essity shows that three-quarters of workers want more environmentally conscious offices that incorporate eco-friendly practices and green spaces.
While most employees are on board with pandemic-fueled changes to the workplace, not all employers are. If your office is tied to the old way of doing things, it's time to bring them into the new normal with our step-by-step guide to convince your boss into making the office more sustainable.
The first step in convincing your boss to adopt more sustainable practices is to show them the benefits. Sustainability is an investment, and like all things in the business world, your boss will want to see a clear ROI.
We suggest using a combination of both qualitative and quantitative benefits when making your case. Because while a more productive work environment is nice, your boss will want to see how sustainability can benefit the company's bottom line.
We've gone ahead and done the hard part for you. Below you'll find the benefits of a more eco-friendly office along with the studies that back it up. Each piece has been vetted and curated. Choose the 2-3 resources you think are best suited to convincing your boss to adopt more sustainably-friendly practices.
The effects of sustainability programs on workers can't be overstated. 96% of employees report that the company’s sustainability programs improved their relationship with the organization (ref).
Two studies from two different places found similar results. Reports from IBM and Unily both conclude that 65-68% of workers are more willing to apply for and accept positions from companies with robust environmental policies.
Further, sustainability helps retain top talent by reducing turnover. A Nielsen study found businesses can reduce average turnover by 25-50% by adopting sustainability programs.
A primary reason companies refrain from eco-friendly practices is simply cost. It's a common misconception that eco-friendly means budget adverse. But this isn't always the case and eco-friendly alternatives can actually reduce operational costs and increase operations efficiency.
Shifting to eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives can save companies money — and not just in the long run. 61% of corporations that have made a business model change to increase sustainability report clear near-term profitability as a result of the change (ref). More efficient operations conserve resources, reduce waste, enhance worker productivity, and reduce overall costs. (link)
As sustainable energy and technology move closer to wholesale adoption, we can anticipate further price drops to follow.
Governments have set climate targets and will reward companies that help them get there.
Certain industries have more opportunities than others to take advantage of subsidies, especially if you can capitalize on Environmental Protective Agency (EPA) standards.
Here are just a few opportunities for subsidies:
Visit the following resources to see if any apply to your business.
Fundera | Funding for Eco-Friendly Businesses
Forbes | Ten Eco-Business Subsidies You Should Know About
The demand for corporate sustainability isn't just an employee concern but a consumer one as well.
58% of consumers consider a company's impact on the environment when considering purchases. (link) This number only compounds exponentially when looking at budding generations such as Millennials and Gen Z. 75% of Gen Z consumers are more concerned with a company's sustainability measures than its brand name. And as Gen X begins to overtake Baby Boomers as the generation with the most spending power, nearly 90% say they're willing to spend 10% extra or more for sustainable products.
So as you can see, adopting eco-friendly measures goes beyond the four physical walls of the office and can significantly raise consumer feelings of your brand.
For further reading:
Your boss won't want you to come at them with an idea with no plan on how to implement it. Even if you sell them on the idea, be prepared for the bulk of this project to fall on you.
Come prepared with an audit of where and how your office can make sustainable swaps. Cultivating Capital is a leading sustainability consultancy with a simple yet comprehensive sustainability checklist to get you started.
Now for the easy part: making your sustainable office swaps.
At Simple Switch, we have thousands of sustainable and ethically sourced office products. All our products come from vendors whom we refer to as our "Impact Partners". We carefully vet each company annually on things like product sourcing, packaging materials and labor practices to ensure they're truly making a positive impact. Each product from our Impact Vendors is then approved on a case-by-case basis. You can read the full rundown of our base standards by reading our Impact Partner Commitment.
We make ordering with Simple Switch easy. Ordering is just as simple as if you were ordering on Amazon and all orders can be customized to your company's frequency needs. Set an automatic schedule for deliveries or make purchases as needed.
These are some of our favorite sustainable office swaps.
You've pitched your case to your boss and are met with resistance. Maybe the timing just isn't right for your company at the moment. Or perhaps your boss just needs a little more time. That's okay and can even be expected. In these situations, we have one last trick up our sleeves: Remark.
Remark is on a mission to help companies become more sustainable. They do this in two ways:
Sign up for their bi-monthly newsletter for quick, easy actions to do what you can to combat climate change daily.
If all else fails, our final advice is to lead by example.
Clean up where you can and make eco-friendly swaps at your desk or cubicle. Swap out your desk lightbulb with an environmentally-friendly option (or even switch it off altogether), add a plant or two, open a window and take care of yourself when and where you can.
We've sourced a few personal sustainable desk swaps to get you started.
In conclusion, start small. Rome wasn't built in a day and motivating an entire company to adopt green practices won't happen quickly either. Unless you have a boss who's gung-ho on sustainability, you'll have to push for eco-friendly innovations one measure at a time. Keep at it, advocate for the environment and know you always have Simple Switch in your corner.
]]>All this talk of warmth and sunshine has got us dreaming about new ways to ring in the season, most of which are mouth-wateringly delicious.
We’re talkin’ Spring recipes!
In our most recent article, we discuss the extreme importance of shopping for local, seasonal produce for both your health and the planets.
But here’s where it's common to feel stuck:
You’ve come home with armloads of seasonal produce and a proud smile. You did it! You bought in-season from a local farmer! Way to go!
So… Now what?
Shopping in season is one thing, but cooking is another. If you’re not used to curating seasonal dishes, it might seem like too much work to stray from your favorite year-round recipes.
Fear not: we’ve curated a list of our 10 favorite vegan spring recipes for 2020.
With these simple, affordable and healthy dishes, you’ll have a blast using your fresh asparagus, sweet strawberries, and ruby red tomatoes.
If you're not vegan, we still suggest you give these recipes a try; Their vegan-ness is subtle and can be easily enjoyed by any food lover.
So put on that apron and get in the kitchen: it's time to show spring what you're made of!!
HOT FOR FOOD
Prep time: 25 min
Cook Time: 40 min
These tiny tarts are simply tantalizing. With a handmade crust from 4 simple ingredients and a creamy filling, you can’t go wrong exploring the world of mini mushroom-stuffed quiches! Throw some fresh kale in the mix for an extra seasonal punch.
LOVE AND LEMONS
This beautiful salad oozes Springtime. Ripe with fresh asparagus, garlic, radishes, peas, and delicious greens, this bowl makes a wonderful starter or a great side dish to the main course. It's simple, affordable, and a major crowd-pleaser.
A COUPLE COOKS
Prep time: 15 min
Nothing says Spring like this classic greens combo. Strawberries, greens, and nuts are the real trifecta. Top it off with the simple and sweet balsamic dressing, and you have yourself a perfect side for dinner on the patio! If you’re vegan, sub the feta cheese for vegan cheese, avocado, or something else you love!
CONNOISSEURUS VEG
Prep time: 40 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Three letters: Y.U.M. These look incredibly tasty and have excellent reviews! In other words, they’re a surefire hit. The breaded zucchini, dill, and garlic patties are lightly fried in oil and dipped into a zesty cashew paste. Make sure you remember the recipe because your guests will be looking to take it home!
LAUREN CARIS COOKS
Prep time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins-1 hour
There are three keys parts to this meal: Creamy risotto with dry white wine, fresh grilled seasonal vegetables, and an empty stomach with which to devour it all.
This is a simple, healthy dinner that vegans and non-vegans alike can love. It's hearty, hot, and chalked full of the season's finest produce. We think you're in for a treat!
LE PETIT CHEF
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Talk about a delicious combination. This recipe has our tummies grumbling! It's got tons of flavor and is exploding with awesome ingredients like garlic, coconut aminos, ginger, green curry paste, and fresh lemongrass. Plus, spaghetti squash is a healthy and delicious substitute for pasta noodles. Try this one out on a rainy day and feel instantly comforted!
VEGGIES DON'T BITE
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
SIMPLE VEGANISTA
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
This vegan take on a classic family-style dish is much needed. It's healthy as can be, yet teeming with sweet teriyaki flavor. Your tastebuds will be begging for more! Try it for a hit your next family meal night!
ONE GREEN PLANET
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Isn't it nice to be excited about a meal? This recipe will have you jumping up and down for dinner! It's easy to make, affordable, and tasty. Plus, it's got delicious Indian spices, fresh herbs and tomatoes, and a creamy coconut base to tie it all together.
OCCASIONALLY EGGS
Prep Time: 10 Mins
Bake Time: 30 mins
A scone... cake? That surprised us, too. This recipe truly is the best of both worlds. The light, fluffy layers of scone pair wonderfully with the coconut whip cream. Topped off with seasonal strawberries and elderflowers, it's a real springtime treat. As the warmer months approach, make sure you give it a try!
Ah, the good old days. Remember when grabbing groceries meant hitching up the wagon for a three-day trek into town?
Or when scoring a precious orange or some luscious grapes involved bartering with a wild-eyed peddler?
Of course you don’t!
That’s because we’re lucky enough to exist in the era of supermarkets.
Since the early 20th century, these sprawling stores have been stacked with a plethora of fruits, veggies, and goodies from across the globe- no matter the time of year.
No bartering or trekking necessary.
The Super Giant Supermarket In Rockville, Maryland, 1964
Since they first came about, grocery stores have ensured everything we could ever want is consistently available to us.
They’re now on every corner, in every town, ready to grant our wildest cravings.
The reality is that produce isn’t meant to be enjoyed all year round.
In fact, year-round grocery store produce has a lot of negative impacts.
Produce that’s grown locally and in-season is way better for both your health and the planets.
It’s time to switch from the supermarket to the farmstand and reap the plethora of benefits you deserve.
So, you want a tomato in the dead of winter. Unless it sprouts legs and walks to you (the next step for GMO anybody?), it’s got one heck of a journey to make. According to one article, most grocery store tomatoes sold in North America are grown in Florida, which is said to have unsuitable soil and climate for optimal growth. This means pumping them full of pesticides and fertilizers and growing acres of one plant, which is inhabitable to wildlife and detrimental to soil quality.
After all this, they’re shipped out on gas-guzzling trucks and trailers to all corners of the continent.
If the produce you’re looking for is shipped from overseas, it’s impossible to know what chemicals have been used. Each country has its own regulations in terms of pesticides and insecticides. What one country bans for harmful effects, another may allow.
When you buy seasonal produce, you’re supporting a local farmer who likely has much more sustainable farming practices. Less toxic chemicals, more eco-friendly tactics!
Plus, you’re boycotting unsustainable farming practices and unnecessary global shipping!
In order to get mass shipments of produce where it needs to go, long trips are often required. Measures are taken to ensure each fruit and vegetable can get the most out of its shelf life on these journeys.
Overseas shipping means the potential for harmful chemicals that the USA or Canada would not regularly allow. Some produce is sprayed with methyl bromide, bleach, or irritated (intentionally exposed to radiation to kill germs).
Cross-country shipping will utilize similar practices to try and extend the shelf life as well, like spraying produce with pesticides and herbicides, and harvesting it before it’s ready.
On top of this, some antioxidants and phytonutrients actually decline when stored for a period of time.
Locally-grown, seasonal produce is more likely to be consumed closer to harvesting, will contain much fewer chemicals, and will be plump, bright and delicious.
Have you ever bitten into a giant, mutant-looking supermarket strawberry in the dead of winter, only to find that it has the flavor of a wet sock?
Or, eaten an apple with the texture of wet flour?
Not exactly what you hoped for, was it?
It can be a real let down to come home with all this seemingly “fresh” produce, only to find that it lacks in the taste department.
As one honest farmer put it, “I don't get paid a cent for flavor”. Their farming techniques focus on high yields and durability, which often leaves the consumer with something to be desired.
When it comes to transportation, produce must be picked before it’s fully ripened to account for travel time. During the trip, it’s cooled to avoid ripening (which reduces flavor and nutrition) and then heated upon arrival to induce ripening (which reduces flavor and nutrition).
Seasonal produce is fresher, sweeter, and perfectly ripe. You’re guaranteed to find your home-cooked meals rocking some of the best local flavors possible.
So, who’s paying to transport Mr. Tomato from Florida to Washington in December? That’s right: the consumer.
Seasonal produce is harvested in bulk, which means it’s sold at a lower price.
Locally sourced produce also means less storage and travel expenses, which is reflected in the pricing.
When it comes to the “organic” section of your local supermarket, the pricing is questionable. But, so is the claim.
A study by Consumer Reports in 2015 found that organic supermarket produce costs about 47% more than regular produce. On top of this, numerous studies done on organic produce found the health benefits are minuscule, they rarely taste any better, and they aren’t farmed in more sustainable or ethical practices when compared to regular produce.
Another study found that some organic pesticides are actually worse for the environment than regular pesticides.
It’s safe to say that the jacked-up prices of organic supermarket produce might be unreasonable. Once again, shopping local and in-season is the best way to go! You get quality produce for a fair price.
Each region will differ in terms of local produce, but there’s a general guideline you can follow.
Check out our list of in-season fruits and vegetables for each month:
Chunky stews, creamy soups, roasted potatoes, beets and carrots, seared squash steak with a balsamic glaze- winter is all about hearty meals with loads of garlic. What better way to stay warm and cozy? Throw some ingredients in a crockpot and you have yourself a meal for the week!
Winter is waving goodbye, the temperature is rising, the sun is out for longer periods; Hello, spring! This is when leafy greens, a few berries, and an assortment of other goodies start to sprout up.
Make the most of this time with fresh salads, yummy pesto pasta's, beet and ricotta hummus, and strawberry rhubarb pie.
We’ve made it, folks. Welcome to heaven on earth. This is the season of fresh fruit galore! We get stones fruits, berries, juicy melons, apples, and pears; it’s all we’ve been waiting for! Whip out the juice pitcher and start on the sangria. For dinner? A green salad with fresh berries and melon, roasted corn on the cob, roasted eggplant and tomatoes, and stuffed green peppers.
Get eating!
As summer begins its transition into fall, seasonal produce also shifts its juicy gears. September offers the highest produce variety, which shrinks into October and November.
The cooler season calls for roasting, baking, and frying. ‘Tis the season of pumpkins, cranberries, Brussel sprouts, artichokes, turnips, and cauliflower. Thanksgiving, here we come!
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Also called ecotourism, sustainable tourism is all about traveling responsibly and mindfully. Trips are based around respect, immersion, and minimal carbon footprints, differing greatly from mass tourism.
Before you jet off to your next destination, check out these tips for a more eco-friendly travel experience!
Focus on these conscious, mindful points and you’ll be a pro ecotourist in no time.
We understand this is hard to ask; there are so many warm beaches, ancient ruins, and rolling landscapes to experience. But air travel spews about 1 gigaton of CO2 into the atmosphere each year. That’s pollution worth avoiding.
Try substituting your international trip for a local adventure. It’s rare that we experience our native city, state or country with a tourist's eyes! You’ll be surprised by the adventures you’ll find.
In our last article “Ecotourism: the Best Sustainable Destinations and Travel Companies”, we mention a few of the top sustainable and ethical countries to visit, all of which fall high on the Environmental Performance Index (EPI). The EPI is a rigorous ranking system that evaluates all 180 countries on their environmental impact and conservation efforts on a governmental level. It’s a great way to understand which countries to support with your tourism. Try your best to avoid countries that don’t protect their natural land, native species, or local people and resources.
Here are some helpful packing tips:
Companies like TripZero, Carbon Fund, and Terrapass all work to offset the carbon emissions of your trip. For a small fee, they will fund sustainable projects like reforestation, energy efficiency and renewable energy. It goes a long way towards carbon-neutral air travel!
It’s estimated that cars contribute one-third of the air pollution in the US. Instead of renting a car or taking a taxi on your trip, try to participate in more sustainable means of transportation. Walk to your destination, use local transit (if it’s safe), or use a bicycle. These are awesome ways to experience different parts of your destination and encourage slow travel.
Before jumping into a tour, do your research.
The same goes for volunteering: Lots of volunteer agencies exploit local children and orphans for their benefit. Do your research before applying for any volunteer position.
Check out our article “Ecotourism: the Best Sustainable Destinations and Travel Companies” for some great ethical companies.
Questionable methods of disposal are incredibly common in developing countries, so it’s important that you do your part and use as little single-use plastic as possible. It often ends up on roads, ditches, and natural landscapes.
If you do use single-use products, try to keep them with you until you can dispose of them properly. Every destination should be left exactly as it was when you arrived (if not cleaner!)
It’s up to us to ensure this beauty remains intact for future generations to enjoy. Untouched, natural landscapes, indigenous cultures, endangered wildlife, and local communities deserve immense respect as we observe and learn about them.
Keep these tips in mind for your next adventure, you ecotourist you!
We’ll show just how easy it is to be a responsible traveler.
All it takes is a little more conscious thought!
We picked a few of our favorite destinations among the top environmentally-conscious countries around the globe, ranked by the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) in 2018.
Check them out!
The Costa Rican government has chosen to protect the environment over major financial gain- through incentivizing eco-friendly options, planting millions of trees, and providing wildlife refuges and tons of ecotourism options.
Check out the Certified B Corp Costa Rican tour company Bodhi Surf Camp for a sustainable adventure!
Almost a 5th of the land is covered in wildlife reserves. Botswana actively encourages grassroots organizations that promote conservation projects and low-impact travel. The government plays a huge role in conservation and environmental education.
Take a look at some epic adventures with Responsible Travel!
50% of the country is still covered in rainforest, and the government is doing everything they can to conserve natural landscapes and heritage sites, like investing in green bonds and generating over 75 protected regions. Natural resources are also consumed at a sustainable rate.
Check out the awesome sustainable Peruvian tour companies Inkaterra and Action Peru Treks.
1:Sweden 2:Prague 3:Amsterdam 4:Austria
They design eco-friendly choices to be easier, cheaper and more convenient for their citizens. You have to go out of your way to have a large carbon footprint.
This means taking action against climate change is simple and doable, which makes Europe an amazing collection of countries to support!
The countries included are Sweden, Switzerland, Denmark, France, Austria, Ireland, and Finland, among numerous others.
With the rise of ecotourism, there are now companies who work to offset the carbon footprint of your trip.
For a relatively small payment, these companies will fund sustainable projects, like reforestation, renewable energy, and energy efficiency, in an effort to neutralize your carbon footprint.
Time to get off the beaten track!
GlobalWorks, a Certified B Corp, gives teens the opportunity to work with local communities across the globe. They learn new trades and skills and are immersed in a new culture. There’s a major focus on respect, education, and safety.
Responsible Travel is a hub of ecotourism, only offering tours with the most low-impact, sustainable businesses they can find. For every one tour company they partner with, eight are refused. They’re all about transparency and honesty, and offer adventures in almost every region of the globe.
Explore and adventure with good intentions! GoodTravel builds personalized group tours with a focus on sustainable travel and local immersion. They’ll organize family trips, solo trips, and anything in between!
The world’s largest B Corp travel company, Intrepid Travel is legendary for its responsible tours, small, personal groups, and incredible tour guides. Since 2002, they’ve donated over AU $7.5 million to global grassroots projects. With tours spanning the globe, they’re a great way to explore!
Thankfully, ecotourism is quickly taking its place.
Make your next trip an impactful one: become an ecotourist!
Sources:
How can you do your part when you’re overworked and overtired? The words “eco-friendly” and “sustainable” lose all meaning.
It might feel impossible to give a rats heiny about the planet!
Check out these simple tips to create a greener home for you and your kids.
Eco-parenting for the win!
In 2017, more than 35 million tons of plastics were generated in the US, with only 8.4% being recycled. Many of these were cheap children’s toys.
Research suggests that the average child of 10 has over $5000 worth of toys (over 200 individually).
While that may be the new norm, it’s been proven that having fewer toys encourages deeper, more focused, imaginative and creative play. Plus, it encourages gratitude and helps kids become conscious consumers.
When you do buy them toys, go for second hand, or opt for Fair Trade or environmentally-conscious brands that are recyclable, use natural dyes, and are harmful-chemical free (try Begin Again or Eco-Kids).
Simple Switch also has tons of eco-friendly and socially impactful pacifiers, rattles, and teethers!
You can even DIY with old socks or gloves and a sewing kit, or make your own playdough.
When the time does come for a new toy, consider donating some of their older toys as a swap-out.
The average American throws away about 80 pounds of clothing per year- all textiles that could be recycled or reused. (In another article, we discuss the cycle of fast fashion and how detrimental it is to our planet. Check it out for more info!)
One of the best things you can do to curb this waste is to shop at secondhand and thrift stores. They’ve got tons of new and gently-used kids clothing in great condition; all it needs is a good wash and it’s ready to go!
When buying new, try to only shop with ethical brands that use recycled materials and have a low carbon-footprint.