Did you know that the average office worker generates about 2kgs of waste each day?
Multiply that by the number of employees in your workplace, and the environmental impact quickly adds up. From discarded paper towels to single-use plastics, offices are often unintentional hubs of waste – but they don’t have to be. Building a greener workplace doesn’t have to be overly complex — starting with small, thoughtful changes can have a big impact.
Opting for eco-friendly cleaning and hygiene supplies is a simple way to make your workplace more sustainable. By going for green products, you can create a healthier workplace environment and do your bit to help the planet in the long run. And it’s not just about saving the planet.
According to the Design of the Workplace Report, employees in environmentally friendly workplaces are happier
and more engaged, with 93% saying they feel better working in such settings compared to just 55% in less sustainable environments. Even productivity gets a boost, with 40% of employees feeling more productive in eco-conscious workplace, compared to only 12% in traditional ones.
Let’s explore how your workplace can lead the way with eco-friendly hygiene products that make a big difference.
Essential Eco-Friendly Hygiene Products
Choosing to go green has never been easier. Here are simple but impactful swaps to make your office more sustainable.
1. Recycled Paper Towels and Tissues
Switching to recycled paper towels and tissues, like COS hand towels made from 100% recycled material, reduces waste and conserves resources. Choose products certified by trusted organisations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to ensure sustainable sourcing and responsible forest management.
2. Biodegradable Cleaning Supplies
Traditional cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals that can harm the environment when they enter waterways. Biodegradable alternatives, made from natural ingredients, break down safely and leave no harmful residues.
Green cleaning supplies like disinfectants, glass and window cleaners, and dishwashing formulas clean effectively without harming the planet. These eco-friendly options clean surfaces and floors, with concentrated formulas that reduce packaging waste and environmental impact.
3. Compostable Bin Liners
Standard plastic bin liners are a major contributor to landfill waste. Switch to compostable bin liners made from plant-based materials like cornstarch to reduce landfill waste and your workplace plastic footprint.
4. Refillable Soap and Sanitiser Stations
Single-use plastic dispensers are a thing of the past. Choose refillable soap and sanitiser stations instead. Pair these with bulk refill containers to reduce packaging waste. Choose soap products and hand sanitisers made from natural, biodegradable ingredients for a cleaner, greener choice.
5. Reusable Cleaning Cloths and Microfibre Towels
If your workplace environment allows it, you might want to consider ditching single-use wipes and paper towels in favour of reusable cleaning cloths or microfibre towels. Microfibre towels are particularly effective for cleaning surfaces with minimal or no cleaning products, thanks to their unique texture. These durable alternatives can be washed and reused multiple times, helping to reduce waste.
If choosing reusable towels and cleaning cloths is not applicable to your workplace, you can always choose planet-friendly hand towels.
6. Organic Period Supplies and Sustainable Personal Care Items
Stocking sustainable personal care products in your shared bathrooms is another thoughtful way to go green. Include period supplies, such as those from Femmé Organic, which use biodegradable materials and avoid harmful chemicals.
Also consider stocking up on plant-based liquid hand soaps and other restroom essentials that you need in your workplace.
Sustainable Practices in your Workplace
Educate Employees
Keep employees informed about the your sustainability initiatives and the role they play in reducing environmental impact. For example, when introducing centralised waste bins, you can explain how these streamline recycling and reduce contamination. Explain the benefits clearly to promote understanding and build support for such initiatives.
Use creative approaches like:
- Sharing updates via engaging emails, flyers, and posters,
- Using visuals like infographics for clarity, and
- Providing regular progress updates to encourage ongoing participatio
Set Up Proper Waste Disposal Systems
A good waste disposal system is key to sustainability. Invest in centralised, clearly labelled recycling and composting bins for easy sorting. Tools like the Method Recycling, Source Separation System or SULO bins can simplify the process. Use colour-coded labels and visuals to boost compliance and reduce contamination.
Reward Green Behaviour
Recognise employees or teams that actively adopt sustainable habits, such as using reusable mugs or conserving water in the office kitchen.
Small Changes, Big Impact
Switching to sustainable hygiene products may come with a higher upfront cost, but the long-term benefits far outweigh the investment. Eco-friendly options reduce exposure to harsh chemicals, creating a safer, healthier workspace while also cutting down on waste and environmental impact.
These choices can also enhance your business reputation, attracting eco-conscious clients and partners. While one workplace’s efforts may seem small, collective action drives meaningful change. By opting for biodegradable, ethically sourced, and recyclable products, your business aligns with sustainability goals and evolving environmental standards. Make the switch today to lead in responsible business practices and prove that small changes can make a big impact
