Plant-based cuisine
Excessive consumption of animal products has a negative impact on the environment. According to research, a plant-based diet is suitable for everyone, except in rare health cases. If you have a communal dining area at your workplace or lunch box deliveries, consider switching completely or significantly to vegan dishes – this type of cuisine will reduce the institution’s carbon footprint and is also the most inclusive. For those who are considering individual dietary choices, a presentation on this topic can be organised. (see: EVENT PRODUCTION)
> Read more: The meat dilemma: the impact of meat consumption on the environment, source: EcoPoznań.
> To find out how your plate affects the climate, use free online tools, such as the calculator provided by the BBC: Climate change food calculator: What’s your diet’s carbon footprint?
A food sharing point
This is a designated place where you can share food to prevent food waste. This could be a refrigerator or a cupboard set up in a public space – in the case of employee food sharing, these are usually communal kitchens. Anyone who has ordered, bought or cooked too much food can bring it in, and anyone who feels like it can help themselves to it free of charge.
> Read and download the poster describing how food sharing works: Food sharing – rules of use (from FoodSharing).
Compost bin
Setting up a compost bin at a cultural institution is a practical way to sort bio-waste in an environmentally friendly manner and promote a sustainable lifestyle among the local community. Composting reduces the amount of organic waste, supports natural plant cultivation and improves soil quality. It can also serve as an educational tool and become part of a broader gardening project.
To learn more, read this sample study:Composting. About natural fertilization at the Botanical Garden of the University of Warsaw .
Eco-friendly paper
Switching to eco-friendly paper is another step towards reducing your environmental impact. What is eco-friendly paper? It is a product which is unbleached or bleached without the use of chlorine and comes from recycled sources or sustainable plantations. When purchasing it, it is worth paying attention to certificates (e.g. FSC, Blue Angel, EU Ecolabel, PEFC) – they guarantee quality and compliance with ecological standards, as well as meeting the requirements of modern printers so that the paper does not jam in them.
Eco-friendly cleaning products
Avoid chemicals such as chlorine, phosphates, formaldehyde, artificial colours, and strong fragrances – instead, opt for biodegradable, plant-based products. When in doubt, choose products with reliable eco-certifications such as EU Ecolabel, Nordic Swan or Blue Angel. Instead of many different products, choose a few effective multi-purpose ones. To minimize packaging, choose concentrated products or those in recycled or recyclable packaging.
Eco-friendly cleaning products may be more expensive per unit, but in terms of consumption, safety, and environmental impact, they prove to be more cost-effective in the long run. Introduce them gradually, consulting your cleaning staff on your choices – their experience will help you select effective and eco-friendly solutions.
Energy-efficient equipment
An important step towards saving energy is choosing energy-efficient equipment. As devices wear out, it is worth gradually replacing them with models with a high energy rating – preferably A, B or C (formerly A+++ and A++), as well as those with Energy Star certification. Instead of multiple printers, it is better to invest in a single multifunction device with user login functionality – this reduces energy consumption and unnecessary printing. Significant heat loss in buildings is caused by leaks – locate them, e.g. with a thermal imaging camera, and seal them, insulate or replace the woodwork. Traditional light bulbs should be replaced with LEDs, which consume up to 90% less energy. Additional savings can be achieved by installing photocells in passageways (see more: BUILDING).
