Since the early 1970s, CO2 emissions have risen by 90%. That is a wild statistic to even begin wrapping your mind around, I know. Upon the rise in my brows and the widening of my eyes, I followed that quick read with, “That can’t be good.” 

Clearly, it’s not, but combatting any sort of issue begins with understanding the roots and how they affect us directly. 

Between the years 1970 and 2011, 78% of CO2 emissions came from fossil fuel combustion and various industrial processes (EPA). Agriculture and deforestation come in at a close second as major factors contributing to the climate crisis. 

In the office furniture industry in particular, our founder and CEO, Brandi Susewitz, has seen tremendous carbon footprints; many of them wasted on a short-term lease and thrown to the landfill. 

Prior to Reseat’s conception, a company would relocate their space with nowhere to put their furniture. Storage is too expensive, and finding someone on Craigslist to purchase 500 task chairs is virtually impossible. Most of the time, the furniture they’ve got is meant to last between 10 and 15 years. How long are their leases? They average around 7 years. 

Are you seeing the issue?

All that waste for the company to relocate and contribute to the cycle of bad habits over and over again. It’s no one’s fault though; there was never a viable solution. 

When it comes to establishing the exact carbon footprint of a single item, this is a typically rough estimate. But it’s got us wondering: What about a singular task chair?

According to FIRA, a single task chair is estimated to have a carbon footprint of about 72 kilograms. For reference, a single email generates between 0.03kg and 26kg of CO2, and the production of beef generates nearly 60kg (Sedna, Forbes). 

I know, a single email, crazy right? We’re not as eco-conscious as we think we are. 

The production of a task chair, as previously noted, isn’t contributing a whole lot of good things into the world besides a place to sit. Much like anything else, however, they do have life cycles, which typically depend on the quality of the materials used. A good-quality office chair should last you about fifteen years (if you’re nice to it). On the other hand, if the chair was cheaply produced, it might only last between six months to a year (ouch).

Here’s how to stretch that life cycle:

 First, you could make repairs as needed. Easy. Second, try reupholstery services. Is the current fabric on your seat a little worn? Maybe it’s torn to shreds, we don’t judge. There are lots of reupholstery services that could help you out with making that seat as good as new. Take us, for example. We’ve partnered with Oakland-based Kay Chesterfield to help those in the Bay Area achieve their reupholstery dreams. 

This is a great solution if you’re local to the Bay Area. If you’re not around, that’s okay! As previously mentioned, there are many services local and accessible to you. 

If you’re out of luck with the first two options, do all in your power to recycle and reuse the chair. For some pieces, this might involve taking apart the chair in its entirety and sorting out the parts, recycling accordingly. For others, it might mean giving it to a friend. If you’re out of luck with friends, give Reseat a try (that’s us).

We’ll always be here for your reducing, reusing, and recycling needs (when it comes to office furniture, that is).

Today’s average work environment looks a whole lot different than it did ten years ago. Actually, considering the entirety of the last two or so years, the average work environment has evidently shifted drastically. Certainly, an entire pandemic has shifted the once routine workplace dynamics alongside various social movements; though it’s worth noting another significant factor in this momentous work environment shift: there’s a new generation in town. 

As the once completely remote workplace eases into becoming more and more in-person and experiences rounds of what works best for its environment specifically, one finds that Gen Z-ers are entering the workplace at a higher rate than before. It may not be perfect, but hey, it’s our first time here. 

As an individual born into the Gen-Z generation (Gen-Z includes people born between the years 1997 and 2012), I can attest to the workplace environment being somewhat intimidating. I can also attest to having higher expectations for my employer, such as their mindfulness of social issues, access to mental health resources, and attention to the workers’ experience. 

While I’m here, allow me to give you a rundown of what boxes need to be checked in order for myself and fellow Gen-Zers to consider a potential workplace. 

More than one third of the world’s population falls under the Generation Z title, with more than a quarter of the U.S. population consisting of us. We’re also the most diverse generation in the nation’s history. Considering our irrefutable and ever-growing presence, it’s important to understand what the priorities for a desirable workplace are. 

Here are three boxes companies must be checking:

Missions, Values, and Social & Environmental Impact

A company and its missions and values are a major part of what makes a workplace desirable for many of us Gen-Zers. If a company stands for what is right and it aligns with the values of its employees, there is a sense of pride that flourishes. For example, I am proud and motivated to work for a startup such as Reseat because I am aware of the missions and values that surround the company itself, providing extended life cycles of furniture that might otherwise end up in a landfill. 

In a 2022 Deloitte survey, about three quarters of all answering Gen-Zers expressed a preference for a hybrid work environment, with 23,220 respondents in total. Amidst our ever-evolving uncertainty in the world, climate change is an extreme concern among Gen Z and millennials, and in the same Deloitte survey, it’s found that only 15% of Gen-Zers have faith in large companies and their actions towards combating climate change.

Access to Mental Health Resources

Gen-Z has evidently been incredibly open when it comes to mental health issues and destigmatizing very much common and real struggles of mental well-being. This is an essential part in crafting an environment where people feel safe and validated in their feelings. It helps us to be able to communicate our needs and understand ourselves and others better, to be aware of others’ needs and take care of each other with compassion and empathy. This is especially important in today’s ever-changing and uncertain state of the world. 

That’s why it’s important that our employers understand the need for mental health resources. It’s not easy to fill another cup when your own has run dry. In a Deloitte report, 46% of 23,000 Gen-Zers and Millennials said they felt stressed or anxious. 

Personal well-being is an element of Gen-Zers lives that need not be overlooked, as it is essential in fueling all other elements throughout life. Maintaining a work-life balance goes hand-in-hand with having access to mental health resources.

Ability to Maintain a Work-Life Balance

A work-life balance is essential in performing well in a workplace, and Gen-Z holds it as a standard for their top-pick workplaces. A report by Firstup, a communications app specifically for the workforce, stated that Gen-Z actively looks for work benefits such as paid time off, mental health days, and/or activities that establish a sensation of fellowship with peers.

As Gen-Z makes in with the new and out with the old, it’s important for employers to understand what will be expected of them. A company’s missions, values, social and environmental impacts establish a sense of pride in the work we do. An appropriate work-life balance fuels the desire to work, and allows space for mental health to be prioritized. 

I, myself, am excited to see the shifts become routine elements of a standard workplace.

Much like anything else, maintaining environmental sustainability in your daily life isn’t something that’s easy to stick to if it wasn’t already in your routine. Maintaining environmental sustainability is especially difficult to maintain in places where your personal life is considerably separate, such as in a workplace. 

It’s also worth noting that your sustainability practices in the workplace may be limited to utilizing the Reseat platform. But how do you maintain sustainable practices in the workplace when you’re not buying and selling used office furniture? 

It may look intimidating, but once these tips become a regular element of your workplace, it’ll be easy-peasy. 

Might we sway you with some quick statistics?

92% of consumers have expressed an increased level of trust towards corporations that are environmentally and/or socially conscious (Forbes).

Productivity is up by 16% for employees who work for an eco-conscious company (UCLA Newsroom).

88% of consumers would express a greater level of loyalty to a company that is environmentally and/or socially conscious (Forbes).

87% of consumers have expressed interest in buying products from a company with social and environmental benefits (Forbes).

Sounds like a pretty sweet gig, doesn’t it?

That being said, here are some things that you can do to help your company become the best eco-conscious version of itself that it’s ever been:

Establish clear and effective recycling guidelines.

Establishing a clear and effective recycling program within your workplace is a simple and great way to make your office more eco-friendly. You can do this by creating signs that offer solutions to sorting, assigning specific bins for the type of waste being discarded, particularly between recycling, compost, and landfill. 

If you’re looking to toss electronic waste, or e-waste, there are recycling plants likely local to your workplace. It’s best to prioritize effective recycling so that you and your workplace can minimize your carbon footprint.

Encourage sustainable commutes.

Providing resources to help employees locate the nearest public transport can also be a great way to encourage a sustainable lifestyle. You can do this by looking into local train, light rail, or bus systems and posting them in an easily accessible place. It could also be a great benefit to your employees if transit subsidies are offered; just a little praise for the commute. 

Aside from public transport, sustainable transportation can also look like carpooling with colleagues, walking, bike-riding, or even issuing your employees work-from-home days to accomplish some remote work if applicable.

Only do business with the greenest of green.

Supporting eco-friendly vendors, brands, and companies is another great way to encourage a sustainable work environment. Not only does it do great things for the environment, but keeps your reputation in good shape. 

You can execute this by following through with some research into the sustainability efforts of your preferred vendors and choosing accordingly. Take Reseat, for example (that’s us), we’re partnered with Kay Chesterfield, based in Oakland, to best support the needs of our Bay-Area-based clientele in need of reupholstery services for their furniture.

Dec your space out with some foliage.

Scattering some plants throughout the office not only increases productivity and aesthetics, but assists in providing some clean air for you and your colleagues to breathe. Indoor air pollutants go down by 87% within a 24-hour span, according to NASA research.

Go paper-free, because who needs that anyways?

Alright, maybe in some cases paper is a necessity. However, much of what would normally be printed can easily be digitized and become a consistent resource. Promoting a paper-free workplace allows for your company to maintain collaboration, efficiency, and sustainability.

In America, the month of October has been recognized as National Disability Employment Awareness Month since 1945. 

Let’s look into the history:

In 1945, the efforts began with the intent to inform the general public regarding the challenges those with disabilities face in employment across the Nation. Congress enacted Public Law 176, and it was to be recognized as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” Great intent, but the name could be a bit more inclusive, right? In 1962, “Physically” was dropped from the title in efforts to extend the recognition to those possessing various types of disabilities; not just physical. In the late 1980s, however, Congress decided to change the recognition from a week to a month. Additionally, the name was changed to “National Disability Employment Awareness Month” (NDEAM).

Months like these that highlight the diversities of being a human are a great contribution to our collective awareness of the world around us. It’s a great time to educate others surrounding disability employment, as well as celebrate the many contributions made by American workers with disabilities. 

At Reseat, we’d like to take the opportunity to offer inclusive design solutions and suggestions to make your workplace more accessible to all.

What is inclusive design?

Inclusive design is about driving the diverse nature of people, alongside designing a space, product, or service that can be used in ways that do not exclude anyone. Inclusive design offers flexibility and the space to celebrate the diverse nature of humans. 

According to Office Space Software, inclusive design is made up of three primary principles: accessible, usable, and universal.

 

Here are some examples:

Collaborative Spaces When the function of collaborative spaces is to elicit teamwork and conversation between coworkers, these designated spots are an essential in the workplace. Utilizing these spaces builds strength within a team, facilitating a beacon of trust and confidence in their forthcoming projects. 

In regards to inclusive design, these rooms are normally open with wide spaces, with a plethora of seating and tools, decorated with color in efforts to spark up a great brainstorm session everyone can contribute to. 

Height-Adjustable Desks Ergonomically, this particular style of desks is ideal for anybody. When possible, standing while working promotes excellent blood circulation, which is great for both your body and your mind. It allows for a bit more flexibility within the ways you work and contributes to a major up in your productivity game. 

For those who may need specific accommodations with their seating, height-adjustable desks are a great, convenient option. It’s a simple way to ensure that every employee has access to universal design. 

Accessible Washrooms While this feature is already required to achieve ADA compliance, it’s still something that needs to be considered when designing a workspace. Making sure that universal design applies to every element of design of your space is a vital part of what makes an inclusive work environment with its employees’ best interest. 

What exactly does it mean to have an accessible washroom? An accessible washroom has a bit more than motion-automated sinks and towel dispensers, it entails features like grab bars on door handles, a ceiling track hoist, or even a shower made available in efforts to align with universal design. 

Braille Signs Since the 1800s, braille has been utilized by those who are visually empaired, and its availability shapes the ways in which visually impaired people experience spaces. The simplicity of accessing everyday products and services can be made possible with braille. With that said, it’s extremely important that your workspace includes braille throughout the building and, in that way, honors accessibility.

It’s extremely important to uphold the standards of inclusive design since, at the end of the day, people need to be allowed the space to be people, safely and accessibly. 

Happy Disability Pride Awareness Month!

The short answer: Yes and no. Let’s dive into it.

As a music fan myself, it’s nearly impossible for me to complete any daily task without a song playing in the background. Whether I need something to hum along to while I tidy my space or need some instrumentals playing while typing up the new blog piece, music provides a soundtrack to my daily tasks and, arguably, assists with my productivity. 

Music and its effect on work ethic and productivity is not a new notion being delved into; it’s been researched thoroughly and substantially, especially within recent years as work ethics and work environments modernize and evolve. 

So as curiosity rises, we begin to wonder, in what ways does music contribute to a productive work environment, if at all?

When you’ve got your headphones on, not only are you (hopefully) getting down to the song of choice and blocking out distracting background noises, but releasing a feel-good neurotransmitter called dopamine. 

According to Psychology Today, Dopamine is an extremely important neurochemical that boosts mood, motivation, attention, and also assists in regulating movement, learning, and emotional responses. It makes us feel the same way as we do when we eat something that tastes good or gaze out upon a breathtaking view. 

It is, however, important to acknowledge the fact that each individual works differently, and one method of increasing productivity might not work the same universally. But is it the music that inhibits productivity or is it the dopamine being released?

According to Codersera, a meta-analysis titled the Mozart-effect-Schmozart-effect, it is suggested that music has little to no effect on performance, and instead, improved the individual’s mood by way of dopamine being released. An increase in a positive mood means an increase in performance. That makes sense, right?

Another study dove into analyzing 56 software engineers in two different environments: one working with music on, and the other with music off. It was concluded that in the environment where music was playing, a positive correlation between quality of mood and quality of work followed.  

All this delving into music and its seemingly indirect correlation with productivity is making me wonder, however, what kind of music is best for each working environment? It got me thinking about my own personal experience with music and productivity as well. Instrumentals like Khruangbin and Tommy Guerrero are some go-tos for any writing or literary task, while catchy lyricism and upbeat melodies from Mk.Gee and Local Natives strum away in the background of busywork. 

After looking into the details, it’s been found that depending on the task at hand, differing music genres can contribute to varying results. 

It’s been found that playing music that you enjoy inhibits a better mood since your brain is releasing high amounts of dopamine. The high levels of dopamine may contribute to higher levers of productivity, though it’s important that instrumentals are played in the background of writing tasks. If you would prefer lyrics, try giving a listen to songs you don’t know very well; you probably won’t be distracted by belting the words to a familiar tune. 

Where there are higher levels of concentration required, complex tracks will definitely be more distracting than effective in boosting productivity. However, if the task is a repetitive one, music (any kind at all, really), appears to serve as a beacon of productivity support.

So does music actually boost productivity?

Not quite. 

It’s great as background instrumentals to your tedious tasks, but if you have to have some lyrics to sing along to, it serves best as a soundtrack to your busywork!

As the world continues to turn, many environmental factors reign unpredictable. 

Climate change is a major contributor to the frightening fluctuations occurring in the environment’s condition, and it’s extremely important to understand the roots of the circumstances we face (and will continue to face) together as a planet. 

Not only that, but it’s vital that we understand how the blows of these circumstances could potentially be lessened. 

Companies and corporations leave their carbon footprints in many different ways, and if you’re looking for ways to build a more solid environmental consciousness, you’re in the right place. If you’re going to start anywhere with helping the environment, the first step to take is educating yourself

Neglecting Analysis of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Greenhouse gasses are a particular type of gas that absorb and emit radiant infrared energy. The best known greenhouse gasses are carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. 

These sound familiar, don’t they? That’s because despite being naturally occurring in our atmosphere, they’re occupying it at a much higher, more harmful rate than usual.

Carbon dioxide, as previously mentioned, is a naturally occurring gas within our atmosphere, and makes up only 0.04% of it. That’s a crazy-small percentage; seemingly miniscule. 

However, its growth is much more dangerous than it seems because, according to Jason West at Science Alert, its ability to absorb heat that comes from Earth’s surface is extremely powerful. When it retains heat within the atmosphere and prevents it from escaping into space, that causes global warming at a much higher and more harmful rate than normal. 

When your company neglects a regular analysis of its greenhouse gas emissions in efforts to reduce them, it perpetuates the rate at which harmful greenhouse gasses are emitted into the atmosphere. Not only should there be a regular analysis, but there should be a plan to avoid excessive emissions.

If your company uses transportation to ship products, for example, look into ways to choose eco-friendly vehicles. What are the products enclosed in? Look into eco-friendly packaging (like switching out the styrofoam peanut box fillers for shredded paper or choosing paper-based tape).

Sourcing From Not-So-Environmentally-Friendly Suppliers

If you are sourcing product, who are you sourcing from, and are they practicing environmental mindfulness? 

According to SIG, sustainable sourcing is needed “because supply chains continue to expand globally into developing countries for lower costs and production capacity” (Schleicher, Heather). This growth raises stakeholder expectations while also exposing businesses to greater dangers. 

Anyone involved in the company, whether it be customers, employees, or labor unions, hold expectations that the company take environmental responsibility in their operations. 

These expectations are continuously growing, especially considering the current state of the world. 

Although it’s argued that sourcing one-hundred-percent environmentally-friendly product is considerably costly, it’s important that we are doing our part in maintaining supply from companies that share the same values as us. 

This means that they take precautions and care in their operations in order to honor environmental mindfulness, at least to the best of their capability. 

It is a strength that is frequently overlooked, ignored, and minimized. 

Too many people in the supply chain industry are evaluated based on cost control and reduction, frequently giving any emphasis on sustainability short shrift. Many businesses will only adopt socially conscious sourcing if it can be demonstrated to be a more economical option.

Supporting a supply chain sourcing plan that provides a chance for sustainability, fiscal responsibility, and social involvement is crucial.

A little environmental consciousness goes a long way, so be sure to prioritize it as a part of your company’s regular operations.

As the world makes headway and advances (and continues to do so) an evolving workplace is granted to be not only a naturally-occurring process but a very much necessary one. 

We as a society –  as a planet, rather – have faced collective upheaval in recent years, especially with the tumult of the pandemic. Approaching three years later, we’re beginning to see the next stages of how different environments function regularly; what is to be the new normal?

Pre-pandemic, working remotely was often, arguably, a luxury. The moment it was observed to be a feasible, regularly-occurring function of a workplace (or even an option), new possibilities began to open up. 

As strict COVID-19 regulations begin to lift and companies now weigh the best route to take in terms of requiring employees to return to the office, it’s commonly observed that many people enjoy and prefer the option to work from home (Chicago Booth). Following an initial taste of what healthy work-life balances could look like, many employees now ask themselves what would make the office more appealing to return to five days a week? 

Change is bound to happen, and it is most definitely a new age in not only everyday functions, but ways of thinking as well. 

It is suspected that as Millennials and Gen-Z begin to occupy a majority of the workforce, an emphasis on work-life balance is stressed more and more. It’s not just a preference, it’s becoming an expectation. 

An article from CNBC states that, “Executive excitement about returning to the office may suggest old-school thinking about employment,” and that it may be considered a “symbolic step in post-pandemic life” (Alex Sherman, 2022). 

Post-pandemic corporate America is likely changed forever, and it’s our job now to be forward-thinking in our approach back into the office. 

It seems as though giving workers a reason to want to be in the office is one of the best approaches to rallying people back in. What if your workplace could make just as big of a contribution to you as you make to it? 

The L.A. Times expands on this utopia of a work environment in an article about the L’Oreal West Coast headquarters.

At L’Oreal headquarters in El Segundo, they aim to lighten the load of employees’ everyday chores and will take care of tasks such as filling up their gas tanks, grabbing their laundry, or picking up their dogs from day care. Other tasks that employees might need completed are also valid requests, fulfilled for $5 an hour. 

This is all in efforts to free up employees’ time, allowing them to channel their energy into their jobs. Their workplace also houses various amenities such as a restaurant, a juice bar, and a fitness center (Roger Vincent, 2022). Talk about a work-life balance. 

Not every company can afford to provide such amenities for their employees, and that’s okay, but the point that needs stress is this: employers need to be giving their workers a reason to show up (aside from salary). 

Working from home is something that many employees were hoping to stick to post pandemic (Chicago Booth), so perhaps it’s ideal that there be a hybrid work environment. 

Many demographics experience difficulty in maintaining their personal life and need flexibility honored in their work life. For example; parents, those who rely on public transportation, those living paycheck to paycheck, caretakers, and more. 

It’s extremely important that a work-life balance be honored by employers, and this would likely boost retention rates and employee attitudes. In turn, the company is likely to see this reflected in their performance numbers.

Changes in Stride

As the world collectively takes more and more changes in stride, all corners of our lives experience the ripple effect that is collective change. Our schools, homes, and work environments are enduring drastic shifts in standards, norms, and values. It’s certainly important that we keep up with those shifts. 

The ideal work environment, however, is something that needs to be paid a little extra attention due to the fact that most of us spend so much time interacting with it, and will forever be enduring the changes that accompany it. 

As Gen-Z and Millenials flood the modern work environment, their preferences heighten in regards to eco-consciousness. 

According to a survey conducted by Fast Company, more than 70% of respondents said they were likely to make the choice to work for a company with bright sustainability standards. In fact, millennials said they were willing to take a pay cut between $5,000 and $10,000 if the company was on a green agenda. 

A different survey conducted in 2016 reported that 64% of millennials expressed a disinterest in companies that weren’t socially responsible. Nearly 75% of respondents said they’d be willing to take a smaller salary if they were able to work for a company that aligned with their values.

Why is a sustainable business important?

A sustainable business goes much deeper than simply doing the right thing for the environment; that should be the baseline. It’s more so about sustainability being a beneficial element to business function and relevance overall. It’s an attractive quality to those in search of a job with a greater purpose, not just any desk job from 9 until 5. 

Weaving environmental, economic, and social consciousness into your company’s function leads to a thriving, diversified community for today and for the future. The first step to leaving a healthy, properly-functioning planet to future generations is recognizing that raw materials are limited and should be consumed responsibly.

We are now consuming these resources at levels that are unsustainable, and we are also generating pollutants and greenhouse gasses that will cause global temperatures to rise by more than the 1.5°C threshold set forth in the Paris Agreement in 2015.

What makes a company sustainable?

Recognize the facts.

As an individual, you must first recognize the sociological impacts that climate change plays among different communities of people. Climate change disproportionately affects different groups of people in different ways, hitting marginalized groups of people harder than others due to economic and racial disparity. 

Lower economic classes are forced to live in unethical living conditions with limited adaptive capacity, so they don’t have the resources to adapt to extreme weather events like others might.

Being mindful of this alone can help you set goals thoughtfully, keeping in mind a broader idea of who will be affected directly. 

Set sustainability goals.

The first thing a company should do is to set strategic priorities to determine what areas need to be focused on in setting sustainable development targets. Then, clarify stakeholder expectations – this should help narrow down your sustainability targets. 

Over time, your goals’ progress will be tracked and any required modifications can be set in place as needed. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) can help in this process and in making certain of a framework in place for review.

Collaborate and innovate.

Embracing a circular economy means that you’re embracing the fact that resources are finite and need to be shared. Understanding where your business’s waste ends up (if any) is a key in this element: who will your company affect in its operations, even outside of your clients and consumers? Forward-thinking is your key in maximizing long-term sustainability. 

For example, a circular economy can rest easy upon the foundations of products that are designed with the end-life kept in mind. They can be reused, repaired, upgraded, and recycled.

You’re on your way.

If you can incorporate these three simple elements into your business model, you too can become a more sustainable company. Sustainable operations in a business isn’t just a luxury, it’s a standard – and progressively, a widely achievable one.

Here’s why it’s important.

All facets of our life are influenced by the ripple effect of environmental change as the world takes more and more changes in stride. Standards, norms, and values are drastically changing in our workplaces, families, and schools (and they will continue to change). 

We are now left without a choice but to be aware of and act on such changes.

One change occurring in this moment and that will continue to occur for years to come is the workforce landscape, welcoming a new generation in: Gen-Z. 

As Gen-Z and Millennials dominate the contemporary workplace, their preferences in terms of companies either holding or withholding environmental concern grows.

In a Fast Company study, more than 70% of participants stated they were inclined to choose to work for an organization with high sustainability standards. In fact, millennials claimed they would be open to a wage decrease if the business pursued a green business strategy.

According to a separate poll done in 2016, 64% of millennials voiced an aversion for businesses that weren’t socially conscious. In order to work for a firm that shared their beliefs, over 75% of respondents stated they would be prepared to accept a lower wage.

Realizing that raw materials are finite and ought to be utilized wisely is the first step in ensuring that future generations inherit a healthier planet.

The rate at which we are currently consuming these resources is unsustainable. We’re producing pollutants and greenhouse gasses that will push global temperatures over the 1.5°C limit outlined in the Paris Agreement in 2015.

Here’s what you can do about it.

1. Source sustainably.

At all possible opportunities, sourcing from sustainable, local sources is one of the best ways to take environmentally-conscious initiatives.

A sustainable manufacturer might look like someone who utilizes recycled or renewable materials, or is conscious of their own consumption and who it affects. Not only are they conscious of who their consumption affects, but they actively implement their standards into their function. 

2. Be conscious of your consumption.

Everything down to the nitty-gritty. Things like water and energy are things commonly overlooked by companies despite their scarcity. 

According to CNBC, more than 25% of water consumption is attributed to businesses and other institutions in metropolitan areas. Installing things such as low-flow water valves or simply identifying leaks on a regular basis are initiatives you can take to pursue a greener agenda. 

Each year, more than $60 billion is spent on energy costs in the United States. Not only could you save your business’s money by reducing energy costs, but save your carbon footprint from trekking further than necessary. Energy-efficient appliances might be costly up-front, but by saving energy, they will in turn save you money. Put your lights on a timer, or let them be prompted by motion activity.

3. Sort correctly.

If you weren’t already, make sure you make it a priority to recycle. Not only recycle, but to sort your recyclables properly. Materials such as aluminum, paper, electronics, and food scraps all have a place, and it’s important that we make sure they end up where they belong.

4. Network, network, network.

This is a great way to not only share your sustainability initiatives with others, but to gain inspiration on ways you can better support your green agenda. 

By building sustainable partnerships, you naturally not only become a more forward-thinking company, but become a place that people not only wish to consume from, but to work for. 

5. Mind who’s affected.

There are also sociological elements at play with climate change that every individual should be mindful of in any economically friendly pursuit. Often overlooked, these sociological elements are something that likely will not go away in time, especially if they are continuously neglected. 

Climate change disproportionately affects different groups of people in different ways, hitting marginalized groups of people harder than others due to economic and racial disparity. 

Lower economic classes are forced to live in unethical living conditions with limited adaptive capacity, so they don’t have the resources to adapt to extreme weather events like others might.

Operating your business with this in mind might prompt you to consider exactly whom your company affects, and in what ways. Hopefully, you can mitigate the negative effects of your business, if any. This is just as effective of a sustainable initiative as any other.

For decades, companies have been filling floors of their buildings with the highest-grade office furniture. Acclaimed names such as Herman Miller, Steelcase, or Knoll lay across thousands of square feet of office space, all of which are made to last nearly fifteen years.

Here’s the issue:

A company’s lease tends to cap out between five to seven years, with furniture that’s built to last double or even triple their lease time. When it comes time for companies to clear out their space, they most often have no other choice than to toss their furniture, because who wants to sell – or even buy, for that matter– 5,000 task chairs from someone on Craigslist?

Here’s one solution:

Reseat. 

This very platform allows buyers and sellers of lightly used high-end furniture to connect directly, and is equipped with all the tools and professional help you’ll need to get the job done. 

Great office furniture is built to last, so why shouldn’t you be a part of the solution? Sometimes, however, your furniture on hand is damaged or doesn’t qualify to be sold on our platform.

Sometimes, your products cannot be sold on Reseat. It happens. So what do we do?

Upon the initial purchase of any product, we often overlook the specific materials used in its production. Whether or not the materials are recyclable is typically something asked further down the road when we’re ready to toss it. 

When it comes to office furniture specifically, the recycling process can be difficult to manage if you’re unable to sell it on Reseat. parts end up being relatively jumbled up, making it difficult to decipher between what’s recyclable and what’s not. If it ever comes time to break it down, here’s what’s recyclable:

• Steel
• Aluminum
• Iron
• Tin
• Metal containers
• Glass
• Wood
• Some fabrics such as polyester

If you find that some of your pieces are considered defective, look out for these materials, alongside recycling standards in your area to determine what materials within your inventory can be given a second go at life. 

If you need a hand or a second set of eyes (or third, fourth, or fifth), we’re here to help you throughout your second-life journey.