A recent survey of office workers in the United Kingdom (UK) found that 8 percent do not advocate recycling and other environmentally friendly initiatives because they are afraid of being labeled as “toadies” or “goody-goodies.”
The survey was commissioned by Avery Dennison Corporation in conjunction with UK Green Office Week, from May 9 through May 13—an award-winning initiative that the Brea, California-based office product manufacturer has championed for the past three years,
Indeed, the results of the poll indicated that a number of factors, including office politics, prevent people from being greener at work:
-- Almost one- third (32 percent) think senior management has most responsibility for ensuring an office is green
-- A quarter of office workers (24 percent) highlighted a lack of encouragement as a reason why they and their colleagues were not greener in the office
-- Nineteen percent said there was too much effort involved-- Eighteen percent referred to cost
-- Sixteen percent blamed a lack of information on how to go about it
-- Only one-third (33 percent) are confident their managers understand the practical steps that can make an office greener
Yet, despite the many “it’s not my job” justifications, the survey, conducted for Avery by YouGov poll, found that just over half (52 percent) of office workers accept being green as a responsibility to be shared among staff, management and the government—and 50 percent have become more environmentally concerned this year.
Nearly six out of ten (57 percent) office workers believe a greener workplace can save money—and they are taking greater responsibility for saving on supplies and power in 2011 because of the economy.
Nearly half (47 percent) of office workers in the UK said their offices have actively become greener as a result of the economic downturn, with staff putting more effort into recycling, choosing double-sided printing, turning off unused lights, and saving on heating and air conditioning bills.
Other eco-friendly actions included re-using cardboard boxes (42 percent), choosing recycled stationery products (20 percent), and finding uses for shredded paper (14 percent).
Cheryl Kaften is an accomplished communicator who has written for consumer and corporate audiences. She has worked extensively for MasterCard (News - Alert) Worldwide, Philip Morris USA (Altria), and KPMG, and has consulted for Estee Lauder and the Philadelphia Inquirer Newspapers. To read more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.Edited by
Rich Steeves
