In the past I have been skeptical of companies implementing green policies purely for PR purposes rather than them actually caring about the environment. I'm not a tree hugger but do consider myself to be a 'green' person. I use public transport everyday, the car only once a week, recycle everything I can and rarely indulge in air travel and other high polluting activities.
I have been impressed with Playgroup’s efforts in trying to cut down on paper usage and recycling of materials in particular. So now that I have left Playgroup as a full time employee I thought I would see how my new company shapes up.
I must say I was shocked when I arrived. It soon became apparent that no one is allowed a personal bin, a fan or a heater (the heater I hid under my desk was soon confiscated). There are 5 different recycling bins on each floor and woe betide anyone who puts the wrong item in the wrong bin, as someone on floor 2 found out the other day. A gentle reminder was sent to everyone in the company that Heinz Big Soup cans should be washed before being disposed of.
I thought I was living in a military camp for the first week, but I have to give credit to my new colleagues - everyone seems to follow these processes rigidly and practically everything is recycled. Bins are emptied at least once a day and I'm sure once I get used to the system it will become second nature. I do find having to walk halfway across the office to dispose of a piece of rubbish tedious though.
It is encouraging that companies are taking green policies seriously and I find it makes you as an individual more responsible when you see your company making such as effort.
