Sometimes the idea of saving the environment can seem like a daunting and almost impossible task. However, there are many things that employees can do in their daily life that can make a big difference.

1. Reusable water bottles and travel mugs:

Buying water can be a drain on your wallet and the environment, but there’s an easy alternative to save both. If your office has a Pure Water filling station, a water filter, or if the tap water is fine to drink, buy a refillable bottle to keep yourself hydrated and your pockets full. Bring a travel mug and use your office coffee machine, or the fill-your-own option at your favourite coffee shop.

2. Recycled and reusable writing utensils

Many people don’t think of pens and mechanical pencils when it comes to plastic waste. They either get lost, or end up in the trash as another wasted plastic product. Using pens made out of recycled materials, or ones that can easily have their ink cartridges replaced will help out with the amount of plastic waste.

3. Buying lunch? if you can carry it, leave the bag behind

Everything about take-out is unsustainable, from the containers to the bag it comes in. Most of the time, that bag is used to transport the food and then immediately thrown in the trash. If you can carry your food back to the office without a bag, then do it! That is one less opportunity for a plastic bag to end up in the ocean. Try leaving a reusable bag and utensils at work for your lunch time journey.

4. Think before you print and reuse paper wherever possible

Don’t let paper pile up! Digitize your files, and only print when it is completely necessary. Hard drives and programs like Dropbox and Google Drive are great ways to organize and share files without printing. Paper is double sided. So instead of throwing away a mistake print or a one-sided document, simply flip it over and use the opposite side as scrap.

5. Desk plants

Tons of plants are desk friendly and can help purify the air in the office. They are also very cute and allow you to have a little bit of your own aesthetic in the workplace. An even bigger bonus — studies show that plants improve your overall health.

6. Shut it off

When you leave your workspace, be sure to use power-saving modes on electronic devices and turn off computers wherever possible.The digital world can be great, but it has to run on energy. Energy usage, both non- and renewable, can add up to cause strain on resources.

Habits, once settled, are known to be hard to give up. Consciously doing these little things over and over will eventually turn them into subconscious acts that have a big impact on your own wellbeing, your company’s work environment, and sustainability on a global scale. Take the lead and your fellow employees will follow suit.

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Until recently, tossing electronics, or recycling them was not something that we’ve had to think critically about. As product life shortens and the need for “the upgrade” grows, we no longer need them to be in ill repair to purchase the next best version.

Recycle bins have been placed around the island to encourage the recycling of tin and glass. Bins are placed in businesses like AF Smith’s for used ink and toner cartridges, used batteries are accepted in grocery stores, pharmacies, hardware stores and service stations across the island. Bermudians are left wondering how to dispose of their old phones, or laptops, and are only really presented with one option — the dump. It’s time to start thinking critically about electronic waste (or e-waste) disposal.

Fortunately, the Tynes Bay Facility has a separate area for e-waste drop off. It is encouraging to know that household items — paper, cardboard, plastic and food waste — are turned into energy that helps power the island. E-waste, on the other hand, can be detrimental to the environment if not treated properly. And unfortunately, for some, having to store and take e-waste to Palmetto Road for disposal can be seen as an inconvenience, and result in someone deciding to just throw a device in the trash.

How can we fix this?

Bermuda business has an opportunity to get involved in helping to keep Bermuda beautiful. When we look internationally, we see that fully functioning unwanted phones, computers and cameras are simply returned to the stores where they are refurbished, stripped for parts or properly disposed of. There is an opening, possibly an idea for a start-up to bring a new industry to the island that is good for the environment, the ecosystem, Bermuda’s world of work, and everyone’s wellbeing. If we can do it with bikes and cars, we definitely can do it with electronic devices.

Having specialized bins for computers in businesses across the island can ensure that these items end up where they are supposed to be. They can be given a new life, vetted for used parts, and create an appreciation for reselling. Plus, having these bins around could bring in an unassuming customer.

As the island grows with the world, so does its level of tech use, meaning instant gratification and convenience are more in demand. It’s important that our knowledge as a collective stays parallel. Plead with your local businesses to take those little steps further to protect the island. It’s in all of our best interest.

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Nutrient rich soils fuel the growth of sturdy plants. Vigorous plants produce hearty flowers and wholesome foods. And the healthy diets derived from these add vitamins and minerals to nourish the body and sustain it.

So the building of robust bodies begins in the garden, where composted materials — those dead things — act like a supplement to the soil. Compost, or the decomposition of kitchen and yard waste proves the cycle of life and death by rebirthing in rich dark matter. When added to the soil, compost allows it to breathe freer and retain moisture longer. Plants require less watering.

The home gardener might choose a freestanding compost pile, or purchase a compost bin.

Kent Brazier of Horti-Tec Holding Company prefers a ground compost pile to a closed unit. According to Mr. Brazier, such a set-up allows more air to circulate and offers better viewing and management. He suggests covering the pile with a tarpaulin, which will protect it from adverse weather conditions and keep it reasonably dry. Removable sideboards would help contain the material.

“Heat is the working mechanism,” Mr. Brazier said.

He said temperatures at the center of the compost reach between 50 and 70 degrees Celsius (122 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit). Turning and evenly spreading the material ensures uniform decomposition.

Scavengers should not cause concern.

“When it gets hot, there’s nothing for (rats) to eat,” Mr. Brazier said. “They won’t go anywhere near it.”

While a tarp over a ground pile could easily be breeched by a determined set of teeth, the closed structure of a compost bin prevents entry.

Trent Smith of Aberfeldy Nurseries said: “[A] compost pile is easier to work with… [But a] bin contains it, keeps cats and frogs away, rodents also.”

He noted the importance of location and said a slight odor might initially be noticeable “until the decay is down.”

According to Mr. Smith, you can put broccoli leaves, grass cuttings and vegetative leftovers into the bin.

But see www.epa.gov and www.earthmachine.com, for compost needs an equal amount of greens (nitrogen rich material like fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, crushed egg shells) and browns (carbon-rich material like crumbed stale bread, coffee filters, dried grass). These should be alternated in moist and dry layers and topped with a layer of soil, which according to www.eartheasy.com will mask any odor.

“Stay away from onions and garlic because the beneficial microbes won’t like it,” Mr. Smith said. “They’re the things that speed up the process of decay and break down the matter that you put in the compost bins.”

According to the Eartheasy website, banana peels, peach peels and orange rinds should also be avoided, due to possible pesticide residue.

Mr. Smith said:  “It’s all up to the individual because some of them do contain pesticide.  Everything is a personal choice… You’ve got to go with what works [for] you. Everybody will write the book differently.”

Earth Machine composters are available in one size only from the Public Works Department at $80 each. They measure 32” high and 32” across the base.

To reserve your Earth Machine, pay the fee at Public Works on the third floor of the General Post Office building in Hamilton.

When you receive your receipt, call 278-0563 or email [email protected] for an appointment. You will be told where and when to collect your compost bin, and at that time will receive instructions on how to properly assemble and efficiently use it.

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