The Guide to Creating a Healthy Workspace A “greener� workday will mean a healthier, more focused and more confident you! Your office will be a more pleasant and productive environment, and will likely, positively, affect the bottom line. So, don't hide under your desk. The world needs a raise, and likely you do too. Content, product testing and layout by Borden Communications + Design
What did you want to be when you grew up? Do you remember when you were a kid and you thought you could do anything? You still can. Despite your age, or where you fall on the ecospectrum, your actions have an impact, so make it positive for all of us that share your world. Whether you're the boss or the employee, whether you sit at a desk, stand in a store or stay at home, you can change the world while you work (which, consequently, is truly, impressive multitasking). Your office might have already gone “green” or you may still be waiting to be given the “green” light. Regardless, you have the power to be a catalyst for more change. Even though your days are cluttered and perhaps even overwhelming, if you focus on these 8 tactics, you will change the world while you take care of business. As a bonus (which we all deserve), you will save time, save money and save your health.
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS 8 tactics to change the world while you work 1. Lighten your commute. We spend five to seven percent of our lives in transit. If you have to travel to work, make your commute easier on you, your wallet and our environment. Don't drive if you don't have to, and instead take public transit, walk or ride a bike. The cheapest liter of gas is the one you don't buy, and you'll save on parking too. 2. Make your own + take your own. Where to start? Perhaps it's as simple as making your own coffee at home in a reusable travel mug. If you do choose to stop at your local café and get a snack, refuse the napkin, don't take the bag that becomes garbage immediately, or take your own reusable “baggie”. Stash reusable cutlery in your desk drawer, tote a high quality stainless steel water bottle around (refill with tap water often), take your own lunch, and if you do takeout, skip the ketchup packet, straw and paper napkin. And, take your own containers. Really. People might stare, but I guarantee, you'll start a trend pretty quickly. If you are saving money, saving time, eating healthier and helping the planet, how can you lose? Exactly. 3. Boycott something. Your consumer decisions matter. Every single one of them. Decide to ban something perhaps disposable coffee cups or paper clips. Take a stand, stay strong, and leverage the power of people to spark a workplace revolution. 4. Smile at Someone. Do you believe that smiling makes you feel good, provides stress relief, and leads to good health? It sounds hokey, but it's actually backed by some serious research. We spend so much time staring at our computer screens and handheld gizmos that we need to look at other people more and make them smile too. 5. Demand less supply. Why do you need an entire box of toxic pens? Try keeping 3 pens in your possession at a time. I have found that I keep track of them more and the mystery of the vanishing pen no longer is a daily occurrence. Encourage your office to order only what is required, and, purchase from responsible companies making responsible products. Paper made from post-consumer waste (although the more you do online the better), ink cartridges that are recycled, pvc-free pens and stapleless staplers among other supplies all make a big difference when we all choose to use (or not use) them. 6. Trash The Can. When you throw things away, where do you think "away" is? There is no such place. Reuse what you can and CUT BACK. If you look at the overflowing city garbage cans you might have noticed that it's mostly individual or fast food packaging, coffee cups, straws, paper bags and drink bottles all of which we can use less of. Choose to use small trash cans in your office and encourage smart recycling and composting policies and procedures. 7. Turn it off. Sure, we all work hard, but why are all of those office building lights still on at 3 am? Your cell phone charger that is plugged in (even when it's not charging), the wireless printer that is always on (we see that glowing light) and that computer you never shut down are all offenders in the perpetual energy (and bank account) drain. Unplug, people! Get power strips with an on/off switch, and turn it off when you turn off. 8. Find a champion…or be one. Inspire your workplace to institute policies. Take action to reform the food served, and the way food is brought into the office or meetings. A passionate, informed, persuasive and committed champion can be an effective cheerleader and major force in creating healthier and happier workplaces.
Get Ergonomic
Have you heard that sitting is the new smoking?
If you’re working indoors, the Earthing mat is
It’s time to get up off your seat and do something
one of the easiest ways to connect to the Earth’s
to increase your energy, health, and productivity -
natural energy for great health benefits. This mat
STAND! This desk easily adjusts with you to move
can be used on your desk under the keyboard and
up and down to your preferred working height.
mouse, or on the floor with bare feet contact.
Adjustable Sit-Stand Desk www.varidesk.com
Earthing Universal Mat www.earthing.com
With so much business done over the phone,
This India-inspired chair brings the benefits of
make sure you aren’t absorbing EMF’s all day.
cross-legged sitting to the office. It’s leg support
Studies show that you absorb 50-60% of
adjustments give tight hips an opportunity to
radiation from mobile devices, so try headphones
relax and open. And yes, you can also sit
to keep it at a distance from your body and brain.
comfortably with your feet on the floor.
Head Phones www.thehouseofmarley.ca
Sukhasana Chair www.sukhasana.com
www.lisabordenworks.com
Flow Free
Fight fatigue naturally with this easy to use roll-
Experience the benefits of acupressure by simply
on remedy. Revitalizing peppermint, uplifting
sitting or standing on this mat to stimulate reflex
lemon, stimulating rosemary and refreshing
points throughout the body. It helps to ease
bergamot will help keep your energy up, reduce
tension, reduce stress, and improve energy levels.
tension, and encourage mental focus.
Bonus? It takes no extra time out of your day.
Saje Energy Boost Revitalizing Energy www.saje.ca
Spoonk Mat www.spoonkspace.com
Back pain is one of the most common ergonomic
Muscle stiffness and weight gain are likely results
related injuries in the workplace. Stretching can
from sitting at a desk all day, every day. Taking a
help keep your muscles from getting tight,
much needed break to bounce on a rebounder
allowing you to maintain proper posture, which
can help you loosen up your mind and your
will reduce or keep away those aches and pains.
muscles, and help you burn calories too!
WovnBranch Yoga Mat www.wovnbranch.com
Bellicon Rebounder http://bit.ly/1mjfiIF
www.lisabordenworks.com
Clean Up
Most commercial cleaners pollute our space with
Sipping water throughout the work day helps us
chemicals that we inhale and absorb all day long
stay healthy, focused, and alert. From the tap is
(causing headaches, itchy skin, and much more).
easiest and best. Simply drop in a lump of Kishu
Microfibre cloths and water do a remarkable job,
charcoal to filter lead, mercury, copper, cadmium
and you can easily make your own truly natural
and chlorine, leaving us with only the good stuff.
and smart cleaners with safe ingredients.
Charcoal Water Filter www.kishucharcoal.com
Humans use about 27,000 trees daily for toilet
Make less garbage and turn your lunch scraps
paper. That’s a lot of trees! Caboo instead uses
and food waste into nutrient dense compost
sugarcane and bamboo which helps to minimize
fertilizer that you can use for an office garden.
the effects of deforestation, keeping us and our
The Ultra is easy to use, automatic, energy
conscience clean too.
efficient, and emits no trashy odours.
Caboo Bathroom Tissue www.caboopaper.com
Nature Mill Composter http://amzn.to/1pJ9b1D
www.lisabordenworks.com
Don’t Offend WELCOME TO OUR
Scent-Free Zone
No one wants to offend their office mates or
Scented products contain chemicals which can
customers with offensive hygiene. Combat body
aggravate health problems, and cause reactions
odor with this safe and effective deodorant
in many, including those with allergies, asthma
created by an MD that contains natural antiseptic
and environmental illness. Download this poster
agents like neem oil and pure essential oils.
to announce your office is a Scent-Free Zone!
Leaves of Trees Deodorant www.leavesoftrees.com
Scent-Free Zone Poster http://ow.ly/xc3n2
A great air purifier can help protect you and your
The best decor (in our opinion) is also living and
colleagues against bacteria, viruses, mildew,
functional. This beautiful, air-cleaning, low-
mould, dust mite allergens, pet allergens, pollen
maintenance aloe vera plant is in a stylish,
and tobacco odors in your workplace. Just plug it
indoor, self-watering planter that helps to keep it
in, and this tiny unit will take care of the rest.
happily watered for extended periods of time.
Air Purifier http://amzn.to/UOhHUo
Self-Watering Planters www.youngurbanfarmers.com
www.lisabordenworks.com
Make it Notable
It’s great that so many organizations are moving
Whether you need to scribble a reminder, sign a
towards paper-free, but for the times you need to
contract, or handwrite a thank you note, it’s
put pen to paper, choose something responsible
always good practice to have a great pen handy.
like this notebook made in Canada with 100%
These eye catching pens are made with recycled
post consumer recycled paper and vegetable inks.
kraft paper and printed with eco-friendly inks.
Ecojot Journals www.ecojot.com
Jonesy Paper Pens www.jonesy.ca
This case is smart enough to actually enhance
Post office notifications on this funky tackboard
your iPad's performance. It is engineered with
made with recycled rubber, which naturally
twin antenna technology to help increase the
resists most chemicals and microbes, and is also
range and upload speed, and also helps to reduce
really easy to clean. With a 50 year guarantee, it’s
your exposure to wireless energy.
likely it will work there longer than you.
Pong Case www.pongcase.com
Rubber-Tak Tackboard www.moorecoinc.com
www.lisabordenworks.com
Stash Snacks
Of course you need a stash of cookies at work!
This isn’t your ordinary chocolate bar. This is a
These taste like you should feel really guilty
delicious, handmade, organic, wild heirloom,
eating them, but there’s no need to! They’re
raw, dark chocolate bar, full of the most nutrient
vegan, organic, gluten-free, refined sugar-free,
dense foods on the planet. These aren’t empty
and no artificial anything. Best. Cookies. Ever.
calories, only real ingredients for real energy.
Doug McNish Super Scoops www.dougmcnish.com
Giddy Yoyo Chocolate Bars www.giddyyoyo.com
Satisfy your craving for something sweet or
Are you sure you know what you’re chewing on?
savory with these crunchy, raw, vegan, gmo-free,
Thank goodness for Simply Gum, that’s vegan,
gluten-free snacks. Various superfood flavours
and free of gluten, aspartame, BHT, and toxins.
taste great with some avocado, seed butter,
They handcraft flavours that are natural, subtly
coconut jam, or just enjoy plain on their own!
sweet and actually last. A seriously great chew!
Nud Fud www.nudfud.com
Simply Gum www.simplygum.com
www.lisabordenworks.com
Drink Well
Take a break to enjoy a hot cup of antioxidant
Make and bring your own delicious power
rich, organic, fair-trade, loose leaf green tea. It’s
smoothies! It’s the easiest and quickest way to
active ingredient, EGCG, helps burn fat and
get a serving of fruits and vegetables, plus
balances blood sugar to prevent fatigue,
healthy add ins like good fats and proteins to
irritability, and cravings for unhealthy foods.
keep you going strong all day. Cheers to that!
Rishi Tea www.rishi-tea.com
Your Guide to Incredible Smoothies Http://bit.ly/1nEXpcn
Staying hydrated can improve your productivity
Lion’s Mane mushroom is amazing support for a
and mental alertness, and prevent fatigue. Leave
healthy brain and nervous system. Pour a pouch
a glass on your desk with a beautiful, glass straw
of this good tasting instant beverage into hot or
and don’t be surprised to catch your colleagues
cold water and sip for increased memory and
checking out your cool and functional accessory.
concentration, and to help boost creativity.
Strawesome Glass Straws www.strawesome.com
Four Sigma Foods www.foursigmafoods.com
www.lisabordenworks.com
Travel Smart
To carry your necessities to and from work, you
You aren’t stuck in traffic, you ARE traffic! Get out
want something stylish enough to go with your
of it, and use the public transit system to get you
office attire and functional enough to withstand
to and from your destination. You can sit back,
the commute. This bag does both, plus it’s made
read the paper, do the crossword, meet new
from funky, locally sourced, upcycled materials.
friends, save money and the environment, and let someone else do the driving!
Totem Bags www.totembags.ca
When public transit isn’t an option, organize a
Avoid the drive-through by filling up before you
carpool with your coworkers to commute
head out. The café cap is perfect for sipping your
together. You can split the fuel costs, and
morning brew on the go, or pop on a leakproof
minimize environmental costs. It’s also a great
lid to safely transport your tea or coffee (and
way to get to know each other on another level.
keep it hot!) until you’re ready to enjoy!
Carpool Zone www.carpoolzone.smartcommute.ca
Klean Kanteen Www.kleankanteen.com
www.lisabordenworks.com
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