What is it?

Emotions are powerful drivers of behaviour. When people connect deeply with a value, it can help them overcome barriers to change. Consider working with an artist to create an installation in your workplace, such as in the lobby. A striking visual piece can work as a reminder and generate emotions about the the impact of plastic waste.

This works well in your program if:

• You identified that your staff strongly value environmental protection/plastic reduction in your staff survey

• You have a budget available to use to fund program initiatives or if you have the capability for a fun and creative activity which can engage staff.

How to implement

There could be some talented staff on your team who could collectively create a low budget art installation, ideally made with repurposed materials that could be a talking point. Alternatively, engage a local artist who aligns with your values.

What is it?

Employee of the week/month awards highlight the importance of recognition. Recognising those who 'go above and beyond' fosters a positive workplace culture and promotes respect and mutual appreciation. Awards need not be costly - take your cue from your workplace culture and be creative with it.

This works well in your program if:

Your workplace shares a community spirit and staff respond well to recognition.

How to implement

Encourage staff to nominate peers, then share award winners internally via a regular newsletter or memo/email.

What is it?

Decals are large stickers that work in much the same way as physical posters. When placed in high traffic areas, such as just inside security gates, they can serve as a final prompt to staff as they are leaving the building. Decals can be any size, however large decals can act as a point of interest and generate conversation.

This works well in your program if:

Staff surveys show staff have a hard time remembering to BYO cup.

Considerations

Ensure floor decals have a non-slip rating of at least R9, but check with your OHS team. Stickers may cause marks when removed, check with the printers on removing residue.

How to implement

Connect with a local printer to obtain design specifications and a quote.

What is it?

Screensavers pop up frequently during the day, adding another visual reminder. If your office has many computers, each time someone steps away it will serving as a visual reminder to other staff nearby

This works well in your program if:

• Your staff identify ‘forgetting their reusable cup’ as a top barrier to change.

• In an office environment where most staff have computers.

How to implement

Design a simple but striking screensaver and gain approval to implement it. You may need your IT department to assist, or work with staff to change it themselves (depending on your workplace).

What is it?

Gifting reusable cups or other items to staff is a great way to help staff transition away from single-use packaging. This is especially useful for those who don’t already have a reusable cup or often forget to bring one.

This works well in your program if:

• Your staff survey identifies ‘forgetting their reusable cup’ as a top barriers to change

• Your staff don’t have their own reusable cups

Considerations

You will need to source the cups and location, and create a procedure on how the library is managed, who washes the cups, and who returns them to the library. 

How to implement

See "Action 4. Logistics' for how to implement this.

What is it?

In-office coffee machines provide a high quality alternative to barista made coffee for staff who often forget to bring their own cups. It’s also great for staff looking to save money by cutting down on their coffee purchases.

This works well in your program if:

• Your observational surveys show a large number of staff having takeaway coffees in single-use cups

• Your waste audit shows a large number of single-use cups

• Staff surveys reveal that staff often forget to bring their own cups to the office

Considerations

• You will need to provide the coffee, milk and filters, and regularly replace these.

• Machines with coffee pods generate waste. Use machines with a detachable portafilter.

• Someone needs to be in charge of cleaning (this is very quick in higher quality machines).

How to implement

These can be purchased and set up in your office kitchen.

What is it?

A selection of cups or mugs that staff can borrow and return, placed in a specified location (e.g. kitchen, trolley near elevators). 

This works well in your program if:

• Observational surveys show very little BYO

• Employee surveys show staff have a hard time remembering to BYO cup

Considerations

You will need to source the cups and location, and create a procedure on how the library is managed, who washes the cups, and who returns them to the library. 

How to implement

See Guide 'Instructions on how to set up a mug library, available in Downloads below. 

What is it?

A regular staff newsletter is a great way to communicate your program initiatives. If you already have a newsletter, reserve a spot, or create a newsletter specific to the program. As well as sharing information, you can use it to share tips, memes, videos, and photos of staff/departments championing reuse.

This works well in your program if:

• You already have an internal newsletter or the ability to set one up.

• You have a number of program initiatives you need to promote.

How to implement

To make creating newsletters easier, design an eye-catching template. See our 'Newsletter Example' in Downloads below. Including a link in senior leadership emails is a great way to ensure staff read them.

What is it?

‘A picture tells a thousand words’ and staff seeing others engaging in the behaviour you want to normalise is a powerful way to create engagement, recognition and promote lasting change.

This works well in your program if:

Photos of staff can be taken and shared internally.

Considerations

Make sure you have the correct permissions.

How to implement

Circulate photos of staff in internal newsletters, notice boards etc. 

What is it?

A plastic-free pledge is a commitment that staff make about an action they’d like to take to reduce their plastic use. This may be via an online platform, or verbally. Making a pledge helps to build accountability and increases the likelihood of following through on their commitment.

This works well in your program if:

Your staff have high knowledge of plastic problems and solutions, and high drive to change, as identified in your staff survey

Considerations

Aligning with Plastic Free July (an initiative that inspires millions to cut down on single-use plastics for the month of July and beyond) can help strengthen the cause. Remember, it can take a while to form a habit, so ensure your pledge runs for at least a month to set staff up for lasting change.

How to implement

Decide on the format of the pledge and include it into your communications strategy.

What is it?

Strategically placed signage is an excellent prompt for changing habits. Posters designed to remind staff to remember their cups can be placed at lift lobbies, security gates and behind toilet doors.

This works well in your program if:

Your staff identify ‘forgetting their reusable cup’ as a top barrier to change

How to implement

We have provided some template posters in the Downloads below.

What is it?

Social networks are an important component of behaviour change. When a respected leader within a group models a sustainable behaviour, other people are more likely to join in. Create a video interviewing your respected leader endorsing the program and modelling the behaviour. They could be interacting with the mug library, or have a cup showing on their desk in the interview. If a video isn’t an option, consider other ways to show leadership support, such as a memo or program mention in meetings.

This works well in your program if:

• There is strong interest in sustainability within senior management

• Employee connection with senior leadership is positive and strong

Considerations

You will need a person in house able to film and edit videos, or have the budget to outsource this.

How to implement

We have provided a draft Filming Brief Template in the Downloads section. Use this to create your own brief/script, then arrange for someone suitable to film and edit.

What is it?

Competitions are a great way to encourage new habits. A reusable cup challenge can be designed to suit your workplace, with the goal of getting as many people as possible to use reusable cups - and whoever uses the most, wins. Team competitions work particularly well, with departments or floors competing against each other.

This works well in your program if:

• Staff at your workplace are driven by healthy competition

• 'Low motivation to start' is a barrier identified in your staff survey

How to implement

You could set up a tally where each floor or department gets a point per reusable cup used. You can ask your 'Reuse Champions' to help. Each month announce the winner in your newsletter. Prizes are optional.

What is it?

Policies set a organisational expectations and a set of values by which it operates. Consider creating a workplace-wide policy to outline your organisation’s goals and expectations around reusable food ware. This document can include targets for reducing single-use plastics and goals for achieving 100% reusables, as well as supporting requirements, such as using caterers who provide reusable food ware.

This works well in your program if:

• Sustainability is part of your organisations ethos

• Senior management are highly supportive of the program

Considerations

This action is a higher level action that requires higher level consideration, as it may affect more than the actions of just this program.

What is it?

Soda streams are carbonation devices that are used to add fizz to water and come with reusable bottles. They give employees an opportunity to enjoy cold, carbonated beverages without the single-use container. They can be paired with flavoured syrups.

This works well in your program if:

• Your observational surveys show lots of staff bringing in single-use soda bottles

• Your waste audit counts for single-use drink containers are high

Considerations

You will need to replace the gas cannisters and syrups regularly. A system can be set up to monitor this.

How to implement

These can be purchased and set up in your office kitchen.

What is it?

Staff discounts are a good way to help kick-start positive new habits. If there is a supportive cafe nearby, you can partner with them. This initiative should be set up early and run for several months. Note that when discounts end, positive new behaviours can revert. A discount should be accompanied by other program initiatives that help build lasting habits.

This works well in your program if:

• You have a supportive cafe in or near your building that your staff frequent

• You have identified cost or low motivation as a barrier in your employee survey

• You have a budget available to fund program initiatives

Considerations

It’s recommended that your workplace fund the discount by reimbursing the cafe or providing an upfront budget. Discounts of around 50c typically work best. Staff can be identified through security cards or other means (ie. loyalty cards).

How to implement

See "Action 4. Cafe Engagement' for how to implement this.

What is it?

A team volunteer day fosters camaraderie and reinforces social norms around environmental protection. Activities like cleaning up a local park also help normalise plastic waste reduction in the workplace. Australia has many non-profits that organise clean-up days—joining one is an easy way to get involved. Alternatively, start your own regular clean-up activity. It will make a positive impact in your local community and possibly generate some good news and publicity.

This works well in your program if:

• Your staff survey shows your team strongly value environmental protection

• Team building activities are encouraged in your workplace

Considerations

• Volunteer activities are typically held outside work hours, but you could choose to organise them during work time.

• You will need equipment, including OHS.

How to implement

The Clean up Australia Day website has some excellent resources to help you.