English Department's Green Office Proves to be Sustainable

The Green Office Program is a certification process that encourages FSU employees to identify and implement sustainable practices in their workplace. By recognizing offices for their sustainability achievements, this program plays a vital role in fostering a culture of environmental consciousness throughout the campus community. Florida State University's commitment to sustainability is clearly outlined in its Strategic Plan. Goal VI, Excellence and Education, explicitly states the university's intention to integrate sustainable living practices into all FSU activities. The Green Office Program aligns perfectly with this goal, allowing departments and offices to contribute to FSU's larger sustainability vision. 

The office became Gold Certified in 2019 and has continued the program since. Victoria Hopkins, an Academic Support Assistant in the English Department, took the initiative to immediately be a part of the Green Team upon starting her job. While acknowledging the challenges that come with incorporating sustainability into their daily routine, she recognized the importance of their efforts. 

“I was feeling down about the environment, which is easy to feel with the current state of everything, but sitting down with them and talking about what we can do made me feel better. There are things within our reach. We can't combat big corporations, but we can affect our immediate environment,” Victoria explained regarding her initial start with her department and the Green Office program. 

Victoria organized the office's second annual Earth Day Challenge, which aimed to raise awareness and encourage sustainable actions among employees. Through a point-based system, employees earned points for various sustainable activities, both within and outside the workplace. The challenge fostered a sense of camaraderie and encouraged individuals to reflect on their environmental impact. 

The English Department Office implemented several creative initiatives to enhance their sustainability practices. They collect can rings and send them to a recycling company, reducing waste and promoting responsible consumption. They also organized a clothing drive to support the Seminole Closet while tying it to World Water Day, highlighting the interconnectedness of environmental and social issues. 

The office established a Free Cycle Closet, where employees could donate items they no longer needed but that others might find useful. This initiative not only reduced waste but also encouraged a culture of sharing and resourcefulness within the office. 

Victoria's enthusiasm for sustainability inspired her colleagues to actively engage in the Green Office Program. By attending webinars and sharing knowledge gained from sustainable events and workshops, they empowered each other to make informed decisions and contribute to a greener workplace. 

“I see Green Office as a way for people like me, whose job is not in sustainability, to actively go green. It's sort of like meeting people where they are,” Victoria said. 

Achieving Gold certification through the Green Office Program motivated the English Department Office to continue expanding their sustainable practices. Upgrading their building's heating system eliminated the need for space heaters, reducing energy consumption. Additionally, the office successfully implemented a strategy to minimize the use of trash cans, promoting waste reduction and recycling. 

The English Department Office at Florida State University stands as a shining example of the positive impact that the Green Office Program can have on workplaces. Through their dedication and creativity, they have successfully incorporated sustainable practices into their daily operations, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship. 

If you are interested in making your workplace more sustainable and joining the Green Office Program, visit https://sustainablecampus.fsu.edu/get-involved/faculty-and-staff/green-office-certification