Sustainability in the breakroom can create opportunities to reduce waste and support broader workplace goals. The products, equipment, and the way refreshments are provided can all play a role.
Creating a more sustainable breakroom doesn’t require major changes. Practical decisions around hydration, packaging, equipment, and product selection can make a difference.
Reduce Reliance on Single-Use Bottles
Bottled beverages can generate unnecessary packaging waste in a busy workplace. Providing convenient alternatives can help reduce reliance on single-use plastics.
Bottleless water dispensers connect directly to the building’s water supply and use filtration to provide clean, great-tasting water. Employees can refill their own cups and reusable bottles rather than reaching for a new plastic bottle each time.
Some systems also offer chilled, sparkling, or flavored water, providing more variety through a refill-based approach to hydration.
Look for Recyclable Products and Lower-Waste Packaging
Product packaging is another area to consider. When available, recyclable packaging and products made with fewer disposable materials can help limit breakroom waste.
Clearly labeled recycling bins near coffee stations, micro markets, and other refreshment areas can also make proper disposal more convenient.
The goal doesn’t have to be eliminating every disposable item. Instead, look for realistic changes that make sense for how employees use the breakroom.
Choose Energy-Efficient Refreshment Equipment
Refreshment equipment may operate throughout the workday or around the clock, making energy use an important consideration.
Modern equipment offers features that help businesses manage energy use more efficiently. Workplaces can consider efficiency alongside capacity, functionality, and employee needs when replacing or adding equipment.
Choosing appropriately sized equipment can also help avoid installing more than the workplace requires.
Consider Local and Thoughtful Product Choices
What’s stocked in the breakroom can support sustainability priorities, too. Incorporating locally sourced office pantry products when available provides an opportunity to support producers and brands closer to home.
Product selection should also reflect what employees actually want. A relevant assortment can help limit items sitting unused while creating a breakroom better suited to the people using it.
Technology Supports More Efficient Inventory Management
Micro markets, smart stores, and smart coolers provide sales and inventory data that can help a provider like NewAge Refreshments understand purchasing patterns.
This information makes it easier to adjust quantities and selections over time. Popular items can be stocked appropriately, while slower-moving products can be replaced with options that better reflect demand.
Smarter inventory management can help maintain a well-stocked breakroom while limiting excess products.
Make Coffee Service More Sustainable
Coffee is a daily part of many workplace breakrooms, making it another area where small changes can make a difference.
Reusable mugs offer an alternative to disposable cups, while thoughtfully selected supplies can help reduce waste. The type of office coffee equipment can also influence how beverages are prepared and served.
Evaluating cups, supplies, brewing equipment, and everyday habits can reveal practical ways to make the coffee station more sustainable.
Build Sustainability into Your Breakroom
Sustainability in the breakroom starts with simple changes. Bottleless water, recyclable materials, efficient equipment, thoughtful product selections, and smarter inventory management can all play a role.
NewAge Refreshments works with businesses throughout Middle Tennessee to create refreshment programs that fit your workplace needs and priorities.
Contact us to learn how our coffee, micro market, smart refreshment, and bottleless water solutions can support your breakroom goals.