The 2024 Guide to Sustainable Commuting – Office stationery

If you’re worried about the environmental impact of commuting to London, The 2024 Guide to Sustainable Commuting does the hard work for you, by researching planet-friendly options for everything involved with going to the office.  From recommending the most ethically produced work clothes and kit to the most sustainable (and hopefully independent) places to buy coffee, snacks and lunch close to your London office locations.

This month – in the last of this blog series! – we’re looking at the environmental impact of something we all use in the office: stationery. Even in this digital world, most of us still use a pen and paper during the working day.  So, whether you are ordering just for your personal use, or for your company as a whole, here are some brands (and recycling options) to consider.

Printer paper

Whilst we all know that reducing the need for printing documents is the greenest option, in some cases digital documents don’t suit your needs.  However, the good news is that recycled A4 printer paper is now fairly easy to find. The Green Stationery Company are just one option, who will deliver in bulk (£6.50 per pack).

Ink Cartridges

That ink cartridges are recyclable and refillable is fairly common knowledge. However, what are the greenest options for purchasing?  You can sign up for a recycling scheme where used cartridges can be returned for refilling and sent back to you (ensure that you use a refillable cartridge type). Stinky Ink are one of many companies who provide this type of service.

Recycling your existing ink cartridges is free and there are several companies who will collect them, as they have a residual value.  Alternatively, you could donate that value to charities by signing up with Recycle4Charity, who save tonnes of cartridges from landfill and who have donated over £1.5 million to date.

Notebooks

Many of us find a “day book” or notebook invaluable for capturing our daily to do lists and meeting actions. If you want something high quality and durable Ciak offer a recycled paper, vegan leather bound option (£19.99).  At the lower price bracket, Muji offer a responsibly sourced paper option from forests managed for paper production (£2.50).

Pens

Pens are probably the most personal choice when it comes to stationary and also the one that has most traditionally been made from non-recyclable plastic.  There are now plenty of more planet-friendly options out there with recyclable plastics, refills and biodegradable alternatives.

Live Coco offer a range of consumer goods aimed at the elimination of one use, non recyclable plastic. Their ball points pens (currently £14.99 for 24) are plastic-free, carry 58% more ink than a standard ballpoint and their packaging is compostable.

Refillable pens are also worth considering and The Green Stationery Company have several options, including their Sustainable Beechwood Refillable pen (£6.95 with 10 refills at a further £6.95).

If you wanted a branded pen option for your company,  there are some ecologically responsible options on the market. Try 4ImprintUK, who offer pens made from recycled cds and even biodegradable plastic options, which can be customised with your logo.

So, that’s us signing off for The 2024 Guide For Sustainable Commuting. Stay green out there!

If you’re looking for a new London office, get in touch with our Sales team at LentaSpace. With 13 London locations – all in walking distance of mainline or underground stations – we are sure to be able to help you make a sustainable commuting choice.