Transform Your Workspace: 10 Effective Tips for a Greener, Eco-Friendly Office

Meet Anjali Carter-Rau. She guides young people in making their jobs more climate-friendly. At just 24, she manages CityHive’s ClimateWorks Lab in Vancouver. Her goal is to help workers aged 18 to 30 bring climate values into their workplaces.

What’s the project like?

In the Fall of 2024, participants gathered for two hours each week, plus two Saturdays. They heard from guest speakers, shared ideas, and examined how to push their workplaces towards climate justice. From January to May 2025, they’ll meet monthly to help each other carry out these plans.

Participants get an honorarium, transit passes, and meals for their involvement. This program acknowledges that there isn’t a universal solution. The strategies for a university differ from those for a small law firm or a large corporation. Each workplace presents unique challenges and opportunities depending on their industry.

Some emerging plans include boosting recycling efforts, fostering resilient neighborhoods, pushing for electric fleets, and advocating for lower emissions in buildings. Participants gather insights, analyze systems, and support one another. The biggest advantage? A strong community network. Working for climate change can be isolating, but this group stands together to combat feelings of burnout and anxiety.

Anjali’s Journey

Anjali’s passion for climate action started during her undergraduate years at the University of British Columbia. There, she helped form a staff union and support collective bargaining. Her studies in international relations opened her eyes to climate change, especially its impact on workers in the Global South. Anjali sought to blend her interests in climate action and workers’ rights, volunteering with the Youth Climate Corps. A mentor there helped her find her calling in this work.

Challenges faced

Anjali frequently questions whether their efforts are enough. The scale of the crisis looms large, and both she and the participants strive to do their best. Despite this, there can be a sense of paralysis stemming from fear of inadequacy.

Finding Hope

What gives Anjali hope is witnessing young people come together as a supportive community. They uplift each other, proving that they can create a better world through solidarity and kindness.

Family Influences

Anjali credits her upbringing for her values. Her mother works in human rights, instilling respect for both people and the planet. Her father highlighted humanity’s bond with nature, while her brothers are all activists in their own right. Their lessons have profoundly shaped her path.

Concerns at Night

The indifference she sees in society keeps Anjali awake. She feels frustrated and hopes to empower people to show up just as they are, rather than waiting for the perfect moment to act.

What if we succeed?

Anjali believes that success lies in seeing themselves as change agents, working together to amplify strengths and support each other’s challenges.

Advice for Young People

Anjali encourages young people to move from thoughts to actions. Even small steps count. Whether it’s reaching out to a friend or joining a community, action is essential. When faced with challenges, support one another to take the next steps together.

Message for Older Readers

Anjali believes that everyone must engage in the fight for change. She urges older generations to consider their legacy. What kind of ancestor do you want to be?

Anjali Carter-Rau lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.