Greening your lifestyle might seem complicated sometimes, but at least you've got the freedom to make your own decisions - opting for Fairtrade chocolate or teabags, finding organic cotton clothes or choosing potions and lotions that aren't tested on animals or full of nasty chemicals.

But what about work?

It can be tough to make the effort at home and then get to the office to find that the paper in the photocopier isn't recycled, there's a mountain of disposable plastic cups in the waste bin and the coffee in the machine not only isn't fairly traded, but comes from unethical companies.

So what's an Ethics Girl to do?

Work is a great place to try and make change. Not only do the impacts of small acts go beyond our own choices and influence what all our colleagues consume, but it's a great opportunity to inform other people about important issues. But approaching managers and staff who are set in their ways can be intimidating. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources to help out... Winning the arguments Are you an unconvinced boss, or are you up against one of these?

Successful businesses like the Co-operative Bank, Marks & Spencer and Virgin Trains all say that going fair trade has been a good move for them, increasing staff morale, making workers feel like they a are team with a worthwhile aim, and helping to persuade people to make the switch to fair trade at home too. www.fairtradeatwork.org.uk has lots of information on the business case for fair trade in the workplace, as well as leaflets about why fair trade makes a difference, and a truly naughty video featuring Fairtrade bananas and chocolate bars!

Moving to organic and locally-produced food can also make sense for everyone, from senior management to the newest temp. UNISON, one of the country's biggest unions, points out that moving work canteens or food machines to these local or organic food can mean healthier staff, especially in big workplaces such as hospitals, call centres or large local government offices where many staff are on lower rates of pay. Workers feel more supported by management, which is good for morale, and if the change to organic or local food is publicised it's a way to raise awareness of environmental issues like pesticides and food miles.

The article at http://www.unison.org.uk/features/features.asp?did=3310 includes more information and links to campaigns which can help you present the arguments to managers and colleagues.

Written by Sarah Irving - Sarah Irving is a freelance writer specialising in environmental and social issues, and her work can be seen at www.sarahirving.net. She is also features editor at Ethical Consumer magazine. .