In today’s society, corporate social responsibility is a
standard business practice. Often, these efforts include implementing
eco-friendly policies into the workplace. Most businesses prioritise reducing
their carbon footprint. Not only does this help save the environment, but it
also makes businesses appear more favourable to an environmentally aware
consumer base. Regardless of the reason for doing so, introducing eco-friendly
practices in the workplace is a crucial as ever. For businesses only
just introducing such practices, it is best to start small. In fact, there are
a number of basic practices that can have a great impact on the environment in
the long-run.
Here are 6 easy ways to reduce waste in the office.
1.
Keep a bin within an arm’s reach
There’s no doubt that the easiest way to protect the environment
is to recycle, especially in a workplace where paper makes up most of the
waste. Be sure to equip your office with an adequate amount of recycling bins. This includes placing
small bins under each desk, so that it’s within an arm’s reach, as well as
providing a larger, centralised bin in the office.
Having a recycling bin within an arm’s reach of each employee
simply makes it more convenient to dispose of waste instantly, without
compromising on productivity by wasting work time. It’s likely that office
staff will go through piles of paper each day, and makes it easier to dispose
of unwanted documents.
2. Print smarter
Recycling is essential, and printing smarter allows your office
to produce less waste. Most businesses are aiming to go paperless. This is a
reasonable option, considering that most documents can be stored digitally now.
Encourage your staff to print only the most necessary documents.
Before doing so, edit each document digitally, to avoid printing unnecessary
copies.
For documents that must be printed, be sure to set your printing
default to double sided. Some official documents may require specific margins,
however where possible, use narrower margins and spacing. Not only does this
save paper, but it also save ink costs.
3. Reuse office supplies
‘Reduce, reuse, recycle’ is a slogan
that has been embedded into the memory of the Australian public for as long as
I can remember. It’s simple, but effective.
A great way to reduce office waste is to reuse folders, binders
and other office supplies each year. Get into the habit of not throwing away
supplies until they are absolutely of no use (in other words, broken).
It’s helpful to keep an organised cupboard of supplies that may be needed in the future, even if they’re not being used at the moment.
Again, this tip reduces both waste and office expenses.
It’s helpful to keep an organised cupboard of supplies that may be needed in the future, even if they’re not being used at the moment.
Again, this tip reduces both waste and office expenses.
4. Gift employees with reusable coffee cups and water bottles
Although paper is probably the most common waste in an office
but it’s not the only type. Think about other ways that your employees produce
waste at work, even if it isn’t directly linked to work.
It’s likely that your staff will bring a drink bottle to work or
have a cup of coffee each morning. Encourage your staff to use reusable bottles
and coffee cups by setting an example yourself. These products make excellent
corporate gifts to give to your employees especially at Christmas. Staff can
show off these products customised with your company logo.
Encouraging simple eco-friendly practices in the workplace is a
sure way to have an influence on your employees, even outside of work. This can
cause a small but significant rippling effect, which will have a positive
impact on the environment.
5. Use real dishes in the office kitchen
Similarly, you can use real dishes in the office kitchen, either
by providing some or encouraging staff to bring some. This tip is especially
useful for workplace parties, when you would normally use disposable plates and
cutlery.
Since disposable dishes get dirty with food, they’re harder (or
sometimes impossible) to recycle. So rather than producing recycled waste,
they’re likely to produce an abundance of general waste. Although a basic tip,
it is sure to increase your businesses environmental awareness.
At Nationwide Waste Solutions, we
provide recycling and general waste services, including office recycling bins
and office rubbish removal. To enquire, call us on 1300 729
922 or contact
us here.
