A Brief Guide To Improving How Your Business Recycles
The regularity with which extreme weather events are occurring all over the globe is making all of us more aware of how urgent the climate change crisis is. As governments around the globe debate what measures to take, such as boosting the numbers of electric cars, it can feel like the impact we can have is minimal.
But we can all make a difference and as business owners, it is your responsibility to be part of the solution.
Look At What You’re Wasting
Create a detailed breakdown of how much waste your business creates in a month. Include wastepaper caused by printing and scanning. Count how many plastic, metal and foam cups and bottles are being bought for the employee break area. Find out how many rolls of plastic bubble wrap you are using for packaging or even what kinds of packaging you are using and whether you should consider going with companies like Impacked Packaging. Where there are loads of wholesale tubes listed on the Impacked and other forms of packaging made with both recyclable materials and those that can be recycled. Calculate the amount of waste metal, glass and other materials that you incur in your larger projects.
Consider Getting Refurbished Equipment
The world generates about 50 million tons of electronic waste (or e-waste) every year. One way your business can avoid contributing to that is by choosing to buy quality refurbished equipment, such as computers, headsets, monitors, printers, and phones, among other things. By buying refurbished tech, you’re ensuring that these devices are used to their full potential and keeping them from ending up in landfills before the end of their lifespan.
Be Proactive With Your Solutions
Look for ways to recycle that you may not have thought of. Research charities in your community that could benefit from your used electronics and appliances. Find locations and services that can help you to recycle materials that require more care. Look for businesses that will give you a good deal on your waste metal. Calculate how much you could make from recycling metal by finding the best tungsten scrap price. Cut out as much paper use in your office as possible by discouraging printing.
Get Your Employees Involved
Talk to your employees about the importance of recycling at work. Make them part of your solution by encouraging them to think of ideas themselves. Set a target for recycled waste versus non-recycled waste every month. Create incentives for your team to recycle more, including rewards for hitting certain targets. Divide them into teams to add a competitive element.
Encourage your staff to bring in their own reusable water bottles and cut down on the use of plastic bags, bottles and foil containers for their meals. Remove wastepaper baskets from under employee desks and clearly designate recycle and non-recycle trash bins.
Look For Green Suppliers
Cut down on the amount of recycling you need to do by working with suppliers that use fewer materials. Research green businesses in your area. Look for delivery firms that don’t use excessive packaging, or better yet, take the initiative to invest in eco-friendly custom boxes and packaging. Use food and drink suppliers that will take their containers back. Avoid working with any business that offers single-use products.
