These days, we all know that it's important to have a sustainable focus, both at home and in the workplace. Fortunately, there are plenty of initiatives out there which can really help to reduce the plastic footprint of a business, from motivating employees to use sustainable practices to working with recycling services in London.
One: Cut Down on Plastic Coming in
It may seem obvious, but a very effective way to cut down your company's plastic footprint is to reduce the volume of plastic that you bring in. However, actually achieving this can seem daunting, particularly if you stop to consider just how much plastic is passing through your doors on a weekly or even daily basis. From packaging for essential workplace supplies to the lunches that your team enjoy each day, it quickly adds up to a significant volume of plastic materials.
It's fine to start small, however, perhaps by switching canteen essentials such as plastic cutlery or straws for reusable alternatives and replacing the water cooler with a traditional plumbed water fountain. Over the long run, this could save you money, too. Offering staff initiatives is a great way to get everyone on board; why not offer vouchers or other treats for employees who switch to a reusable travel mug for that essential takeaway coffee, or choose beeswax wraps for their homemade sandwiches rather than cling film? Of course, there will still be an element of waste, especially in the early stages, so choose biodegradable refuse sacks where reusing or recycling isn't possible.
Two: Commit To Recycling Services In London
Adding clearly marked recycling points to the workplace is great for daily paper and plastic waste, but a better way of tackling larger volumes is to engage with professional recycling services in London. Such a company will take the hassle out of improving your green credentials whilst providing some other attractive benefits, too. Using trusted recycling services means that you can prove that your business is making a positive difference to the environment and contributing to meeting Government targets. All the while, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your waste is being properly recycled through the right channels. You can even increase your company's revenue with such a scheme, and being part of such a green initiative is sure to be a positive for your customers.
Three: Think about Your Suppliers
If your company is doing its bit to help the planet by using recycling services and cutting back on plastic around the office, then shouldn't your suppliers be doing the same? If your office or other business supplies are coming wrapped in cling film or other plastics and materials which can't be recycled, this is going to undermine your efforts to reduce your plastic footprint. Happily, there are plenty of suppliers who have woken up to the value of being sustainable and will deliver what you need with minimal or biodegradable packaging.
If your current suppliers can't do the same, it could be time for a change. After all, there are plenty of fantastic and environmentally friendly options out there, from biodegradable cellophane, packing 'peanuts' made from the starch from food waste (which can even be composted after use), to recycled cardboard, so the products you ship as a business can also help to protect the planet.
If you are a bricks and mortar retail outlet or similar enterprise, make sure that the purchases your customers make are carried away in an eco-friendly manner. Think about whether your products need to be packaged at all, and if so, opt for a green choice that has a minimal environmental impact. You could also offer perks for customers who bring their own reusable bag or container when shopping with you, such as a discount or a stamp towards a free gift. This approach will also help to build valuable customer loyalty.
A Winning Approach
It's clear, then, that choosing to reduce your company's plastic footprint is a wise decision, and not just for environmental reasons. By becoming a more sustainable business, you can help to meet Government targets, increase your revenue, and motivate your staff. Perhaps best of all is the positive effect it will have on your brand and customer loyalty.
