Plastic pollution has reached even the remotest corners of the planet. As per research, it is estimated that around 150 million tonnes of marine plastic are floating around, with 8 million tonnes added every year.
Small companies to big corporations all contribute towards generating plastic waste. Therefore, companies need to stay on top of recycling news and ensure green practices are implemented at the grassroots level.
Here are a few steps that can help curb plastic waste in your company.
Prevent the Use of Plastic at the Source
Avoiding plastic altogether may not be feasible. Instead, start by taking inventory of the items you use daily, and identify what can be eliminated or recycled. For example, if you offer straws at the company cafeteria, stop doing so.
If you monthly order plastic cutlery, you can switch to metal for better quality and durability. See what single-use plastic items you can avoid using and look for alternatives.
Streamline Recycling Practices Among Employees
Draft company policies structured for recycling and reuse. Make recycling a convenient option for your employees. You can start by conducting training and educating them on what and how products can be recycled. Place proper recycling bins around the campus.
You could hold plastic-free events, set recycling goals, and award employees when they meet recycling targets.
Provide Reusable Bottles and Containers
Reusable bottles and containers are good for the environment and could help create and improve your brand image. You can customize bottles with your brand’s color, logo, or tagline. Globally, millions of plastic bottles are purchased every minute. Yet, according to a report, only one of the six water bottles purchased makes it to the recycling bin.
By giving your employees environment-friendly and reusable bottles, you will help reduce the amount of plastic in landfills.
Support Brands That Offer Green Deliveries
As a company, you must have supplies delivered to your office every day. Look for brands that offer reusable, recyclable, or compostable packing options. If you have groceries or food delivered to your office, support businesses that ensure their packaging is biodegradable.
Instead of having supplies delivered in plastic bags, you can use cloth bags that can be cleaned and reused over time. Follow recycling news to understand what packaging materials work best and different brands that offer green deliveries.
Promote the Use of Sustainable Alternatives
Encourage the use of recyclable materials like PET, PP, or HDPE. Glass, copper, stainless steel, and bamboo are some of the eco-friendly alternatives you can consider for plastic bottles.
When it comes to cleaning supplies, focus on buying refillable packets. There are brands available today that ship you products that can be stored in a reusable container. If your employees guzzle down coffee throughout the day, have reusable mugs stocked. Instead of using single-use coffee pods, ensure they have access to a kitchen or cafeteria.
Plastic waste is a growing pain for the planet. Governments across the globe have environmental targets in place to combat the challenges presented. As a company, focus on all three aspects – reduce, reuse and recycle. Keep track of recycling news, implement processes and support eco-conscious brands.