How to Say No to Plastic at the Office
Every year on July 3, people worldwide are encouraged to use fewer plastic disposable bags as part of International Plastic Bag Free Day. The day’s objective is to reduce plastic waste by removing the flimsy, thin plastic bags frequently used in supermarkets and retail establishments. International Plastic Bag Free Day aims to show us that a future without the widespread use of plastic is achievable.
We are all mindful that significant efforts must be made to reduce the volume of plastic produced and disposed of daily worldwide. Addressing this situation can seem impossible given the predictions made by organizations like Greenpeace and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation that by 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than marine life. Staffing firm In US
What should we do to alter it, then? The office is a fantastic place to start because most of our entire week is spent there for many of us.
Want to cut back on the plastic you utilize at your office but aren’t sure where to begin? Please take a look at the recommendations made by Emonics LLC Staffing firm In US to lessen the amount of plastic we encounter daily.
Recycling at the workplace
This may seem like a no-brainer, so great job if your office has already implemented this. It’s crucial to understand which materials are genuinely recyclable and which, if put in the incorrect bin, could lead a processing plant to reject a whole cargo. It’s crucial that your workforce is educated and, more importantly, that choosing the right bin and recycling method is as simple as possible. Recycle bins should be as accessible as feasible, and regular garbage containers should be kept to a minimum. If your staff is motivated, you may consider updating them on recycling successes or setting attainable goals.
Biodegradable company water bottles
Metal water bottles with the company logo are an effective strategy to stop using plastic bottles at work and while you’re out and about. They make wonderful gifts and are an excellent method of promoting your business.
Supplying recyclable containers for the office
A relatively easy victory in the battle against single-use plastics would be to provide communal reusable tubs and drink cups for staff to use when collecting their lunch or snacks. Additionally, it makes everyone more aware of the waste they produce after each meal.
A new approach to trash
Use compostable bin bag alternatives whenever possible to reduce the requirement for trash bags. Consider utilizing smaller bins for “clean” trash by separately and recycling or composting food waste, then collecting it all in one bigger container with a bag. Smaller bins placed farther away from workstations like this encourage employees to take more initiative to leave their desks and dispose of their discarded materials, which helps limit the amount of waste generated.
Eliminate plastic straws
A simple method to help us create a corporate policy that bans unneeded single-use plastic straws, as we have all seen the horrifying films of the turtle with the straw jammed in its nostril. There is simply no justification for using plastic drinking straws when there are many environmentally friendly alternatives in paper, metal, and glass.
Counteract by picking up trash
Today’s world makes it nearly impossible to avoid producing waste. To counteract any inevitable single-use plastics, organize a litter collecting walk to help clean up your neighborhood and satisfy everyone. Teams could battle against one another to load the most containers as part of a collaborative exercise.
Obtain your workplace supplies wisely
While reusing and recycling are fantastic, preventing the creation of these things altogether has the most significant impact. Think carefully before making any expenditures; the many ways to reduce plastic use. For example, you can ask for a bag-free delivery of your regular groceries. Before purchasing ink, determine if the vendor offers a send-back program for used cartridges. Request glass bottles are used to distribute milk instead of plastic ones. Each endeavor counts, so try to purchase less and choose products with little or no plastic whenever possible.
Environmentally-Friendly deliveries
Deliveries are standard in our everyday lives and are frequently essential to workplace business operations. Reduce the number of dispatches necessary by using green couriers, selecting green time windows, and placing larger orders.
Non-Plastic cleaning supplies
Organic and eco-friendly items are increasingly being offered on the market. In place of those made from plastic and synthetic fibers, it is essential to acquire sustainable area cleaning wipes (check your packets; you might be surprised to learn that several wipes are manufactured with plastic and will never be recyclable). Reusable containers are now becoming more popular. When it’s possible to do so, save the emptied spray cleaner bottles and similar containers and buy the replacement packs.
Clear out the office kitchen’s plastic waste
Ensure that you supply your staff with cups for coffee and water, dishes, bowls, and other utensils. Have appropriate metal utensils, plates, and cutlery so they won’t have to borrow disposable ones at lunch or risk losing their own in the community room. Set a kitchen schedule simultaneously, and ensure everyone understands how and when to load the dishwasher!
Company branded canvas totes
Making the switch from plastic bags to canvas and biodegradable bags will help, as can keeping a bag on you at all times for those unforeseen purchases. You may eliminate the need for plastic bags by having them available at your office for your employees to use when going shopping during lunch or for lunch. Canvas bags with your company’s logo printed are a fantastic way to promote your brand.
Plastic-free coffee and tea
How do you prepare your tea or coffee? Coffee makers and pods that are only used once are frequently dumped in landfills. Even those manufacturers that allow returns after use utilize a lot of plastic in manufacturing and are challenging to break down and recycle. Naturally, we wouldn’t want your staff to go without coffee, but think about how it might be delivered. The need for pods or machines may be eliminated, and maintaining a cafetière is far less expensive. You may recycle or compost the coffee grounds with your food scraps. Staffing firm In US
Motivate others
When your initiatives to eliminate plastic waste are a component of something greater, they are even more valuable! Interact with those nearby. Since more and more cafés are now offering biodegradable takeout products, ask the management of your neighborhood café for plastic-free options and what they are achieving to improve sustainability. Promote positive practices and practices that others may not have thought of by sharing informative articles, postings, tweets, forums, or your office’s achievements with nearby offices.
Establish a “Plastic-Free Day” at work
A plastic-free day might be implemented through team-building exercises, employee incentives, or a fundraising component where money is raised for a charitable organization. After the first day:
Thank everyone for their efforts.
Evaluate how well you all did.
Consider how this might be better in the future.
If your team nails it, you might choose to increase your plastic-free days to once a month or, more frequently, once a week.
Here are some of our logistics-related thoughts: Planning ahead is necessary for a plastic-free day to take into account the demands of the business and prevent bulk purchases or waste storage the day before the event. Think about what needs to be used that day and how you can replace or compensate for it. Participate in planning with the team and take into account any suggestions. Staffing firm In US
Encourage a plastic-free workplace culture.
Encourage your staff to practice proper plastic hygiene at home and work. For teammates who take these recommendations to heart and go above and above to lessen plastic pollution at the workplace, think about appropriate incentives. Invite people to share these concepts with their family and friends by taking them home. Be sure to recognize and celebrate each person’s accomplishments and those of the team Staffing firm In US.
Everyone can contribute in some small way towards advancement through anti-plastic actions. Together, with the help of these guidelines, we can work towards a more environmentally ethical, sustainable, and healthier office and workspace! Staffing firm In US.
