Plastic Free Tips for Businesses

When it comes to environmental impact; businesses can be significant contributors of plastic waste but also the most powerful force for positive change. Compassionate and ecological business practices not only make a noticeable difference to their own waste footprint but also go a long way towards raising cultural awareness, influencing changes in the homes of colleagues and setting standards with respective industries and competitions. It is undeniable then that companies are critical in escaping throwaway culture and moving towards a more sustainable mindset. With that in mind, these are my plastic free tips for businesses; which will i(f you are in a position to act on this kind of policy) be helpful in helping you make your business have a healthier relationship with plastic.

Bins

Remove individual rubbish bins from desks, offices and conference rooms. Whilst these are convenient, from my experience they often lead to bad habits. When caught up in a difficult task or a long call, it is very easy to just throw rubbish into the desk bins. Sometimes even with the intention of relocating later. However, even well-meaning intentions aren’t always fulfilled.

By removing personal bins and allowing for more central, or several, clearly defined recycling points and a shared general waste section you’ll reduce the amount of landfill waste produced all around and also get a realistic idea of what your company’s plastic consumption is actually like.

Request Zero Plastic Options

When ordering office supplies, or even other business critical items; always ask for zero plastic and polystyrene free options for packaging.

Whilst some suppliers may not be able to comply, others will (depending on the products being ordered of course) and more often than not, you’ll find that your interests align and it is possible to work with suppliers to meet your plastic free goals.

Ditch Those Disposable Food and Drink Items

These are another item that are just convenient. However, it’s not unreasonable to implement a reusable mug, cup, glass and bottle policy.

Having an adequate area for washing up and naturally, suppling decent cutlery, plates and bowls are more achievable if this is the case.

Where Possible, Go for Wood

Whether talking pencils (I’ve known a few offices that favour refillable technical pencils), rulers, coat hangers or storage units; wood both looks good and is a fantastic and cost-effective alternative to plastic.

It’s certainly worth taking a moment and asking if there is a wood alternative where possible.

Consider Pre-Owned Equipment

Buying new comes with a significant amount of plastic waste and sometimes, this isn’t strictly necessary. Every year hundreds of thousands of tonnes of reusable furniture is sent to landfill in the UK.

If buying new is not an option, is donating or selling your old furniture an option?

Of course, it’s not just tables and chairs that need to be considered.

It isn’t uncommon for businesses to have a policy of replacing hardware every few years. Laptops, computers and phones for example. Sometimes these get stored or sent to waste. It’s certainly worth considering whether items can stay in usage longer, or alternatively whether offering to staff or donating is an option. After being professionally formatted, of course.

Audit Regularly and Assess Bad Buying Habits

Where we’re talking households, or businesses; we’re all guilty of getting into consumerist habits. Sometimes, we buy things for the sake of buying rather than considering whether or not there are ecologically superior and more cost-efficient options available.

By doing waste and purchasing audits, twice or thrice yearly; you can monitor where and how you can optimise the overall process.

It’s important to make it about improving company policy and raising awareness though, rather than naming and shaming employees.