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More than ever before, we are forced to focus on our impact on the environment. If we want our planet to be around for centuries to come, we all need to make a conscious effort to lessen our impact and become more ‘green’. This is a vitally important factor in effective business running, and any successful organisation worth its salt knows that recycling office waste can not only look after the environment, but save cash along the way too.
Whilst that statement is true, understanding the ways to utilise office waste management to its maximum potential can be a minefield. Calibre offer many waste management solutions in terms of a wide range of storage options, and these are important for any business which is focused on minimising its impact on the environment and ensuring smooth daily running.
To expand on the subject a little more, let’s check out some top tips on how to ensure your office waste management efforts do not go in vain.
Cut down on the amount of paper you use – This can be about setting your photocopier to print on both sides of paper, so you basically half the amount of paper you use, or it can be about limiting the amount of printing you actually do in the first place. Do you really need to print out every document, or can it be stored electronically instead? Can you send out an email rather than a paper-based memo?
Set up an intranet, and store documents on there – If you have a full folder of policies which are pertinent to your office, you’re going to need a lot of paper to print them out. Instead, set up an intranet and store them online instead.
Recycle as much as possible – When you have deliveries in, save the boxes and utilise them in other ways. You can always recycle the boxes and use them for deliveries that go out of your business. It’s also a good idea to shred any paper-based documents that you no longer need, and use the shredding as packing for any deliveries that go out. Obviously, avoid using confidential material as packing, even if it is shredded. Another good option is to have a recycling box at the side of every printing machine, so you can collect paper and have it disposed of correctly. Check out office storage solutions to ensure this doesn’t become a hazard in the office.
Be ink savvy – Printing in colour uses much more ink than simple black and white printing. Avoid printing in colour as much as possible, and look into recycled ink cartridges, rather than buying brand new ones. You can also send off your empty ink cartridges for re-filling.
Avoid using paper towels – You will save the planet almost single-handedly (well, kind of), if you decide to do away with paper towels and install a hand dryer in the bathrooms of your premises instead.
Purchase paper very wisely – Think about using paper which is recycled, rather than pure, brand new paper. This will save you cash and you’ll be doing your bit for the environment too. Check out office storage furniture online for cabinets to keep large shipments orders of paper.
Encourage a ‘green’ outlook – Encouraging your staff to be more environmentally aware is a good place to start. Offer a car sharing option for staff transportation, and perhaps encourage a cycling challenge, as a fun and green activity.
Look at your furniture needs – Do you have more furniture than you really need? If so, can you recycle the old and purchase new, streamlining your needs? New executive office desks will not only look the part, but will last for a considerable amount of time too.
Go second hand with printing machines – Has your photocopier seen better days? If so, think about buying second hand to cut out waste, and also to save money. Obviously, check that they are working well before making a purchase.
Avoid leaving equipment on standby – Being green aware is about energy too, leaving electrical items on standby is a big ‘no no’ when it comes to energy consumption. Switch appliances off completely when not in use, and especially at the end of the working day.
Make your purchases wisely – When you are buying absolutely anything new for your office, make sure that you get quality for your cash. If you buy substandard equipment, it’s likely to be scrapped sooner and therefore contribute to overall office waste. There are many office furniture solutions that will stand the test of time, as well as electrical equipment choices. If you’re buying something electrical, ask if it is energy efficient and what is rating is, before making a decision to purchase.
Be light careful – When nobody is using a room, turn off the lights. You can also consider changing to fluorescent light bulbs, specifically the compact version. These last much longer than a traditional bulb would and is much more energy efficient. This saves you cash and looks after the planet.
Natural lighting is your friend – Not every office has to be all about false lighting, and when planning the layout of your workspaces, think abut utilising natural light as much as possible. We’re talking about windows, as large as possible, and skylights here. This not only saves energy, but it is also shown to boost mood too. Double whammy!
Screen savers are a thing of the past – Whilst screen savers used to be all the rage, these days they’re totally obsolete. Not only do they use energy, but they are just, well, so last year! Screens should be set to turn off after a certain amount of inactivity, in order to save energy.
These are all quick and easy ways you can minimise your office waste management impact, and look after the planet all at the same time. Some of these methods require purchasing and planning, but overall, they can all be implemented with minimal cost and disruption to your daily working plan.