Reduce Waste

IDEAS FOR BUSINESS

Print documents two-sided or duplex (more than one page per side); consider whether you need to print at all
Buy office materials, like paper, made from recycled content
Increase usage of digital documents; complete shared editing online, maintain electronic files as much as possible
Shred old documents and use as packing materials for shipping
Replace disposable coffee cups and stir sticks with reusable cups and teaspoons, or encourage employees to bring their own mug which they are responsible for washing
Don’t use coffee makers with single use pods; make full pots, or purchase a maker with reusable pods
Reduce travel time and costs with online meetings using video conferencing services
When the company upgrades office furniture or equipment, list the old items on kijiji or other buy and sell websites, or donate to charity
Create an exchange area for used binders, binder clips and other office materials so other employees can reuse these items
Have an office exchange day, where workers can bring items from home to exchange with each other
Setup a committee to perform an audit of the types of waste created in your organization; empower them to create and implement ideas appropriate to your business or line of work that help move your company toward becoming a zero-waste organization
Remember, every little bit counts

Print documents two-sided or duplex (more than one page per side); consider whether you need to print at all
Buy recycled paper
Sign up for online billing and statements for all of your accounts
Keep more digital records instead of paper-based
Buy in bulk whenever possible
Use washable hand towels instead of paper towels
Use lunch containers that can be washed and reused
Make more of your meals from scratch, skipping the packaging and improving the quality; include a label with a date, store in reusable containers and/or freeze as necessary
Shop second-hand stores; donate old clothing so someone else can get use out of it
If the clothing is worn-out, turn it into cleaning rags
Create a compost pile
Donate leftover materials from home upgrades and renovations to Habitat for Humanity
Bring your own reusable bags whenever shopping
Buy less, consume less, enjoy more
Remember, every little bit counts