1. Go Paperless

One of the easiest ways to be more sustainable in today’s workplace is to remove the paper element. Truthfully, most companies are using digital filing, contracts and other software for their “paper.” Printing out hard copies isn’t necessary anymore because of digital signatures, for example. By using today’s latest hardware and software, the old filing cabinet in the back room can be removed, and there may be no need for new paper reams, either.

2. Install Recycling Bins

Another simple way to encourage recycling is by adding bins to your offices. Preferably, install bins beside the waste containers. For example, purchase aluminum, paper and organic waste bins. With clear lettering on each bin, employees can quickly dispose of their items while helping the environment.

Undoubtedly, a compost bin is a valuable tool inside a busy office. Compost any meal scraps instead of filling local landfills, for instance. Alternatively, use the office compost for a company garden. Certainly, the nutrients are rich for plentiful plant growth.

3. Look Into Alternative Energy

Depending on the company’s size, think about using alternative energy to power offices, warehouses or factories. For instance, factories might benefit from switching to solar or wind power. Alternatively, small offices could use solar panels installed on the rooftop for their operations. By using sustainable energy, your company shows customers, clients and colleagues that you care for the Earth and its resources. As a result, your company might gain more partnerships because of your responsible, business ethics.

4. Alter Powered Devices in the Workplace

A side effect of implementing sustainability practices in the workplace is cost savings. Ideally, replace those old, overhead lights with LED lights. Light-emitting diode light bulbs use substantially less power than standard light bulbs, for instance. Remarkably, LED light also lasts longer with a strong light source throughout its use.

Next, focus on computer use around the office. Consider a sleep setting across the computers so that they aren’t idling with their screens on for more than a few minutes at a time. In the end, these small changes will reduce energy costs and help the environment.

5. Add a Refrigerator With Filtered Water to the Break Room

Lately, many companies offer free water and snacks in their break rooms as a strategy to bolster morale. Although this gesture is positive, bottled water creates waste in the long run. Alternatively, consider an upgraded refrigerator in the break room with filtered water. As a result, employees bring their own cups or mugs to work. Fewer plastic bottles are needed, which leads to a better environment overall.

6. Consider Remote Work

A clever way to help the environment and attract top-notch employees is offering remote work. Whether employees are fully remote or work on a hybrid schedule, less commuting reduces emissions in the atmosphere. In addition, quality employees seek out this freedom, which means you’ll have hardworking individuals improving the company’s reputation. In truth, remote work is possible for only certain industries. Because this scheduling model is sought after by the best workers, evaluate your business for implementation today.

7. Update Product Packaging

If your company produces a product, analyze its packaging. Generally, products often have a mixture of paper and plastic to protect or market the items. By switching to recyclable materials, your company can help the environment and show off a sustainable reputation. Possibly, the recyclable materials might be less expensive than new materials. With a cost-saving change in play, many companies make the switch to recycled materials every day.

8. Improve Indoor and Outdoor Plant Installations

Adding trees, bushes or gardens around an office building improves the environment. Primarily, it cools the region with natural shade. With cooler surroundings, less energy might be used on air conditioning.

Next, a bountiful garden offers a refuge for employees while on break. As they enjoy the fresh air, oxygen generated by the plants can improve mental and physical health. Afterward, employees feel ready to take on the next challenge of the day.

By combining civilian and business recycling power into one, the Earth has a strong chance at a healthier tomorrow. Consider these ideas while starting new ones throughout the fiscal year. Recycling can be a habit that’s just commonplace today and tomorrow.

Author Bio

Written by Taylor McKnight, Author for Franchise Direct Canada, a company that advises franchised businesses to introduce environmentally friendly practices within their businesses.

Not only will sustainability and recycling be good for the planet, but also your bottom line.

Read on below for more insight into why sustainability and recycling are so important for any business.

Environmental Benefits

In 2022, local authorities in England collected 25.88 million metric tonnes of waste. Reducing the amount of waste that your business contributes to landfills could make a huge difference in your business’s carbon footprint.

Let’s think about the volume of paper that your business gets through a day. If that paper was always recycled rather than thrown away, think of the difference that would make. This is a very simple, but powerful example of social responsibility and how making such a simple change could make us less reliable on unsustainable resources.

The more we recycle, the less deforestation, erosion and harmful waste that will occur, negatively affecting the natural world. In fact, it is some of the most easily recycled materials that damage the environment the most when it comes to creating them.

Trees are cut down to create paper, with deforestation resulting in erosion and then flooding. Plastics are created from hydrocarbon fossil fuels, emitting greenhouse gases in the process and damaging the ozone layer.

Yet, did you know that sand is the most consumed natural resource in the world? It is a key ingredient in creating glass and we are running out of it, causing one of the greatest sustainability challenges of the 21st century.

All these materials could be easily recycled, making a hugely positive impact on the planet. Recycling helps to save energy, as it is far more efficient to recycle, rather than create new materials.

Social Responsibility

More recently, our society has become significantly more environmentally conscious. Having a thoughtful green initiative will contribute to a positive workplace culture. What’s more, companies that have a strong commitment to sustainability will also often be viewed as more favourable by customers and clients, making them much more loyal to the brand and creating an effective public perception.

Ethical Considerations

All commercial businesses have an obligation to minimise the waste they produce and take as many opportunities as possible to reduce, reuse and recycle. A clear and effective recycling policy will make it easier for your employees to drive a company that is ethically stable and focused on being responsible with where waste goes. Recycling is much more ethical than sending waste to a landfill, and you’ll likely find that consumer attitudes exhibit a shift towards supporting businesses that actively take responsibility for their environmental impact, making recycling a great form of PR. You may find that such actions are what set you apart from your competition.

What Can You Do?

When it comes to creating an environmental impact within your business, the first step is to find a reputable waste management expert that you can rely on. This can seem like a difficult task at first with so many to choose from, but all you need to do is identify what your company needs from a waste management service and go from there. This, paired with a collective effort to promote a workplace that ‘does its bit’ and is environmentally conscious, will create a huge impact in the long run.

Author Bio:

Freya works with REMONDIS, one of the UK’s largest recycling and waste management experts, with a commitment to achieving leading recycling rates and diversion from landfill, for greater sustainability for people and the environment.

This statement alone may not catch the attention of many. However, combined with the fact that in 2021, the U.S. generated 40 million tons of plastic waste, with only 5% to 6% – about two million tons – being recycled, according to the World Economic Forum, the impact becomes clear.

Non-eco-friendly waste disposal methods severely degrade the environment and cost companies a lot of money for collecting, transporting, and disposing of waste. Fortunately, adopting environmentally-friendly methods is possible and can generate revenues for companies.

This article will discuss why adopting a proper waste management strategy is important and what options are available.

Why is Waste Management Important in Business?

The positive impacts of a winning waste management strategy are rewarding for the company, society, and the environment.

To Cut Costs

All waste disposal methods, including landfill, incineration, biogas production, and others, require a significant budget. When considering this, a company’s capital spent on waste disposal could be used in other areas of operation. In fact, if waste management is done properly, it can reduce costs and generate revenues.

To Protect the Environment

Traditional waste disposal methods are not only expensive, but they also severely harm the environment. Ineffective waste disposal leads to air pollution and soil and water contamination and negatively impacts wildlife and climate. However, adopting an effective waste management strategy can reduce greenhouse emissions and sustain the environment for future generations.

To Boost a Brand’s Image

A brand that values the environment and the humans dwelling in it will definitely gain an unparalleled reputation, especially with the increased environmental awareness among people of all social classes and backgrounds. Companies that support social or environmental issues can improve their image among consumers, with 87% of them holding a more favorable view of such businesses! 

To Comply with Legal Requirements

Notably, the waste management sector is one of the most influential in terms of its impact on the environment. Due to the hazardous effects of waste on nature, there are many rules and regulations that govern it. Therefore, any damage caused by a business’s poor waste disposal strategy will be its responsibility.

How to Turn Waste into Revenue in Your Company? 

Here are several strategies that each business can undertake to turn waste into revenue.

Implement a Waste Recycling Method

Recyclable materials, including paper, cardboard, plastic, and glass, can generate significant income. One hundred pounds of cardboard is worth around $4, and when scaled up to 2,000 pounds, the total value can be as high as $80.

It demonstrates that there is considerable profit potential in recycling pure waste materials. Although recycling can be expensive, the investment can be worthwhile with a solid strategy and sufficient capital.

Adopt a Composting Strategy 

Compost is a plant fertilizer that is constantly needed by nature to improve soil texture and promote plant growth. With around 931 million tons of food going to waste each year, composting solves the food waste problem, mitigates businesses’ environmental impact, and generates revenue from selling the finished compost.

Therefore, instead of perfectly good food ending up in landfills, composting can divert tons of carbon and positively influence the environment while also boosting a business’s revenues.

Allocate an E-waste Disposal Location

According to Statista, more than 50 million metric tons of e-waste are generated globally annually. E-waste refers to any discarded electronic gadget; it could be a television, computer, mobile, etc., and is especially common in big firms and offices. That’s why it’s recommended to start spending less on office supplies, especially for small businesses and start-ups.

Electronic waste, however, is a double-edged sword, as it can cause environmental pollution due to the containment of lead, cadmium, and other hazardous materials. Moreover, their batteries can leak dangerous chemicals.

On the other hand, refurbishing and reselling these gadgets can be a thriving source of income. Companies that dispose of e-waste on a large scale and frequently can arrange an e-waste disposal area, where employees can drop off their dead gadgets and get them refurbished and then resold for a profit.

Top Challenges of Turning Waste into Wealth 

To begin implementing a proper waste management strategy on the right foot, a company must be aware of the challenges it may face by conducting a risk analysis. Here are the top challenges of waste management systems that businesses must be aware of:

Insufficient Instructing 

There is very little awareness about waste management strategies, as most companies still rely on traditional approaches that are easier, more cost-effective, and faster rather than environmentally-friendly ones. Consequently, there is a shortage of waste collection and disposal facilities, and waste collection and transport strategies remain rudimentary.

Financial Limitations

A proper waste management strategy will generate incremental revenues. However, achieving such rewarding outcomes does not come at an affordable price. Waste management strategies can be expensive, and not every company can afford them.

Climate Change

The climate affects many waste management strategies, such as recycling, composting, waste-to-energy, and others. Since the climate has always been changing and will continue to do so, it is important to consider the climate when implementing waste management strategies.

To Sum up 

Implementing a waste management strategy is a significant milestone for any company, but it cannot be accomplished easily or by the business owners alone. Instead, it requires a collective effort to promote workplace social wellness and collaboration among all parties to succeed. As a result, this strategy’s positive impacts will benefit everyone involved.

Author Bio

Mike Abelson, an accomplished Editorial Director at Lendza, has dedicated his career to helping entrepreneurs and startups improve their financial strategies with sustainability in mind. 
Before joining Lendza, Mike worked in the financial industry for over 10 years, further enriching his expertise in the finance sector. He previously helped small-to-large businesses grow and develop their companies from inception. 

1. Understand Why We Need To Be Sustainable

The first step to going all in on a sustainability plan is to understand that by updating your business, you are doing your part to reverse a negative trend in commercial business, which is that they are a major contributor to climate change. Many commercial businesses use fossil fuels to operate and make their products. When fossil fuels are burned, they release nitrogen oxides into the air that create smog. These greenhouse gasses trap heat in our atmosphere, contributing to global warming. Recent findings show that 100 of the largest companies are responsible for 71% of the global emissions that hurt our planet.

Although incorporating sustainable upgrades in your small business won’t completely eradicate the problem, by doing your part, you can influence other companies to do the same. You will be part of a growing movement. Many companies are looking into changing how they operate, including looking into resilient design. This strategy involves constructing buildings and office spaces that are more resilient to natural disasters, which often occur due to climate change. By building better foundations and using durable materials like concrete or steel that can withstand storms, the buildings can last longer. The tools and machines necessary to construct buildings also create fossil fuels, so constructing a building that lasts a lifetime can make a major impact.

The point is that you’re doing your part to reverse a negative trend with these upgrades.

2. Get Your Team Involved

A natural first step to creating a more environmentally friendly office is to get your team involved. Many major companies, including Coca-Cola, have made it a point to prioritize in-house education regarding sustainability. They teach their teams about the importance of being eco-friendly and ask them to help create programs to make the office more sustainable. Ideas could include having a special event at the office on Earth Day or providing all employees with a reusable mug, so they don’t use disposable cups.

By making your green team part of the solution, they will take more ownership in creating a sustainable workplace and they could come up with some amazing ideas. It’s important to do what’s right for your team. When you help the planet so your workers can breathe cleaner air and enjoy clean sunlight, they can avoid harmful physical ailments and they will be happier at work.

3. No-Waste Policy For Paper

A DIY upgrade many offices can try is creating a paperless environment. Printers are becoming a thing of the past, especially when we can email a document worldwide or show meeting notes on the conference room television. Make it official by eliminating all printers and creating a new system where employees can share all necessary information on their devices.

4. Properly Shred And Recycle Your Documents

If you must print paper for legal documents or other sensitive information, it’s essential that you shred that paperwork when the time comes. The issue is while you may think that you’re keeping that documentation from prying eyes via shredding, if you throw it out afterwards or put it in a recycling bin, criminals can still piece the shreds back together. To be totally sustainable, bring in a shredding service. A shredding company can pick up your documents, destroy them, provide you with a certificate of destruction, and then hand off the shreds to their partner recycling provider. This solution will ensure that your client’s information is properly destroyed and recycled.

5. Save Water

Business owners who can make modifications to the office should consider updating the faucets. Start in the bathrooms, where you can switch out standard faucets with low-flow alternatives. Also, look into dual flush toilets that use a lot less water. If you have a dishwasher in the kitchen or breakroom, assign one employee to wash all dishes at the end of the day instead of doing several washes.

This is also a good time to inspect your plumbing and fix pipes that may be leaking. If your faucet is dripping, get that fixed as well. It may seem minor but it is said that the average leak can waste 10,000 gallons of water per year.

6. Modify Your Lighting

At most businesses, the lights are always on, even during the day. In addition to creating a hefty electric bill, the fossil fuels that are burned to light those fixtures are hurting the environment. So make some changes. Switch out the incandescent bulbs for LED alternatives that burn longer and use less power. You can also put the lights on timers, so they turn off when people are out of the office at lunch or the end of the day. Also, consider altering the floor plan to put desks closer to windows so your employees can see their work without needing any lights. The natural light will also help them to feel better and be more productive during the day.

You can start your journey towards a more sustainable company by utilizing these six steps. Once you start, you may be addicted to making your office as eco-friendly as possible. Thank you for doing your part to make the world a better place.

Author Bio

Sam Bowman writes about people, sustainability, recycling, and how they merge. He enjoys getting to utilize the internet for the community without actually having to leave his house. He volunteers his time as a local recycling and waste reduction activist, working to help people better navigate proper recycling. In his spare time, he likes running, reading, and combining the two in a run to his local bookstore.

The Importance of Businesses Going Green

There are several ways in which going green can benefit a company.

Environmental Benefits

One of the key reasons why businesses should go green is the environmental benefits that come with sustainable practices. Adopting eco-friendly practices can help to reduce the negative impact of human activities on the environment, such as greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, and deforestation. By reducing the environmental impact of their operations, businesses can help to preserve natural resources, protect biodiversity, and ensure a more sustainable future for the planet. This not only benefits the environment but can also enhance the reputation of businesses that are seen as environmentally responsible, helping attract more customers and stakeholders who value sustainability.

Cost Savings

Another reason why businesses should go green is the potential for cost savings. Implementing sustainable practices can significantly reduce energy and water consumption, waste generation, and other operating costs. By optimizing resource use and reducing waste, businesses can increase efficiency and improve profitability. Additionally, sustainable practices can help businesses stay ahead of regulatory requirements, avoid penalties, and reduce the risk of supply chain disruptions caused by environmental issues.

Positive Brand Image

Going green can also help businesses enhance their brand image and reputation by demonstrating a commitment to sustainability. In today’s world, consumers are increasingly interested in supporting environmentally responsible companies and are willing to pay a premium for eco-friendly products and services. By adopting sustainable practices, businesses can differentiate themselves from competitors, build customer trust, and attract a wider audience of environmentally conscious consumers. This can lead to increased sales, customer loyalty, and a more positive public image for the business.

Make Green Choices for Your Business

1. Telecommuting
   • When possible, telecommuting, or working from home, can reduce the need for employee travel and energy consumption, leading to lower carbon emissions and cost savings for the company.
2. Environmental Education
   • Educate employees about sustainable practices, encourage participation in green initiatives, teach about correct recycling practices, and communicate the company’s commitment to sustainability.
3. Solar Energy
   • Installing solar panels can help companies generate clean energy, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and lower energy costs in the long run while demonstrating a commitment to sustainability.
4. Green Building
   • Green building practices, such as using environmentally friendly materials and designs, can help companies reduce their carbon footprint and create healthier, more sustainable work environments for employees.
5. Sustainable Supply Chains
   • Implementing sustainable procurement policies and choosing suppliers who prioritize sustainable practices can help companies reduce their environmental impact and promote sustainable development in their supply chains.
6. Green Transportation
   • Encouraging employees to use alternative modes of transportation such as carpooling, public transit, or biking and using hybrid or electric vehicles for business travel can reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable transportation.
7. Waste Reduction
   • Implementing a waste reduction program that includes recycling, composting, and reducing paper use can help companies reduce their environmental impact, save money, and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.
8. Water Conservation
   • Installing water-efficient fixtures, such as low-flow toilets and faucets, and recycling wastewater for non-potable uses can help companies conserve water resources and reduce their water usage and costs.
9. Energy Efficiency
   • Implementing energy-efficient lighting and equipment, optimizing heating and cooling systems, and encouraging employees to conserve energy can help companies reduce their energy consumption and costs while also reducing carbon emissions.

Avoid Actions that Hurt the Environment

10. Don’t Contribute to Pollution
    • Companies that emit pollutants into the air or water, or release hazardous chemicals or waste products, can harm ecosystems and human health.
11. Dodge Deforestation
    • Companies that engage in practices such as clear-cutting or logging of old-growth forests can contribute to deforestation and loss of biodiversity. Using recycled paper materials instead can help reduce the need for deforestation.
12. Ditch Non-Renewable Resource Use
    • Companies that rely heavily on non-renewable resources, such as fossil fuels, can contribute to climate change and deplete finite resources.
13. Stay Away from Excessive Packaging
    • Companies that use excessive packaging materials or unrecyclable packaging can contribute to waste generation and pollution.
14. Abstain from Land Use Changes
    • Companies that engage in activities that require significant land use changes, such as mining or agriculture, can contribute to habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity.
15. Steer Clear of Greenwashing
    • Companies that engage in deceptive or misleading marketing practices that suggest they are environmentally friendly when they are not can contribute to consumer confusion and undermine genuine efforts to promote sustainability.
      

In Conclusion

Adopting environmentally sustainable practices is crucial for businesses to reduce their environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future. By implementing green initiatives, companies can benefit from cost savings, a positive brand image, and contribute to the preservation of the planet’s natural resources and ecosystems.

Author Bio

Taylor McKnight is a Digital Marketing PR Specialist representing Hohm Energy. Hohm Energy is an eco-friendly company promoting solar installation to those interested in leaving an environmental footprint. The business hopes to lessen electric usage and reinforce a more sustainable and natural way of living.

Should Your Brand Consider Sustainability in Labeling and Packaging?

First, let’s look at whether or not it’s worth investing in sustainable permanent labeling and eco-friendly packaging. Some business owners might wonder if it’s really necessary to take a sustainable approach, and the answer is a definitive yes; there are many benefits to switching to sustainable labeling and packaging alternatives.

It’s not just about being kinder to the planet; making use of sustainable labeling and packaging also makes good business sense. The likes of eco-friendly labels and packages can help your brand in some ways you might not have expected, providing a positive impact on your profits and brand growth over time.

How Eco-Friendly Packaging Benefits Your Business

As mentioned above, eco-friendly packaging can offer an array of genuine business benefits, as well as helping to preserve the natural world. Here are just some of the main advantages that businesses around the globe have experienced after switching from traditional labels and packaging to more sustainable options:

Eco-Friendly Packaging is Versatile

One of the best advantages of eco-friendly packaging is how versatile it is. Some people might mistakenly believe that eco-friendly packaging products are more limited or less useful than traditional packaging, but the truth is very different; these types of packaging can be used in a wide range of ways.

There are lots of different eco-friendly materials you can make use of, from wood pulp to recycled fibers and plastics, allowing you to safely and reliably package up a wide range of products and keep them safe in various conditions. Plus, most eco-friendly packaging can be recycled and used all over again.

It Improves Your Brand Image

These days, brand image is more important than ever before. It’s vital to present a positive and attractive image of your brand and its values to the world, as customers can be very discerning; many people will only want to shop with brands that reflect their values and may shun those with poor images or negative reputations.

Investing in eco-friendly packaging is a simple way to show the world that your business cares and is actually taking real action to reduce waste and be better to the environment. This can help you build up more social value in the eyes of your customers and can even draw more people to your brand instead of your competitors.

It Can Cut Costs

Some business worry about the potential cost of making changes to the way in which they package and label their products, and it’s important to manage your budget effectively and make savings where you can, especially if you’re running a small business. However, the truth of the matter is that eco-friendly labels and packaging can actually be cheaper in the long run.

Since many eco-friendly packaging materials are recycled, they tend to be cheaper overall than traditional alternatives. So you can actually spend less on packaging your products with these materials. Plus, as stated above, as your brand image improves, you might even be able to raise profits by making more sales to eco-conscious customers.

Builds Brand Affinity With Eco-friendly Consumers

Following on from the previous point, it’s important for business owners to recognize that there are a lot of eco-conscious people out there nowadays; many people want to do their bit for the natural world by saving energy or cutting down their usage of damaging plastics, and lots of those same people also like to shop with eco-friendly brands.

These kinds of consumers take the time to learn about a brand’s eco-initiatives before deciding whether or not they want to buy from them, and they’ll always favor those brands that are taking action and making a positive environmental impact. Therefore, using eco-friendly packaging is a great way to build a connection with this growing sub-set of consumers.

What is Sustainable Labeling?

As well as sustainable packaging, many businesses are also opting for sustainable labeling. This term refers to labeling materials and methods that aim to have the smallest possible impact on the environment; sustainable labels can usually be recycled or might even biodegrade naturally over time, and they’re much kinder to nature than traditional labels which contribute to waste and pollution.

Why Your Product Needs Sustainable Labeling

Just like sustainable packaging, sustainable labeling can offer a great range of benefits for brands. It’s much better for the environment, and it shows consumers that your brand cares. This can help you improve your brand’s reputation and profile, appeal to eco-conscious buyers, attract more customers over time, and even cut down costs when compared with standard sticky labeling.

How Do Labels Affect Recycling?

It’s worth noting that when products with labels attached are sent to be recycled, the labels usually have to be burned off or removed in some other way, due to the fact that they’re made from materials which cannot be recycled. This uses up energy and contributes to environmental problems. However, modern alternatives like recyclable labels and biodegradable labels are changing the game, and futuristic methods like polymer fusion labeling can be used to create permanent labels that are 100% recyclable with the products they’re printed on.

Author Bio

George Nelson is a sustainability consultant who is currently cooperating with Polyfuze. He is passionate about life-changing innovation, and industrial and manufacturing technologies. George loves discovering and sharing new technologies that shape the sustainability agenda. He has many fascinating articles published in various magazines and blogs.

Global shipping and supply chains are responsible for more waste and unrecycled products than most people realize. Oversupply and damage contribute to $163 billion in inventory tossed out each year and nearly 8% of surplus stock ends up in landfills.

Even though this is a systematic issue, your business can help. Let’s cover a few effective strategies that will make your supply chain efforts more sustainable, so you can reduce the amount of waste associated with your company and do your part to foster a greener future.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

You might not automatically think technology and sustainability go hand-in-hand. However, the tech world has made incredible advancements in recent years that will make it easier for individuals to reduce their personal waste, and for businesses to reduce waste production and learn how to recycle more frequently.

Modern technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), 5G, machine learning, and IoT all play a role in reducing supply chain waste for businesses and corporations. The use of 5G, combined with AI, can help businesses accurately predict when their products will arrive on retail shelves. This helps with inventory management and will reduce waste in manufacturing and sales. It also makes it easier for manufacturers to accurately predict shortages so they can stay ahead of the game.

Using IT trends like automation, you can improve the efficiency of your supply chain and recycling practices. Automation can also make it easier to take control of inventory management. It reduces the risk of human error and will optimize your resources so you’re only using what’s needed, when it’s needed, without over-ordering or manufacturing too much of a single product. Not only will that make the lives of your employees easier, but it can help to reduce supply chain waste in nearly every area of a product journey. 

Recycle Your Inventory

In addition to cutting back on overproduction, it’s important to improve your recycling efforts as much as possible so your materials don’t end up in a landfill. Start by looking at your production process to determine which ones are producing the most waste. That will make it easier to figure out how (and where) you can scale back, and which items can be recycled. You’ll also be able to redesign certain processes to make a shift to recyclable materials whenever possible.

When it comes to your current inventory, you can reduce wastage and improve your overstock recycling efforts by:

• Selling overstock at discounted prices;
• Selling to scrap dealers;
• Donating;
• Reworking old inventory into new products;
• Returning to the supplier whenever possible.

It’s not just your products and materials that need to be considered when you’re recycling. E-waste is becoming a bigger problem than ever. While technology can be a great thing for the future of sustainability, the machines used to implement it can create a problem when they become obsolete. Focus on repairing machines whenever possible. If it’s time to get rid of an electronic device, consider taking it to an e-waste recycling center or setting up an e-waste system of your own.

Improve Production Quality

Most manufacturers focus on quality control once a product is fully complete. However, you should be focusing on production quality through every part of the process. Doing so will minimize the wastage of raw materials.

Improving production quality also requires better inventory management. Implementing new systems and using JIT (just-in-time) logistics can make it easier to optimize your orders, so your process can focus on quality over quantity while cutting down on excess use of warehouse space, utility usage, and even transportation needs.

Finally, improving production quality can also help to improve your employee experience. Ask for their feedback as you work on creating a sustainable supply chain effort. They’re the ones dealing with actual production each day, and they likely have the most knowledge of what is being wasted and why. Getting their feedback can make it easier to optimize waste management, improve performance, and reduce the need for so many nonrenewable resources.

Some aspects of the supply chain will always be out of your control. However, if you want to reduce the waste associated with manufacturing, storing, and delivering, keep these suggestions in mind. Use technology to streamline your efforts, cut back on excess waste, and optimize your supply chain. Doing so will help you run as efficiently as possible without relying on too many resources. With a few swaps, changes, and upgrades, you can reduce supply chain waste and promote a more sustainable company culture from within.

Author Bio

Sam Bowman writes about people, sustainability, recycling, and how they merge. He enjoys getting to utilize the internet for the community without actually having to leave his house. He volunteers his time as a local recycling and waste reduction activist, working to help people better navigate proper recycling. In his spare time, he likes running, reading, and combining the two in a run to his local bookstore.

While individuals and families can do their part to recycle at home, businesses across the globe can have an even greater positive impact when it comes to reducing waste and reusing items as often as possible.

Thankfully, technology has made it easier than ever to improve your recycling efforts. If you manage a business, using tech to your advantage will not only create a greener future, but it can benefit your business in a variety of ways.

Let’s dig deeper into how recycling efforts can improve your company’s impact on the local environment. We’ll also touch on sustainability tech options that are helping businesses across the world become greener.

A Greener, Cleaner Business

The benefits of reducing trash in the workplace go far beyond just cleaning up the planet, but let’s start there. According to the EPA, the average American produces 4.9 pounds of waste per day. When you consider that many people spend the majority of their time at work each day, a lot of that waste is piling up in the office.

Things like plastic water bottles, other single-use plastic items, packaged lunches, and even everyday office supplies can be thrown away without a second thought. But, it all adds up quickly. Even though most things are becoming digitized, the average office worker still uses about 10,000 sheets of paper each year, and most of them get thrown away.

Implementing recycling into your business will not only help to cut back on this kind of excessive waste, but it can boost your business in a variety of ways. You’re more likely to save money. You’ll reduce the cost of your raw materials, maximize your profitability, and create a healthy, positive work environment that attracts top talent.

Speaking of a healthy environment, recycling initiatives can also reduce health concerns in the office. You might have employees who are currently concerned with your waste policies and how they’re impacting people’s health. Don’t wait for those employees to approach you or for them to quit because of unhealthy practices that don’t benefit your employees or the future of the planet.

The Perfect Marriage of Tech and Recycling

Recycling, in general, seems like a pretty old-school practice. But, we’re seeing advancements that are bringing it into the 21st century and making it easier for businesses of all sizes to implement efficient and effective recycling programs.

If you want to take advantage of technology, stay up-to-date with the latest trends in recycling and how the digital world is making it easier for corporations and individuals to reduce their waste. Even if your business isn’t in a position to implement these types of tech, you can see where things are going and get a better idea of how you can strengthen a recycling program from within.

You can also go a bit deeper with your efforts and start a recycling program within your workplace. Education is a huge part of successful recycling, so holding training sessions with your team and holding expectations when it comes to your new program is a great way to get started. Let’s cover a few smart waste technology ideas that are changing the future of recycling.

Smart Waste Bins

While it seems easy to throw a plastic bottle or piece of paper into a bin, not everything always gets recycled and sorted properly. That often creates issues at recycling centers across the country, and could cause your best efforts to fall short. One way to combat that is by implementing smart waste bins in your office. They use artificial intelligence (AI) to sort recyclables properly, so you don’t have to worry about employees recycling the “wrong” things.

E-Waste Kiosks

Unfortunately, e-waste has become a major problem across the globe. More than 50 million metric tons of e-waste are generated each year. Your office can do its part to reduce e-waste by working with a company or program that installs kiosks to properly dispose of electronic devices.

Or, you can encourage your employees to drop off their e-waste at a designated location in the office, and make a trip to your nearest kiosk once a month. These kiosks are designed to let you drop off your electronic waste safely, so it can be recycled properly and not left in a landfill to potentially damage the environment.

Recycling Apps

If you want to create a workplace environment that promotes recycling, encourage your team to download our recycling app. The Recycle Coach app can help employees sort items by searching or taking a picture of the item and telling the employee the correct disposal for your office. We also offer an initial online training for your workplace through an interactive Lunch ‘n Learn session. The Recycle Coach app can help improve your employee’s recycling by providing industry news and educating your team on best recycling practices so they can live greener lives at work and at home.

Other Sustainable Tech Options Your Business Will Benefit From

Recycling is one of the easiest ways to lower the carbon footprint of your business. If you don’t already have recycling efforts in place, it’s time to get started. But, there’s so much more you can do to boost your brand’s sustainability – especially if you use technology to your advantage. Some of the best ways to bring sustainable technology into your business include:

• Installing solar panels
• Using LED light technology
• Encouraging employees to take public or electric transportation

You can take that final point one step further by setting an example. If you manage a company that requires employee transportation and you have a fleet of vehicles, consider “going green” by switching to environmentally efficient cars. While these vehicles can be an investment upfront, they’ll save your business thousands of dollars on fuel and maintenance over several years.

Technology is making it easier than ever to run a sustainable business. It’s taking the guesswork out of recycling, so you can implement a program that works for you and your team, and enjoy the benefits of a healthy workplace and greener future.

Author Bio

Sam Bowman writes about people, sustainability, recycling, and how they merge. He enjoys getting to utilize the internet for the community without actually having to leave his house. He volunteers his time as a local recycling and waste reduction activist, working to help people better navigate proper recycling. In his spare time, he likes running, reading, and combining the two in a run to his local bookstore.

There are many ways to implement workplace recycling. One of the most important steps is to provide employees with a recycling plan and the necessary resources to make recycling easy and convenient. We have some tips on how get started.

Make Recycling More Convenient

1. Make recycling bins easily accessible: Place recycling bins in convenient locations throughout the workplace, such as near printers, copiers, and other common areas. This will make it easier for employees to quickly and conveniently dispose of recyclable materials.

2. Educate employees: Provide employees with information about what materials can be recycled and how to properly dispose of them. This will help ensure that recyclable materials are disposed of correctly and that non-recyclable materials are not placed in the recycling bins. Recycle Coach At Work also offers recycling education solutions for companies looking to boost their employees’ recycling knowledge.

3. Provide incentives: Offer incentives to employees who participate in the recycling program. This could include rewards such as gift cards or other prizes to employees who recycle the most.

4. Make it a team effort: Encourage employees to work together to make recycling at work easier and more convenient. This could include setting up a recycling committee or having employees take turns collecting recyclable materials from around the office.

5. Utilize technology: Use technology to make recycling easier. For example, you could have employees use the Recycle Coach At Work mobile app’s ‘What Goes Where’ tool to search if items are recyclable.

6. Make it visible: Place signs and posters around the office to remind employees to recycle. This will help ensure that everyone is aware of the recycling program and is encouraged to participate. Also place posters above the bin itself clearly showing what is and is not accepted in your office recycling program.

7. Schedule it: Set up calendar reminders for employees to spend a few minutes preparing their recycling on a regular basis. With a scheduled plan to recycling, you can help reinforce recycling as a habit in the workplace.

8. Make it fun: Make recycling fun by organizing recycling competitions, host a recycling lunch ‘n learn event, or other activities that encourage employees to recycle.

9. Utilize outside resources: Utilize outside resources such as local recycling centers or waste management companies to help make recycling at work easier and more convenient.

10. Monitor progress: Monitor the progress of the recycling program to ensure that it is successful. This could include tracking the amount of materials that have been recycled, the amount of money saved, or the amount of energy saved by recycling. This data can also be used to make improvements to the program and to ensure that it is meeting its goals.

By implementing a workplace recycling program, businesses can help to reduce their environmental impact and create a more sustainable workplace. By make sure your workplace recycling program is convenient and easy to understand, you are ensuring that your company can reach it’s sustainability goals.

Here are a few of the ways that the property market is prioritizing sustainability for a greener future.

PropTech facilitates informed decisions

Property tech, or proptech, is one of the ways that businesses are able to weigh in on the energy performance of buildings and manage efficiency for residential and commercial buildings. 

The data supplied by this type of technology is instrumental in helping us make more informed decisions when it comes to our carbon footprint and helps to reduce the impact properties can have on the environment. 

Using integrated systems to control the likes of heating, lighting or blinds, proptech can track energy consumption and monitor electricity, water usage and heating expenditures so better choices can be made. 

If sensors show increases in carbon emissions, residents and owners can make the necessary changes to reduce these emissions, creating more climate-aware individuals and more sustainable properties. 

Greener finance options

Energy efficiency improvements for properties account for a fifth of carbon emissions. Eco mortgages are one solution that helps get around the issue of funding a more sustainable build. “Many carbon-conscious buyers now want to live in a property with environmentally friendly materials such as timber, recycled plastics or insulated panels”, explains Pete Mugleston from Online Mortgage Advisor. In the years to come, more buyers will be seeking ways to fund greener purchases, and the market is starting to reflect that. 

Renewable solutions built-in

Part of the property sector’s initiatives to challenge carbon emissions is to build the solutions into plans before they’re constructed. This enables property companies to embrace sustainability from the start of a project by implementing renewable energy systems such as solar panels and encouraging biodiversity through green spaces in designs. 

Solar panels – property companies that are looking to address the challenges around carbon emissions early on in the construction process can utilize environmental technology such as solar panels. With innovation and efficiency continuing to improve within this space, the cost of construction for companies and the benefits of cheaper bills for homeowners make solar energy a sustainable option to help reduce carbon emissions and greenhouse gasses. Homeowners can reduce carbon emissions by 1.3 to 1.6 tonnes per year by using solar panels to generate electricity for their homes. 

Insulation – a simple change such as insulating the walls of a building can reduce carbon emissions by around 1100kg per year for a detached property. This can also bring utility costs down and reduce maintenance costs caused by mold and dampness. 

Using recycled resources – reports show that the global construction industry is on track to produce 2.2 billion tons of construction waste by 2025. Construction companies can benefit from repurposing materials to help combat the negative impact of sourcing new materials and save time and costs when investing in onsite recycling facilities. Some of the most common materials that can be recycled on-site include timber, concrete, metal, asphalt, gypsum, and plastics. These can often be sourced from windows and doors, appliances, fixtures and landscape waste. Being Green Building Certified can help attract new business as the demand for eco-conscious construction continues to be an important focus for homebuyers.  

Regulators are encouraging sustainability

Industry bodies are taking a more active role in cultivating a sustainable future by putting pressure on leaders to force the hand of those not willing to act. In the US, a recent report from The United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative states that, “Governments, investors, and the public have become increasingly committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.” Across the pond in the UK, British Property Federation is urging developers to adopt zero carbon building standards. They are also educating them on how to assess climate risk during decision making, to promote circular design and environmentally friendly building processes. 

The property industry understands it’s vital that key collaborators in the sector, such as people in finance, have the knowledge required to support their customers and help people make better decisions. 

Regulators and funders are vital to the process of providing education and awareness of sustainable options to buyers. 

Finding ways to reduce waste 

The construction industry produces vast amounts of waste. New build constructions require a continual stream of new materials, which brings with it a large waste load. That waste load needs to be disposed of correctly in order to avoid ending up in landfill. 

One of the ways the property sector is tackling this issue with new properties is to look at reducing waste over a building’s life cycle by creating tools and certifications that are specific to construction, demolition and operations waste. Creating flexible buildings that are adaptable makes it possible for these materials to be less damaging to the environment and helps to combat the issue of property waste. 

Final thoughts

The property sector in North America can prioritize sustainability in numerous ways. As the discussions about the environment become even more widespread, buyers and lenders will have little choice but to make changes to accommodate. 

Already, there’s evidence to suggest that buyers and investors are keen to pay more for sustainable features. As younger generations enter the market, this will become the norm.

Author Bio

Daniel Groves has a background in Business Economics and is passionate about the growth of sustainable businesses. Daniel has collaborated with many online publications to further develop his knowledge and share his experience with like-minded eco-conscious entrepreneurs, business owners, and growth strategists. Connect with Daniel on LinkedIn.