In any given office, vast amounts of paper and other materials are used every single day. That means that office buildings generate a large amount of waste, much of which could be recycled instead of thrown away. Fortunately, recycling can easily be encouraged in the office by setting up appropriately labeled bins for paper, plastic, & aluminum waste. This simple but effective action serves to remind staff that the resources they’re using can – and should – be reused as much as possible.
Recycling paper in particular also helps to cut down on printer toner consumption and document storage costs, making it an even more attractive prospect for recycling in the workplace. Even better: many local governments offer incentives or other rewards for reducing a company’s non-organics waste stream through recycling programs like these! So why not join the efforts and make sure your business has the right process in place? Setting up those bins may be all it takes to take huge strides towards environmental sustainability.
Send Digital Memos or Newsletters Instead of Physical Copies
As the workplace becomes increasingly digital, companies can save time and money—and help preserve the planet—by transitioning to paperless systems. Sending memos and newsletters digitally is a great way to get started. Not only will this significantly reduce printing costs, it also eliminates the need for physical storage space and saves on postage. But perhaps most importantly, it cuts down on paper consumption, which in turn can go a long way in reducing carbon emissions.
Of course, due to privacy regulations not all confidential memos should be circulated digitally; but for most everyday tasks digital versions are just as effective – if not more so – than their physical counterparts. Making the shift to paperless systems may require an adjustment period at first; however, with communication tools like email and SMS messages becoming more sophisticated by the day, moving away from ink and paper is likely to benefit both businesses and our environment in the long run.
Use Rechargeable Batteries to Power Office Equipment
Many of today’s offices are filled with electronic equipment that requires power to operate. All too often, these devices come with non-rechargeable batteries, meaning users need to constantly purchase new packs in order to keep them running. This not only increases costs but can also create a lot of waste, which may be bad for the environment. Fortunately, there is an easy solution: rechargeable batteries.
By investing in a couple of sets of rechargeable AA and AAA batteries and keeping them charged on a regular basis, office managers can cut down their purchasing costs significantly and help to reduce battery waste at the same time. Not only do rechargeable cells offer better performance than single-use alternatives, they can also store enough energy to keep office equipment going far longer between charges, perfect for those long meetings or lengthy projects.
Buy Recycled or Eco-Friendly Office Supplies
When shopping for office supplies, consider choosing products that are recycled or eco-friendly. By doing so, you can help to reduce the amount of plastic, paper and other materials that end up in landfills. Recycled products such as pens, pencils and paper are often made with post-consumer waste, which helps conserve natural resources like water and trees used to manufacture new products.
Similarly, eco-friendly options like paperless notebooks and digital scanners minimize waste while providing the same level of functionality as traditional office supplies. They also use far less energy than their non-renewable counterparts, making them friendly for both the environment and your wallet. Ultimately, buying recycled or eco-friendly office supplies is a great way to reduce your environmental footprint without compromising quality or performance. Plus, you can do your part to help create a more sustainable future!
Educate Your Employees About Conserving Energy and Water Usage in the Workplace
Businesses have a unique opportunity to play an active role in promoting conservation and protecting the environment. Educating your employees on sustainable practices such as conserving energy and water in the workplace can help you not only reduce costs and be more efficient in your operations, but also demonstrate a commitment to corporate responsibility.
Simple tactics such as scheduling regular check ups for equipment like air conditioning systems, lighting systems, and water pipe heaters can lead to major savings over time. Encourage employees to switch off appliances when they are not using them or take shorter showers during their breaks.
BG’s Big Box Service
You can be a leader in your industry by being eco-friendly and setting the example for others to follow. BG’s Big Box Service is here to help you take the first steps towards sustainability. Give us a call today if you’re in or around Sun Valley, CA to find out more about our paper recycling, e-waste disposal, and confidential document destruction services.