Five Top Tips to Create a Zero Waste Office | Glaze & Save
Whether you’re
kitting out a new office, or simply looking to become more environmentally
friendly, looking for ways to create a zero waste office not only boosts your
green credentials, but also is a great way to save money. So without further
ado, here are our five top tips to create a zero waste office that is as
professional as it is eco-friendly.
1. Unplug the printer
These days, documents can be shared instantaneously and numerously with email, cloud sharing, and easily read on phones, laptops, tablets amongst other devices. So why are you still printing things out? Make it policy to simply stop printing documents. If it’s necessary, then use recycled paper, and print on both sides. Also be sure to purchase refillable ink cartridges to save money and resources even if you do need to use your printer. At Glaze & Save, we only print out our guarantees and recycling letter for customers: everything else is stored electronically. The little we do print uses recycled FSC approved paper, using ink from refillable ink cartridges. Not only does it save resources, it saves a fortune!
2. Say goodbye to sticky notes
Those ubiquitous brightly coloured sticky notes might be good for catching your eye with must-remember details, but they can’t be recycled on account of the glue that is used to make them oh-so sticky. Use an app on your computer, invest in a corkboard to pin recyclable notes, or even a blackboard for the ultimate in reusability. If you usually use sticky notes to remember one specific thing, save it in the notes section of your phone or set labelled alarms.
3. Make a mug of yourself
No we don’t mean making a fool of yourself! Provide reusable ceramic crockery, cutlery and mugs for your employees and encourage using them over disposable alternatives. Encourage your employees and colleagues to give up their wasteful on-the-go coffee habit by providing good quality coffee at the office, but be wary of coffee pods. Not only are they extremely expensive, but they usually cannot be recycled. Stick to products in reusable or recyclable packaging, and provide a composting bin for used tea bags and coffee grounds.
4. Make do and mend
Instead of purchasing box fresh furniture, repair, repurpose or upcycle what you already have. Or if you need to buy new furniture, then check out listings for second hand furniture and office clearouts online or in your local listings. And don’t forget to donate or sell on your own furniture once it’s no longer needed!
5. Down with disposables
When purchasing supplies for the office, think reuse and recycle. Buy binders made from recyclable materials that are also sturdy enough to be reused over and over again. Use refillable pens rather than disposable and utilise paper clips rather than staples. You can also obtain good quality solar powered calculators, rechargeable batteries and a host of waste-free bits and bobs.
Glaze & Save are finalists in the 2017 VIBES Scottish Environmental Business Awards in the Environmental Product or Service Category. We are committed to reducing the waste in our installation process, where we recycle over 95% of the waste produced from our installation process. Reduce you’re the energy consumption of your office while dealing with an ethical small business by contacting Glaze & Save today for your free no obligation survey today .
