Single-use plastics have long been a concern for their environmental impact, and with over 300 million tons of plastic produced each year, cleaning product packaging makes up a large part. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), only about nine per cent of all plastic ever produced has been recycled, leaving the rest to landfills, incinerators, or the environment, adding pollution and harmful microplastics to the earth.
Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people reduce plastic waste through simple, everyday choices, becoming part of the solution to plastic pollution. Since its inception, the movement has inspired over 170 million participants in 190 countries, advocating for small changes and choosing to refuse single use plastics, starting in July and carrying that choice on into the future of your business.
Plastic-Free July offers these tips to help businesses reduce plastic use in the workplace:
- Conduct a bin audit to determine whether your company is maximizing its efforts. Identify avoidable waste that can instead be recycled or composted and changes you can make immediately to improve performance. Consider suppliers, products, and make long-term goals to heal reach your targets and reduce plastic use.
- Commercial use is important, but what about areas like your kitchen? If you have items like plastic cutlery or dishes, consider switching them out for re-usable versions. Help reduce kitchen waste by adding a compost or green bin, recycling receptacles, and posting signage that encourages staff to think environmentally when packing their lunches.
- Get your teams involved by hosting challenges that invite staff to bring in re-sable coffee mugs and water bottles, create litter-less lunches, and offer suggestions to help improve the green efforts in your office.
- Look into your buying practices and create a plan to reduce your plastic use. This may mean switching suppliers, buying in larger qualities with refillable options, and looking for products with greener certification. Add changes to the budget so it becomes part of your company’s practice to prioritize plastic reduction from a financial standpoint, too.
Sustainability and ESG goals are vital for cleaning companies looking to have an environmental impact and lower their carbon footprint. Focusing on minimizing single-use plastics for the month of July – and beyond – is a great start for creating lasting environmental change in the cleaning industry.
