Zero Waste Strategy: 3 Ways to Reduce Your Office Waste

When trying to implement a zero waste strategy, a strong recycling program is a great first step to seeing what types of waste is made in your office. But to really move towards zero waste, it’s important to start a program that moves to eliminate waste in the recycling bin in the first place. Here are 3 tips to reducing your office’s waste, before materials reach a recycling bin.

1. Pick green alternatives. After auditing your waste, you should look for alternatives that either eliminates the waste or replace it with safer, eco-friendly materials. One step to take is to go digital or use reusables as much as possible in your office. When you do need materials that will create recycled waste, pick products that are green from the get-go. Pay attention to eco-labels, which can help you choose paper or plastic products made from a high content of recycled materials.

2. Buy products in bulk. For offices, packaging for various supplies can make up a lot of your company’s waste. The first step to reducing that waste is to buy in bulk, as it usually means less packaging by volume. Also, consider shopping from companies that aim to reduce their waste footprint by using sustainable packaging materials, or pack their items with minimal waste. When possible, consider buying products that use no packaging: a simple switch to bar soaps from liquid soaps, for example, can reduce waste in your office’s bathroom.

3. Recycle with reuse programs. To make sure that your waste is used in valuable ways, consider recycling options that have a higher reuse yield than your current provider. To supplement your general recycling system, starting goodwill programs in the office, like Cellphones for Soldiers or Community Recycling, can encourage your employees to recycle goods for reuse.

As you implement these strategies, you’ll gradually find it easier to move towards zero waste. Seeing an empty recycling bin by then would not be so bad after all.