Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing issues facing our environment. While many businesses have made an effort to reduce their plastic distribution, we cannot stop there. Single-use plastics continue to clog our waterways and damage essential ecosystems. It is clear that tackling this issue is no longer an option but a necessity.

It is estimated that 8 million tonnes of plastic waste are dumped into oceans every year. While we may not think a plastic bag or single-use coffee cup will make a huge difference, every little bit adds to built up waste and harmful pollution. People are now being encouraged to avoid single-use plastic in day-to-day life. But businesses will be held to an even higher standard as customer behaviour changes in response to the climate emergency. Being environmentally sustainable has become not only the more ethical path for businesses, but the more pragmatic one.

So, this Plastic Free July we take a look at how businesses can reduce their plastic usage and its impact on our ecosystems.

Buy smarter

Sourcing eco-friendly office supplies is rarely a high priority for businesses. With many opting for convenience over sustainability. And when many of these objects are either made of plastic or packaged in it, this can be a consequential mistake.

In some cases, purchasing plastic is unavoidable. But while you start to transition to a cleaner way of living and working, opting for recyclable plastic can make a huge difference.

The ‘Plastic Pact’ is a group of businesses that are working towards completely eliminating unnecessary single-use plastics. And for all plastic packaging to be reusable, recyclable, or compostable with 70% to be recycled or composted by 2025. Putting these goals in place make it easier for businesses to have a clear idea of what they are working towards.

Provide water stations

Incorporating water stations in the workplace may seem like a small task, but it comes with big benefits. By having reachable clean drinking water, employees are encouraged to bring in reusable bottles rather than buy single-use ones each day.

It is estimated that over 1.1 million sea birds and animals are killed every year due to plastic pollution in their habitat. And a large percentage of this waste is created by single-use plastics. So, to be able to reduce wasted bottles each day is a huge step in the right direction for each and every business.

Think reusable

Providing your team with a range of reusable utensils and crockery can make a considerable difference to your business’s plastic waste. Keeping mugs, glasses, and cutlery in the office kitchen will reduce the amount of single-use plastic used and wasted every day.

Not only do reusable bottles and food containers lessen your impact on the environment, they can also save your employees money in the long term. Buying reusable products means that you don’t have to purchase items that need replacing regularly.

Encourage eco-habits within the workplace

Incorporating initiatives within the workplace allows staff the chance to work towards sustainability with added incentives. Monthly challenges are a great way of involving employees in the business’s sustainability targets with the added bonus of a prize.

For example, many businesses are encouraging employees to cut out their single-use plastic consumption for Plastic Free July. Employees are then rewarded for reaching these targets.

By implementing recycling programmes and encouraging the use of reusables, employees are reminded how simple eco-habits can be picked up day-to-day. Becoming more environmentally aware both within the office and as a business also invites more eco-conscious consumers to consider your services or products.

Where does Monarch come in?

While becoming sustainable in day-to-day life is encouraged worldwide, incorporating a green environment into a workplace can sometimes be side lined. But businesses should be aiming to become eco-friendly both within the office and with their energy.

At Monarch, we understand the importance of sustainable energy management. Our comprehensive services include audits and assessments. These allow us to determine which bespoke services are right for your business.

Get in touch today to hear more on how Monarch can help your business on its journey to sustainability.