{"id":1725,"date":"2021-06-18T10:55:56","date_gmt":"2021-06-18T15:55:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ditchplasticpackaging.com\/news\/10-sustainable-brands-reducing-plastic-and-foam-waste-copy\/"},"modified":"2023-03-08T16:13:19","modified_gmt":"2023-03-08T21:13:19","slug":"how-to-audit-your-office-to-reduce-plastic-foam-waste","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ditchplasticpackaging.org\/news\/how-to-audit-your-office-to-reduce-plastic-foam-waste\/","title":{"rendered":"How-To Audit Your Office To Reduce Plastic & Foam Waste"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re like many people across North America, you may be heading back to the office soon or transitioning from working from home full-time to working from home part-time. As we adjust to a new way of working, now is the time to also begin new habits within your company to help your coworkers reduce plastic and foam waste at work. Performing an audit of what you use around the workplace can help to set you up for success and have everyone reflecting on their consumption habits. Below you will find tips for performing the audit, these can also be used at a home-based office.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Do a recycling and garbage bin audit.<\/b><\/h2>\n<\/div>

After your bins have recently been emptied, and a few items have been placed in them again, gather a team of colleagues and find a space to empty a few of the items. Take note of what is being thrown away and recycled. Assess the items to see if some were recycled incorrectly or if there is packaging that can be eliminated altogether. Make a list of what everyone is using and throwing away so that as a team you can make recommendations for some plastic and foam-free swaps. If there are items that are absolutely necessary or have no alternatives, make note of how to properly dispose of them. This process will help reduce waste that needs collecting. It will also engage employees on their waste and make changes in their day-to-day life.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Hang up proper recycling and waste education signs.<\/b><\/h2>\n<\/div>

Once you have audited your bins in your workplace, place proper education information on signs near where staff are most likely to throw these items away – on and above the recycling bins works best. On the signs, list which packaging and waste go in which bin. Write out a friendly reminder of some items that can be swapped and reused in place of plastic and foam items (for example, a stainless steel water bottle can be used instead of single-use plastic water bottles).<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Review your office supplies.<\/b><\/h2>\n<\/div>

There are plastic and foam-free alternatives for more than just water bottles. Sustainable options can be found for office supplies as well. Review which supplies are being purchased for your workplace and if some are never or rarely being used, reduce how often your company is purchasing that item or find a plastic-free alternative. Some stationary that can be swapped include:<\/p>\n