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THE OUTLINE
Introduction Reduce Reuse Recycle Effectiveness / Result The Fact
INTRODUCTION
Computers, copiers and fax machines were introduced into offices worldwide: to ease the working strain
These technological advances: increase strain on the environment
Today, it is hard to imagine running an office without supplies
The supplies are: Expensive Require many natural resources Use up energy Pollute the earth…in order to make, package, ship and dispose of
Paper
Pencils
Pens Paper Clips
Envelopes Printer Ink...the list goes on and on
Reduce, reuse and recycle and you will save money in the office Typical estimates: waste costs companies 4.5% of their turnover
When you consider that recycling is the easiest scheme to involve everyone in Makes sense to implement a basic programme ASAP
Looks at the practical issues of: Setting up successful recycling systems How to monitor a system Ensure long term success Gives a list of questions to ask a recycler
INTRODUCTION
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Useful to complete a waste audit: To identify what, where and how much waste is generated by
the organisation Compare costs after the scheme is up and running able to
point to the financial savings
The audit should: Identify all points at which waste is generated Identify the origin of each type of waste Identify the quantity and type and its environmental effects Establish the costs of current disposal methods Look at opportunities to reduce, recycle or reuse the waste Set targets for reducing waste
INTRODUCTION
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REDUCE
To reduce paper use: Ensure all photocopying and publications
Produced in double sided format On recycled paper
Question whether you need draft or hard copies
Encourage the use of email and voicemail to minimise paper use
When you do need to produce reports and newsletters Reduce paper use by setting the printer to no more than 1.5 line spacing Lay out the publication with the minimum necessary white space
If you send out free reports Consider mailing a post card first, so people know what is available and
how they can get copies
Ensure you cancel junk mail – stop the insanity! Get your name removed from unnecessary
Mailing lists Magazines Publications
…to reduce the amount of waste
Regularly: Review distribution lists Update databases…to save both money and resources
REDUCE
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Buy in bulk rather than smaller quantities: Shipments are cheaper Cuts down on packaging waste Reduce natural resources used in transporting materials When possible, go green by ordering items that are eco-friendly
Do not over order marketing and publicity materials: Most organisation throw perfectly good material away because
They ordered too much It is out of date
Reduce printing and faxing by using electronic communication or circulate a memo where possible
Discourage the printing of emails unless absolutely essential
Scan the letterhead into the computer electronic template
REDUCE
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Fax machines need to be set: Do not produce unwanted header or report sheets
Turn off the light or shut down the computer before leaving: Simple act saves >700 W.hr
REDUCE
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Reuse paper whenever possible: Paper that has been printed on one side for draft or scrap
message pads
Envelopes can often be reused for internal mail: Cross off the previous name Write the new recipient Send the envelope off
Instead of tossing old folders in the trash… Reverse them so the tab is cleared Simply add a new label on top of the old one
REUSE
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Start with a clear slate: Reformat a disk Delete its files to use it again Pass it on to someone who needs it
Use only compact discs labeled as CD-RW: CD-R: a recordable CD that can only record information once CD-RW: a rewritable CD that can be recorded on, erased and
rerecorded as needed
Set up an office centre: Employees drop off their extra items (e.g. rubber bands, paper
clips, binders and folders) To be traded for things they need without new supplies being
packaged and shipped
REUSE
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Instead of traditional one-time use pens and pencils… Use refillable pens and mechanical pencils The extra upfront cost: pay for itself over time
The only purchases needed afterwards are for inexpensive ink and lead refills
No dusty bin to empty since mechanical pencils do not require sharpening
Wash your dishes – including the caterers! Use ceramic mugs or plates instead of using PS or
styrofoam containers Reuse prevent
Expense of materials Release of ozone-depleting CFCs into the atmosphere
REUSE
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RECYCLE
Contact authorities and local companies for recycling
Put paper recycling bins: In all offices Next to photocopiers and printers Where staff often pass by
Inform all employees about the new process to go green
Make it easy for employees to recycle
Provide clear notices for what is and is not recyclable
Recycle What Cannot Be Reused
RECYCLE
Strictly confidential waste costs more to dispose of, so ensure all staff know exactly what is non-confidential
Consult and communicate and you will get cooperation
Ensure cleaning staff: Understand and support the recycling scheme Know where to empty recycling bins
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The idea: To collect as much recycling material as possible Find a reliable company to take it away
White high grade office paper is in high demand
Other recyclables: Cardboard Plastics Drinks cans CD ROMs Ink cartridges
Computers can be reused by charities
RECYCLE
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Implement what works for the organisation and always obtain competitive quotes
Think about where you will store materials until you have enough to be collected
Might be worth contacting other local businesses in the area to set up a cooperative recycling programme
A prospective recycler should be able to explain what authorisation or licenses the company holds
Get written confirmation on competency and other written questions
Understand how your materials should be prepared (e.g. separated or mixed)
Check what the charges are and if there are any hidden costs
RECYCLE
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Use recycled paper as standard
Make someone responsible for paper purchasing
Find out: How much is currently spent on paper How much has a recycled content Have targets to
Reduce paper use Reduce paper costs Increase the use of recycled paper by a particular date
Aim to purchase a high-recycled content with a post-consumer waste content >70%: Totally chlorine free during production Sold with an accredited environmental / green label
Emission standards Post-consumer waste content
RECYCLE
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EFFECTIVENESS / RESULT
Reduce and reuse as much as possible before recycling: Reducing
Decreasing the amount of products used on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis
Reusing A way to salvage an item: to reap its continued / new benefits
By reducing and reusing… Natural resources (e.g. trees and fossil fuels) are preserved The amount of waste that needs to be recycled or disposed of will
decrease greatly
EFFECTIVENESS / RESULT
Recycling: Conserves natural resources by eliminating the need to
gather more
It does use energy and emit GHGs and pollutants during the reprocessing stage
BUT
Recycling materials keeps waste from building in landfills or other disposal systems
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THE FACTS
One tree yields ≈ 170,000 pencils 17 reams of paper
3 tons (2.68 tonnes) of wood 1 ton (0.89 tonne) of paper 5,690 pounds (2,580.94 kg) of CO2 into the atmosphere
Paper production uses more water than other industries: 1 sheet requires >13 ounces (368.54 g)
Since 1996: global packaging production has grown at least 75%
THE FACTS
Annual paper consumption: Asia: >100 m tons (89 m tonnes) (the highest) North America: ≈100 m tons (89 m tonnes)
Europe: ≈90 m tons (80.1 m tonnes)
As paper decomposes in a landfill: It releases CH4: 21 times more potent a GHG than CO2
Filling: Single inkjet printer cartridge takes 2.5 ounces (70.87 g)
of oil Laser printer cartridge: 25 ounces (708.73 g)
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