Take control of your waste sorting routine
The average person in Europe generates about 1.2 kg of rubbish per day, according to a survey conducted by The Economist. If we all help with waste sorting, this rubbish can be recycled into new products and packaging. In addition, it improves our health and environment. But how do you get started with recycling in the workplace?
It may sound simple, that’s because it is! Throwing paper into the correct containers rather than among the general waste does so much more good than you might think. Good recycling helps to conserve both our natural resources and the world's energy. By sorting your waste, you help to:
Reduce energy consumption
The energy that is used for the production of completely new materials is significantly higher than the energy consumed when recycling materials.
Reduce emissions
Using recycled materials reduces the emissions that occur during the transportation of new materials. It also reduces the toxic substances discharged from factories when manufacturing and producing new materials.
Save the environment
When we manufacture new goods from recycled materials, we save our natural resources. The paper submitted for recycling is used to produce new paper material, meaning fewer trees need to be cut down to produce the same paper.
Start with the most dangerous waste
If you find it difficult to get started with waste sorting, a good tip is to start with what causes the most damage to the environment: hazardous waste.
Some workplaces handle toxic, carcinogenic, explosive or flammable substances, which can harm humans, animals and our environment. Batteries, fluorescent tubes, CFLs, chemicals, computers and other electronic wastes are examples of hazardous waste. They should all be separated from general waste for effective recycling.
Recycling should not be difficult!
The more we recycle, the better it is for the environment and for ourselves – but it is also important to make it easy for everyone at the workplace to learn the new routine. A first step could be to have a bin for paper under each worker’s desk. Another tip is to clearly label the waste containers in the lunch room. For example, use recycling bins with different colours on the lids, or mark the bins in the lunchroom with different recycling labels. The next step could be to separate the cans and bottles from other trash by using a sorting cabinet that has multiple sections. This type of recycling furniture dispels the myth that recycling can’t look stylish! But the most important thing is to try to find the solution that works best for your workplace. Recycling should not be difficult!
