Image ©Emily Hagopian
Reducing waste is an important goal that should be integrated at home and at work!
There are many ways to help reduce waste in your workspace. Below are some of our favorite tips to start your path to implementing zero waste practices at work.
Also, be sure to check out our Zero Waste At Home page for additional resources that can be incorporated both at home and at work.
The easiest way to reduce paper waste is not to create it in the first place. Elect to have invoices, statements, newsletters and other documents sent electronically instead of mailed. Save documents digitally instead of maintaining physical documentation.
To reduce landfill waste created at your business, ensure that you set up a sorting system that allows employees and customers to easily separate their waste into recycling, compost, and trash. Note that setting up a waste sorting system is now also the law for businesses; to learn more, visit the Legislation section of our website.
Create a waste “station” with all options located together: trash, recycling, and compost. Ensuring all options are located directly next to each other is key to making waste sorting convenient.
Color-code the bins: grey/black for landfill, blue for recycling, and green for compost. Consistent color-coding will reduce confusion.
Add signage and posters to clearly label each bin. Need signage? Visit the Posters & Signage page.
Educate employees: make sure everyone knows how to use the waste station to sort their waste.
Consider removing bins from individual desks and create centralized sorting stations with signage. This simple solution has multiple benefits:
Make the change and start using reusable foodware products. This can include replacing disposable plates, glasses, mugs, flatware and other foodware with reusable items that do not need to be landfilled.
For retail food businesses, using reusables for dine-in is now required under the Marin County Reusable Foodware Ordinance.
Don’t have a space to wash your reusables at the office? No problem, encourage employees to “Pack-in, Pack-Out”. For offices, this means encouraging employees to bring their own reusables to work and take them home for cleaning.
There are many ways to reuse and repurpose office supplies; here are some of our favorites:
Looking for more helpful tips? Check out the County of Marin Green Business Program.
When possible, encourage employees to drive less by riding a bike, scooter or taking public transportation and help reduce the carbon footprint of your business.
Looking for a way to be a green champion and incorporate more sustainable business practices? Look no further than the Marin Green Business Program. This voluntary program helps local businesses become certified as part of the California Green Business Network.
PROTECTING OUR RESOURCES TOGETHER