November 8, 2019

Minimize waste at work and outdoors

Takeaway items are inducing lots of waste. They are also very present in the office.

The fundamental idea is to refuse everything that is disposable (see 5Rs : REFUSE).
So you must avoid:
  • plastic straws in bars and restaurants,
  • plastic cutlery, PET bottle and disposable napkins that accompany my takeaway meal,
  • the little spoon at the icecream or the the baker’s bag,
  • any plastic bags offered to carry my purchases.
For not being caught off guard, just keep a fabric bag (tote bag), a little towel or a handkerchief and a water bottle in you bag. If an outdoor meal is planned, just add some cutlery.
If you really enjoy drinking with a straw, washable stainless steel options are available (beware of their origin, most of them are manufactured on the other side of the world...).

To avoid buying a meal on the go, it is easy to prepared at home (leftovers in a bento box, homemade sandwich wrapped in waxed fabric, cheese, vegetable, etc.).

On the way to the office
Ban the single-use takeaway cups: even made of cardboard, it is nearly impossible to recycle thanks to the plastic layer waterproofing it. Even "compostable" cups are rarely composted as they require very specific facilities and conditions.
The swizzle stick and the plastic lid are also to be banned!
It is easy to prepare your hot drink at home and use an insulated mug to carry it.
Ask you preferred coffee to-go to fill up your own reusable mug.

At my workplace
When reducing unnecessary printing, you are easily saving paper, ink and energy.
You must use recycled paper and avoid office supplies over consumption.
You can use duplex (printing on both side), the 2 on 1 page page option or even print on draft paper.
For everyone's benefit, you can install a tray of draft sheets next to the printer.

During the coffee and lunch break, you must ban single use items, even when recyclable. Automatic coffee maker are better than pod machines.
If necessary, you can install a recycle bin for coffee pods and grounds. A coffee cream bottle is your allies in the fight against individual cream dose.
You can bring or ask your company to provide reusable dishes: mugs and glasses instead of single use cups, teaspoons to replace swizzle stick, plates and cutlery for lunch even reusable containers to buy lunch on the go.
During meetings, glasses and water jugs will replace individual water bottles.

Even at the office, you recycle your waste (paper, pet, aluminium can...).
To go further: