COS-Eco-Range-2023-ECatalogue

The first step to reducing plastic waste in your workplace is to figure out how much you are currently creating. This will give you a good starting point to work from. By conducting a bin audit in your workplace you’ll discover the waste that can be avoided, replaced, or recycled. What you will need Rubber gloves Newspaper or a tarp or drop-cloth Record sheet Scales The day’s rubbish A suitable place to sort rubbish What’s next? Now that you’ve audited your bin you have some valuable information about the type of waste you and your colleagues produce in a day at work. Take note of the quick and immediate changes that you can make, it’s these things that can make a big impact. Take note of all the items in the plastics category, and make a note of howmany of each type were found. Howmuch of this came from home, from work, howmuch is single-use, etc? Focus on what you can change right now. It might be to start bringing packed lunches from home instead of buying take aways in single-use containers. Or taking a reusable coffee cup to the café instead of throwing away the disposables. Whatever it is, just know that even though it may feel small, it’s making a big difference to the planet. Set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-based) goals to reduce each item found in your bin audit. Set a regular appointment with yourself and the team to reflect back on these goals, and conduct follow-up bin audits every 6-12 months to see how far you’ve come. On the day Gather your bins, either in your one designated spot, or at individual work stations. Lay down some newspaper, a tarp, or drop cloth. Spread your rubbish out so you can get a good look at everything. Separate out your plastics by type; bottles, containers, cling wrap, single-use like plastic cutlery, straws, plastic bags, and food containers. Weigh or count the number of pieces in each group. Record weight or count on your worksheet. Getting Organised Gather a team of likeminded and willing colleagues together. Another option is to invite all staff to conduct their own bin audit, offering incentives, or making a bit of a game or competition out of it is a good way to get people involved. Choose a spot that will allow you enough space (and ventilation) to lay out your rubbish for the audit. Pick a day, the end of the workday would be best so that there’s enough rubbish in bins to give you a good idea of where you’re at. 1 4 2 3 How to Conduct a Green Audit 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 12