There are plenty of reasons why businesses should take recycling seriously. Not only does it cut costs and enhance your reputation, but it’s also the right thing to do for the planet. Did you know that as well as reducing waste and pollution, recycling at work saves water? Here’s how.
Why businesses should focus on saving water
Just like individual households, UK businesses have an important part to play in protecting the environment, especially saving water. Here’s why it matters:
Freshwater is a finite resource
It’s essential for our health and the health of ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and the planet overall. By doing their bit to conserve water, businesses can help protect water supplies now and for future generations.
Save water, save money
Just like the rest of us, businesses have had to tighten their belts. Putting water saving measures in place like fixing leaks can mean cheaper water bills and a healthier bottom line.
Improves business resilience
Water shortages are becoming an increasing concern as climate change worsens and the population grows. If businesses takes measures to cut down on water usage now, they’ll be more resilient and able to operate in times of water scarcity.
Boosts your reputation
It turns out that being eco-conscious is good for business. A 2022 survey of 10,000 UK consumers found that 76% actively make sustainable choices and are inclined to support companies that do the same. A commitment to saving water could enhance your business’s green credentials.
5 ways recycling at work saves water
If you’ve never thought about how recycling at work could save water, here’s what your business can focus on.
#1 – Recycling paper…
Set up paper recycling bins in strategic places like the photocopying room and offices. Of course, it’s best to save paper in the first place by using email and sharing digital files instead of printing things out.
#2 – E-waste recycling…
Instead of letting old computer monitors and printers clutter up store cupboards, dispose of them properly via a specialist waste contractor. Recycling electronics instead of sending them to landfill prevents heavy metals and toxins from polluting waterways, safeguarding water for everyone.
#3 – Plastic recycling…
Plastic, plastic, everywhere! Whether it’s plastic bottles or food packaging in the canteen, you need plastic recycling bins in place or they’ll end up in landfill. Plastic in landfill takes an age to degrade and leaches toxins into the soil and groundwater. There’s another good reason to recycle; it saves water. Making a new item from recycled plastic uses considerably less water than making virgin plastic from raw materials.
#4 – Metal recycling…
Metals like aluminium are recyclable indefinitely, so there’s no excuse for not recycling your drinks cans. Like with plastic, recycling metals like aluminium or steel saves water that otherwise would be used in mining and processing raw ore.
#5 – Food waste…
Got a canteen on site? Are your office or staff room bins often full of food scraps like banana skins? It’s time to consider asking your waste contractor for a food recycling or composting service if you don’t have one already. Composting is particularly good for soil health and it saves water by adding moisture and reducing the need for watering/irrigation.
We hope we’ve inspired you to start recycling at work, if you haven’t got a recycling programme in place already. It can help you cut costs, enhance your reputation, prevent pollution, and save water. For more ways for businesses to save water check out this link. For more interesting articles on recycling, sustainability, and water conservation, check out the rest of our blog.