Turning waste into value

While most businesses offer some form of office recycling the truth is that the majority of organizations have little understanding of what their business waste consists of or where it goes.

A blue box under each desk and a few recycling stations spread across an organization may provide peace of mind but it cannot be called an honest effort to reduce, reuse and recycle. This minimum standard approach to office recycling is troubling especially when there is substantial economic, social and environmental benefits awaiting those prepared to jump into waste reduction with both feet.

Financial Benefits: By most conservative estimates 1-3% of an organization’s expenses are in office paper. An efficient and well supported Office Paper Reduction Program can save considerable money by;

• Decreasing office paper purchases/consumption
• Lowering energy use
• Lowering postage costs
• Increasing staff productivity
• Reducing waste collection and disposal costs

Operational Efficiency: Office Paper Reduction Programs are a simple and effective way of engaging employees in a discussion on “how you do business”. Rethinking paper use can be the beginning of a more substantial review of operational procedures and process. At a minimum, an Office Paper Reduction Program can lead to less storage space and improved document handling.

Environmental Benefits: One single sheet of virgin pulp white office paper requires one litre of water in the manufacturing stage. One ton of office paper requires the cutting of 19 trees. Producing paper from recycled paper requires less energy and creates less air and water pollution than using virgin pulp. In addition, diverting usable paper from the waste stream helps prolong the life of our landfill sites.

Public Profile: Society is concerned about the environment and prepared to support organizations which share that concern. Employees in particular are looking for their employer to provide leadership. Implementing an effective office waste paper reduction program is a tangible way for organizations to demonstrate their commitment to the environment.

THE NINE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS
So what is needed to take make a real and meaningful difference? Ecoverde has found nine essential elements that when combined can lower costs, reduce your environmental footprint and increase employee pride.

1. Leadership – Yes it does matter. The fact is that most employees look to their leader for direction. If the leader is not visibly supportive it sends a signal to the others that waste reduction is just not that important.
2. Audit – Every organization needs a clear understanding of the current situation. As the saying goes, what gets measured gets done. Shining a light on how much paper your unit or organization uses, how much is currently being recycled, and where your waste goes once it leaves the desk side blue bin is only a small portion of the information that can be gleaned from a comprehensive waste audit. The real cost of paper includes toner, equipment purchases, postage, and energy use. A comprehensive audit will take into consideration corporate procedures, storage expenses, waste disposal costs, and more. See ecoverde’s Assessment Services for more information on Waste Audits.
3. Engagement – Buy-in is the goal, engagement is the answer. In this case, an engaged employee is a person who is fully involved in, and enthusiastic about waste reduction. No program can be successful without the inspired support of the office. Fostering and building an engagement process that allows all employees to own the success or failure of the program is an essential element. Everyone has a role to play in the organization’s efforts to reduce paper use. Visit ecoverde’s Engagement Services for more information on inspiring your team.
4. Resources – More than just funding, understanding what resources are available will ensure your goals and work plans do not over reach. What is the budget? Do you have access to the right equipment? Do you have a local recycler with a proven track record of acting responsibly? Will you have to rely on other departments to be successful? The answers to these and other questions will ensure your goals and work plans are drafted within the context of your organization.
5. Measurable goals – Is it saving money? Is it helping the environment? What motivates your team? The answer is almost always both. Setting measurable goals that resonate with your colleagues is the key. Drawing a clear and well communicated line in the sand helps inspire and motivate action.
6. 3R implementation plan – Most office paper programs begin and end with recycling. While an important piece, recycling is only a third of the waste reduction equation. The real opportunity for cost savings lay in the reduction of paper waste and the reuse of that precious resource.

   REDUCE
   Investments in new technology, adjustments to office procedures and simple changes in individual habits can result in cost savings of up to 50%. While 2006 saw the 35th anniversary of the double sided printer come and go, the majority of printers in use today are only capable of single sided printing. Add to this the fact that on average 8 of 10 sheets of paper coming out of our printers are for draft purposes and it becomes clear that we are using considerably more paper than required.

   REUSE
   Collecting scrap paper (e.g., "photocopier mistakes", drafts, obsolete file copies, etc.) and using the clean side for draft printouts, internal correspondence and fax transmission sheets can reduce waste significantly. Changing habits takes time and effort but in this case it can make a substantial difference.

   RECYCLE
   Even with a concentrated effort to reduce and reuse paper, most offices will continue to produce paper waste. If your office already has a recycling program how effective is it? Are there clearly defined goals for the program and are they being met? Do you really know what happens to the paper collected in desk side blue boxes? If all is well consider expanding the program by either accepting other forms of paper or additional types of waste.

7. Report – Reporting draws a clear line between action and results. Whether done annually, quarterly or monthly, monitoring, measuring and finally reporting the results closes the accountability loop. Too many recycling efforts have essentially withered away due to a lack of consistent follow up.
8. Education – Why is the effort required? What can a single person really do to change things? These are legitimate questions that if left unanswered will hamper any waste reduction project. According to our research, the impact of raising your organization’s environmental IQ goes well beyond building a foundation for a successful waste reduction program.
9. Communication – A program’s launch should not be the most publicized portion of the effort. Consistent communication looks to ensure colleagues are aware of the program, value the effort required, and take pride in the results reached.

GETTING STARTED
Have an interest in starting or improving your existing Office Paper Reduction Program? Ecoverde can help. Let us use or experience and knowledge to facilitate, conceive, or design a program suitable to your organization. To schedule a call with one of our recycling experts email us at info@ecoverde.ca.

Related links:

• Office Waste Paper Reduction Case Studies
• Facts on Office Paper Waste