Beyond the plastic straw – top 6 tips for your business to participate in Plastic Free July
Did you know that in the UK, a staggering 5 million tonnes of plastic is used annually, with almost half of it being packaging?* It's time for businesses to step up and take responsibility for their plastic usage. And what better time to start than during Plastic Free July? This month-long initiative provides a fantastic opportunity for individuals, businesses, and communities to come together, share valuable tips, and inspire action that will hopefully extend far beyond the month itself. So, get ready for our top 6 tips on how to take your business towards becoming plastic-neutral.
Tip 1: Conduct an Audit
Take a closer look at the plastic that flows in and out of your business. Conducting an audit will not only help you identify problem areas but also provide a baseline for setting targets and measuring progress. It's the crucial first step towards tackling plastic waste head-on.
Tip 2: Create a Plastic Reduction Initiative
When it comes to changing behaviours and consumer choices, positive messaging and strong leadership can make all the difference. By creating and sharing a plastic reduction initiative within your business, you'll foster a sense of accountability and inspire everyone involved to make positive changes.
Tip 3: Eliminate Single-Use Plastic
Armed with the insights from your audit, it's time to tackle single-use plastics. Seek out eco-friendly alternatives like reusable cutlery and bottles, and consider engaging your customers in the process. For example, if you run a café, why not incentivise customers to bring their own travel mugs by offering discounts?
Tip 4: Find Plastic-Free Alternatives
Take a closer look at the plastics you regularly use and explore ways to eliminate them. Engage with your supply chain to find sustainable solutions, such as recyclable cardboard boxes. Remember, reducing waste before it's even produced is a crucial step in minimising our consumption.
Tip 5: Recycle Properly
While achieving a zero-plastic environment may not be feasible, it's essential to ensure that the plastic you do use is disposed of properly. Clearly label your bins to guide proper recycling, and if you're unsure, numerous online resources can help you understand which types of plastic are recyclable.**
Tip 6: Offset
Once you’ve started implementing these tips and doing all you can to reduce your plastic usage, look to offset the rest and become plastic-neutral. Put simply, this means that for every amount of plastic created you should recover or remove this through purchasing plastic offset credits. By doing so you’ll be funding projects that help remove plastic from the environment or prevent it from entering the environment in the first place.
If you're ready to embark on a journey towards reducing your plastic consumption and becoming a more sustainable business, look no further than Zellar. We’ve worked with our partner Biffa, the UK's leading sustainable waste management company, to bring you expert advice and plastic-free strategies that you can incorporate into an action plan to minimise your environmental impact. Join Zellar today and let's make a positive change together.
References:
* https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-8515/
** https://www.biffa.co.uk/biffablog/2022/september/which-plastics-should-i-recycle