QUICK WINS
Reducing waste won’t just save you time and money, it will also ensure that you stay ahead of future regulation in line with the government’s Resource and Waste Strategy which sets out to:
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Make all plastic packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025
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Eliminate food waste to landfills by 2030
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Eliminate all avoidable waste by 2050[1]
Start your journey by implementing a waste reduction program within your enterprise. This quick win can significantly cut costs, reduce your environmental impact and enhance the reputation of your enterprise, all while encouraging behaviour change amongst your employees. Eliminating waste in part relies on behaviour change, therefore, these small changes in behaviour within the work environment can lead to substantial savings and a cleaner Surrey overall
SDG GOALS
Sustainable waste management and procurement contribute to several SDGs, as well as Surrey's re-use and green economy sectors
Re-use and circular economy is a rapidly growing sector. How might your business benefit from it - and contribute?
We have spent too long in an extractive economy which has led us to the point of planetary collapse. Promoting care & maintenance is core to averting collapse.
We've all seen rivers clogged with plastic waste. Recycling is not the answer. We need to cut production of single use items to protect marine life.
Re-use and circularity means less need to destroy habitats for production, ensuring survival of the diverse ecosystems needed to support life on land
WASTE & PROCUREMENT
Are you ready to transform your enterprise's approach to waste management and procurement in Surrey? According to National Statistics, waste was responsible for approximately 4% of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions in 2021. Methane, which is 80 times more harmful than CO2 for 20 years after it is released into the atmosphere, was by far the most prominent gas released, accounting for 90% of the emissions associated with waste.
Embracing sustainable waste management and procurement isn't just a trend; it's the future of responsible business.
Go beyond eliminating waste and drive the transition to sustainable procurement practices. By sourcing products and services from environmentally responsible suppliers, you can make a huge impact. In fact, “Procurement that has the most positive environmental, social and economic impacts possible over the entire life cycle.” Look for local suppliers who prioritise eco-friendly materials, fair labour practices, and low carbon emissions. Not only will you reduce your carbon footprint, but you'll also support Surrey's green economy.
Big impact!
WRAP works with 40+ countries, including the UK, to change, “the way things are produced, consumed, and disposed of”. They have a vast range of information and resources available from how-to guides and toolkits to free webinars.
ISO 20400 is the standard for Sustainable Procurement and ISO20400.org is a not-for-profit, free to access platform with a number of resources available around ISO 20400 and sustainable procurement.
How to Reduce Your Business' Waste
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Assessment: Begin by evaluating your current waste management and procurement practices by conducting a waste audit. Identify areas where sustainability can be integrated.
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Employee Engagement: Educate and engage your employees. Encourage them to reduce waste, recycle, and suggest eco-friendly suppliers.
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Supplier Selection: Choose suppliers who align with your sustainability goals. Look for certifications such as Fair Trade, Organic, or ISO 14001.
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Waste Reduction: Implement waste reduction strategies like digitising documents, reusing office supplies, and reducing single-use plastics.
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Measurement and Reporting: Track your progress. Regularly assess and report on your sustainability initiatives to keep everyone informed and accountable.
Support Resources for Waste Reduction
There are a number of great resources available to help you on your journey to eliminate waste and transition to sustainable procurement:
Recycling 1 ton of paper saves 17 trees, 7,000 gallons of water, and 380 gallons of oil! Surrey's sustainability can have a profound impact on the environment globally, & the local community.
DId You Know?
UK Business Climate Hub has great steps to reducing waste for SMEs as well as links to local grants and funding schemes.
Surrey Environment Partnership has some useful tips on recycling. Recycling is a far more cost effective way to dispose of waste as it helps you avoid paying Landfill Tax rates.
Benefits for Your Business
“Many corporate leaders are becoming aware of the need to reuse and recycle and are moving toward the circular economy. It is a huge area for growth as well with the renewable energy market expected to be $2.15 trillion by 2025.” Forbes 2021
“Although the majority of consumers recognise what makes a product sustainable i.e. it is biodegradable (65%) or made from recycled packaging (60%), when it comes to making a purchase, consumers value durability (52%) over recyclability (23%).” (Deloitte 2022)
“Consumers are embracing 'circularity' with one in two (53%) claiming to have repaired an item instead of replacing it with a new equivalent, 40% have also bought second-hand or refurbished goods and 38% paid extra for a more durable or longer lasting product.” (Deloitte 2022)