Waste

There are steps you can take to reduce the amount of waste you produce, such as avoiding unnecessary printing, avoiding/minimising food waste, and considering every purchase carefully. Try to think ahead before using anything, is it necessary or is there an alternative that you could do/use to reduce waste?

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Try to reduce using single use items as much as possible such as paper towels, plastic cups and bottles, and cheap pens. Have a think about the different single use items you use every day and make a list, see if you can find sustainable alternatives.

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If there is any waste, think about how you can reuse things e.g waste paper can be stapled into rough notepads for taking messages, plastic bottles can be made into bird feeders.

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Recycle as much as you can - paper, cans, plastic waste, ink cartridges, furniture, computer equipment. Make sure you have good recycling facilities and make it clear at each bin what can be included in them.

Before buying new equipment—especially if it’s something you’ll only use occasionally—explore whether its possible to borrow or share from another organisation. Sharing resources not only saves money but also helps reduce waste.

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Renting can be a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to purchasing. It ensures you only have what you need, when you need it, without the clutter or environmental impact of unused items.

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Why not take it a step further and start a “Library of Things” in your building or community? This initiative encourages people to share resources, appliances, and other equipment, making it easier for everyone to access what they need while also promoting sustainability.

Plastic can be resource-intensive to produce and takes a long time to break down, which can have a lasting impact on the environment and wildlife. By making small, mindful changes, organisations can help reduce this impact.

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Consider limiting the use of single-use plastics where possible. Switching to reusable alternatives—like refillable bottles, durable containers, or compostable materials—can be a simple yet effective step toward sustainability.

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Every effort counts, and even small changes can inspire others and contribute to a healthier planet.

Before discarding equipment, consider whether it can be repaired. For example, did you know you can buy replacement keyboard stickers when the letters fade? Simple fixes like these can extend the life of your items and reduce waste.

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Exploring affordable repair options not only helps the environment but can also save your organisation money. Supporting local repair services is a also great way to invest in your community and strengthen the local economy.

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Repair cafés are becoming increasingly popular and may offer free or low-cost help with fixing everyday items. It’s worth checking if there’s one near you—they’re a great resource for learning and sharing repair skills.

Help improve your local environment and reduce the impact of litter on nature by organising simple, low-cost litter picks. Just a couple of litter pickers and some rubber gloves are all you need.

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Why not combine a lunchtime walk or walking meeting with a quick litter pick? It’s a great way to get fresh air, connect with colleagues, and make a visible difference in your community—all at the same time.

Some tech providers offer recycling or trade-in services when you upgrade your devices. But if your phone, laptop, tablet, or computer still has some life left in it, why not pass it on to someone who can benefit?

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Consider sending it to be refurbished—this gives the device a new lease of life and helps reduce electronic waste. Many charities and community organisations run electrical recycling schemes, making it easy to donate responsibly.

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A little research can go a long way. Before throwing anything away, check if there’s a local initiative that can reuse or recycle your equipment. It’s a simple step that supports sustainability and helps others in need.