July is Plastic-Free Month, a global initiative encouraging businesses and individuals to reduce plastic waste.
With an estimated 75 to 199 million tons of plastic polluting our oceans and 33 billion pounds added annually, businesses can play a vital role in caring for our planet. (Source)
Offices can significantly reduce plastic waste with simple, cost-effective changes that align with sustainable practices.
Here are practical tips to get started:
Ditch Single-Use Plastics
Replace disposable coffee cups, cutlery, and water bottles with reusable alternatives. Encourage employees to bring their own mugs and provide a filtered water station to cut down on plastic bottles.
Switch to Bulk Purchasing and Refill Systems
Businesses can reduce plastic packaging by buying office essentials like cleaning supplies, coffee, or snacks in bulk using reusable containers. Partner with local suppliers offering refill programs to minimize single-use plastic waste.
Go Digital
Reduce plastic-heavy office supplies like binders and folders by digitizing documents. Use cloud-based platforms for sharing files to minimize reliance on plastic-coated paper products.
Choose Eco-Friendly Supplies
Opt for refillable pens, biodegradable tape, or paper-based packaging when ordering office supplies. Research suppliers offering sustainable options to align with your values. Exectras Members check out ODP Business Solutions in the myExectras portal for green alternatives!
Educate Your Team
Host a Plastic-Free July workshop to share ideas and build a culture of sustainability. Small changes, like using reusable lunch containers, add up.
Audit Your Waste
Assess your office’s plastic usage to identify areas with high waste. Create a plan to phase out unnecessary plastics over time.