Waste is no longer just a hot topic that people are talking about. It’s an essential conversation in the modern world. This is why it is important that in whatever way we can we must try to make a difference!

At Lyreco we have a lot of larger green initiatives such as our 13,860 strong solar panel installation making us electrically carbon neutral or our commitment to reducing all waste across all of our UK & Irish sites. However, we are also encouraging all of our staff to share the initiative and make a change to make a difference, here are some handy tips for reducing, reusing and recycling.

At Work:

• Reduce the usage of paper, toner and ink
• Restrict printer usage
• Reuse packaging
• Use mugs and glasses for drinks instead of disposable ones
• Use a teapot and avoid tea bags
• Install coffee machines that accept mugs instead of plastic cups
• Install water coolers to replace bottled water
• Bring lunch in reusable containers – aim for a zero waste meal
• Donate unwanted office supplies to schools, social enterprises or reuse organisations

At Home:

• Cook! Avoid pre-packaged food – it’s healthier and cheaper
• Avoid food waste
• Start composting
• Drink tap water instead of bottled
• Use conventional tableware – crockery not plastic
• Use cloth towels and napkins
• Use reusable containers
• Learn how to store food properly
• Reuse bottles and use reusable ones
• Avoid single use items
• Make your own toiletries – go natural, go organic
• Donate old clothing
• Borrow or hire tools
• Repair goods and appliances
• Put a “No Junk Mail” sticker on your letterbox

At the Shops:

• Use shopping lists to better plan your shopping
• Avoid single use bags, use reusable ones
• Buy in bulk and opt for loose, unpacked items
• Use your own containers or supermarket empty cardboard boxes
• Adopt a policy of purchasing sustainable products
• Buy concentrated products
• Buy bars of soap and shampoo
• Avoid unnecessary packaging
• Buy eco-rechargeable or refillable products
• Buy rechargeable batteries

Learn more about Lyreco’s sustainable initatives by reading our sustainability brochure for 2019 here.