Amidst overwhelming videos of wounded sea animals and statistics about air pollution, taking care of the environment has become crucial for the safe progression of future generations. An environmental crisis has become inevitable, and the only way to save the planet from destruction is to take the first initiative. With the mantra of ‘Every Little Counts’, Thomas Smith employees attended an afternoon session headed by Wasteserv to learn more about methods to stop the world’s toxic suffering and get onboard the Reuse, Reduce, Recycle bandwagon. We’re sharing some of our waste management practices and others we’ve learned about to help you turn your workspace and home residence into an environmentally-friendly habitat.
GOING GREEN AT THE OFFICE
PURCHASE ITEMS MADE FROM RECYCLED MATERIALS
Modify your purchasing habits to support companies that are continuously working on reducing excessive waste from landfills. From pencils made of CD cases to notebooks recycled from old newspapers, all it takes is finding the best suppliers with a fondness for the environment. Alternatively, follow simple recycling processes, such as placement of different bags inside offices to separate waste and use glassware instead of plastic cups to cut down on everyday garbage.
UTILISE DIGITAL RESOURCES
Important documents can be stored online, shared through emails or through the company’s internal server. Instead of taking manual notes, download one of the many note apps available online. Presentations can be discussed through a shared TV screen instead of printed samples and quick notes can be written on loose scrap paper.
SAVE ON ELECTRICITY
With an average of 9 hours a day of use, office lighting ramps up the bill. Find the best light-saving techniques – switch off lights when you exit rooms and purchase energy-efficient bulbs to illuminate offices, corridors and conference rooms. With the vast choices available in the market, your workspace can shine bright without harming the environment and keep costs low.
REDUCING WASTE AT HOME
OPT FOR REUSABLE CONTAINERS
Plastic bags and single-use containers are a thing of the past. Change habits and stick to reusable lunch boxes and bottles, ideal for both food storage or leftover meals. Foil containers can be an alternative option, as long as they get cleaned, stored and reused in the future.
MAKE USE OF SEPARATE RECYCLING BAGS
Most households still do not follow waste guidelines and throw away all garbage in one bag. Once the waste collector picks up the black waste bags, these are processed to the Malta North Mechanical and Biological Treatment Plant, after which rejects end up in the landfill. With the latest introduction of organic waste bags in certain localities, homeowners are encouraged to separate not just plastic, paper, metal and glass, but also food and small garden clippings.
DISCARD OF USED FURNITURE CORRECTLY
Apart from the free services of the Bulky Refuse, there is a market for unwanted household movables. Make money out of a small deal by selling furnishings online or give it all away to charitable institutions. With the growing concept of shabby chic décor, DIY enthusiasts are always scouring spaces for their next project. One person’s trash is someone else’s treasure, so your unwanted cabinet, chest of drawers or wardrobe may end up decorating somebody else’s home.
Environmental catastrophes are happening all around, from crumbling glaciers in Antarctica to unusual temperature highs felt in countries across the Equator. If we start off by teaching the young ones and adopting preventative waste disposal techniques, the world will have fewer eyesores and more harmony for years to come.