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Waste Prevention Tips
Reduce paper use
- Set printers and copiers to default to double-sided copies.
- Make double-sided photocopies.
- Use both sides of the page. Draft reports can be printed on the back of paper that has been used once. Set aside such paper for printers and copy machines.
- Print only the number of copies necessary. Limit the distribution of correspondence and reports to only those who really need hard copies.
- Route one hard copy to several readers.
- Use email or bulletin boards for sending and receiving information.
- Accept papers with minor handwritten corrections for internal documents.
Reduce packaging and shipping materials
- Eliminate unnecessary layers of packaging.
- Ask suppliers to take back pallets or switch to more durable pallets that can be re-used.
- Investigate other reusable packaging, such as boxes.
- Re-use received boxes and packaging for outgoing shipments.
- Shred or crumple waste paper for use as packing material.
Use less — re-use more
- Use or manufacture minimal or reusable packaging. For example: re-use packing material, use less packaging, and ship merchandise in returnable/reusable containers.
- Use and maintain durable equipment and supplies. High quality, long-lasting supplies and equipment that can be repaired easily mean fewer discards. Durable items stay out of the waste stream longer, offsetting higher initial costs.
- Re-use products and supplies. Use durable, reusable products rather than single–use materials. A one-time investment for reusable items ends the frequently expensive cycle of discarding and reordering.
- Use supplies and materials more efficiently. Change company policies and operations to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and conserve materials. Set up a re-use area where employees can take unneeded supplies rather than throwing them away and encourage staff to “shop” there.
- Exchange, sell, or give away unneeded goods for re-use. Donate excess food, used furniture, and other materials to local organizations such as homeless shelters or charities.
- Reduce unwanted or multiple copy mail. Get off unwanted mailing lists, and share subscriptions to professional magazines.
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