Plastic pollution is the most pressing environmental issue humanity has ever faced. Plastic crafted from fossils fuels was introduced a century ago, and still, it has proliferated in our lives, like a pandemic. Each year, about 8 million tons of plastic escapes into the oceans from coastal nations. Also, plastic production increased from 2.3 million tons in 1950 to 448 million tons by 2015. The production is expected to double by 2050. It is not because plastic is everywhere (even in our food and water) that we can't get rid of it. Become a conscious employee by choosing a plastic-free life.
At Plan A, we believe that reducing our plastic waste starts with us and our habits at the office. A plastic-free office enables businesses to reduce their carbon emissions and creating a sustainable employee culture. We concocted exclusively for you, the ten rules to establish for a plastic-free office.
The essential rules for a plastic-free life
(Credit: Plan A)
Rule n°1. Let everybody know!
Your body is organic, not plastic. In fact, plastic contains a large number of toxins and micro-particles that enters your system; a recent study conducted by Environmental Science and Technology journal, found that humans consume around 5g of micro-plastic each week, the weight of a credit card. Feeling overwhelmed? Do not panic, communicate your desire to be plastic-free with your team.
Rule n°2. Use tap water
Nearly 40% of bottled water is re-processed tap water. So, let's stop the scam! Tap water is a good alternative to bottled water: it is cheap, good and plastic-free. If you want to be healthier, just install a drinking water filter in the office.
Rule n°3. Work clean
We all love our precious notebooks and pens, however, most of these tools are composed of plastic. Become a conscious consumer by choosing sustainable alternatives: recycled paper, bamboo pens. The choices are infinite and delightful. Chat with the office manager to request more cutlery for all the team.
Rule n°4. Go zero waste in the loo
Did you know that liquid soap used loads of energy when conducting life-cycle analysis? Bar soaps do not solely belong in your grannie's bathroom. Make the right choice and switch for bar soaps.
(Credit: Plan A)
Rule n°5. Replace single-use cutlery
Plastic cutlery is an inherent part of our lives. Forks and knives that will last for your lunch-time, but will take hundreds of years to decompose. The Ocean conservancy lists cutlery as the most dangerous items to sea turtles and birds. So, bring your own cutlery or switch for bamboo friendly tools, you will save biodiversity.
Rule n°6. Switch to Tupperware
As mentioned above, one Tupperware equals to one saved turtle life.
Rule n°7. Upgrade your snack time
Processed foods make you unproductive and craving for more unhealthy snacks. Choose local fruits over the cold pizza slice: you will reduce your carbon footprint, will nourishing your body and soul with healthy nutrients.
Read more: Sustainable living, what is the environmental impact of your food?
Rule n°8. Design your own (mask)
Single-use masks created another plastic pandemic, clogging our canalisations, to end up in our rivers and oceans. Be consciously creative, organise a team workshop, design your own Batman mask with upcycled or organic fabrics. You will look beautiful and sustainable. Here is a tutorial to look at.
Rule n°9. Repurpose your plastic
Too much plastic waste in the office? Do not panic, turn your waste into something nice and useful. Who knows, maybe you will become the Picasso of recycled art.
Rule n°10. Recycle what's left
At Plan A, we believe in reincarnation. Install recycling bins in the office for different purposes (e.g. cans, bottles, lids) and incentive your team in recycling their waste.
Download our poster to keep it in your office.
Thanks for reading! Stay involved and keep learning by signing up for our newsletter or requesting a demo here and let us define your company’s journey to net-zero.
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