What are simple ways to reduce office waste?

Reducing waste starts with small everyday choices in the office. The less waste your team creates, the less needs to be handled, sorted, and thrown away.

Here are some simple ways to reduce waste in the workplace:

• Switch from single use items to reusable alternatives where possible
  Examples include cups, glasses, cutlery, and food containers
• Reduce food waste in shared kitchen areas
  Buy only what is needed, store food clearly, and encourage colleagues to use what is already available
• Avoid overordering office supplies
  Review what is actually used before ordering more
• Choose products with less packaging when possible
  This can help reduce both general waste and recyclable waste
• Reuse materials before throwing them away
  Items such as folders, storage boxes, and office supplies can often be used more than once
• Encourage simple habits in the team
  Small reminders can help people waste less in daily routines

It can also be helpful to look at your waste data over time. If your company's total waste stays high, it may be a sign that there are opportunities to reduce waste at the source.