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Plastic free tips for business owners
Plastic Free July is here. An annual global movement helping individuals and businesses reduce plastic and single-use waste. Find ways you can make sustainable choices and reduce your business's waste.
1. Get involved in Plastic Free July
Get your business involved in Plastic Free July. Lead by example and encourage your employees and customers to join in.
Some ways to get involved:
- Share Plastic Free July tips and updates on your social media.
- Display Plastic Free July signs or prompts in your business to raise awareness.
- Sign up to the Plastic Free July challenge for ideas and resources.
- Conduct a review and explore ways you can reduce waste in your business.
- Develop or refresh a sustainability action plan for your business.
- Promote your business’s sustainability efforts to build customer trust and loyalty.
2. Make swaps in your business
Small swaps can make a big difference. Start with the most common single-use items in your business.
You could:
- switch to plastic-free or recyclable packaging
- use cardboard or compostable packing materials
- replace single-use items with reusable alternatives
- encourage customers to bring reusable containers or cups
- reduce unnecessary packaging where possible.
3. Conduct a waste audit
Understanding your waste is the first step to reducing it.
A waste audit can help you identify:
- how much waste your business produces
- what types of waste are most common
- where you can cut back on waste or improve recycling.
After conducting the audit, you should:
- evaluate if anything you throw out can be recycled, donated or produced less
- stay up to date on the recycling rules in your state or territory
- have enough recycling bins around your business
- make sure your bins are clearly labelled and accessible
- set simple waste reduction targets.
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Learn more about managing your business waste.
Manage business waste
4. Work with sustainable suppliers
Your supply chain plays a big role in your environmental impact.
Consider:
- asking suppliers about their sustainability practices
- choosing suppliers that minimise packaging
- sourcing environmentally responsible materials
- comparing suppliers to find ones that align with your business values.
5. Keep the momentum going
Plastic Free July is a great starting point, but lasting change happens over time. Even small steps can help reduce waste, lower costs and minimise your environmental impact.
Start with one swap this July.
Want more?
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Explore environmental management for your business.
Environmental management