What makes a company green?

According to a survey conducted by Direct365 – a commercial waste recycling services provider – there is a generational gap when it comes to attitudes towards recycling in the workplace.

Perhaps surprisingly, younger people are up to 16 percent less likely to recycle at work, and just 64 percent of people between the ages of 18 and 24 adhere to their company’s recycling policies.

This survey was part of the company’s ongoing Green365 campaign, but the big question is: besides recycling, what makes a company green? At Manufacturing Global, we believe a truly sustainable company must achieve – or be working towards achieving – the following elements:

1. Responsible sourcing

Sourcing renewable materials is easier than ever and make an enormous difference to the green rating of your company. They also make it easier to ensure your own products are recyclable.

2. Efficient material use

Using the space and products as efficiently as possible will add you your green credibility.

3. Energy and water conservation

Controlling the use of energy and water can lessen wastage and is therefore better for the environment.

4. Use of renewable energy equipment

Renewable energy equipment is a great investment to the future sustainability of your business.

5. Low emissions

Working towards lessening your emissions is an important element of being green. Decreasing the volume of materials used and investing more in recycled materials will assist in this.

Phil Turner, Head of Digital at Direct365, commented on the Direct365 survey: “While it is worrying to see such a high percentage of youngsters not taking their employers’ recycling policies seriously, we shouldn’t place the blame squarely at their feet. Things have improved dramatically in the past decade, but there are still many organisations across the UK that fail to make it easy for their staff to dispose of waste in an eco-friendly way.

“You could argue that greater awareness needs to be raised across the board, rather than solely targeting those under the age of 24.

“Many of the people who took part in our survey will recycle at home – in fact it’s become second nature for them. It’s imperative, therefore, that their employers make it as easy as possible for them to follow the same green practices when they’re at work.”

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