How to create an eco-friendly working environment?

Climate change is an issue that is negatively impacted by all businesses. From 2021 Ireland released 61.53 million carbon emissions, an increase of 4.7% from the previous year. We all need to take action to reduce our carbon footprint and become more sustainable. Global warming is a huge concern for us here at Paperpunch and that is why we are making a conscious effort to do what we can to help save our environment.  There are numerous programmes set up to help businesses make small changes to help create an eco-friendly working environment.

Here is some of the eco-initiatives and solutions that have helped us to be more sustainable and can help you too:

• Weaver Social Sustainability Programme
• Carbon Balancing World Land Trust
• Supply eco-friendly products
• Ink & toner recycling programme
• Recycling batteries & electrical appliances

Weaver Social Sustainability Programme

Weaver’s social sustainability programme helps companies to implement responsible and accountable strategies and practices across their organisation. The Weaver programme focuses on 3 key headings: Waste Management, Social Responsibility & Sustainable Products.

Since teaming up with Weaver it has helped us to improve our sustainability processes across our business, while integrating sustainable practices throughout our operations.

Here are some of the steps you can take to achieve your Weaver certificate:

• Ensure storage heating is turned off during summer months and used appropriately throughout the rest of the year
• Switch off initiative, unplug all appliances when not in use
• Offer a recycling service to customers where possible e.g., ink & toner recycling
• Incentivize customers to choose green alternatives

As businesses adapt these new processes it has a greater impact for the environment. Also, it will bring your business one step closer to achieving their weaver certificate.

Did you know employee turnover decreases by 50% when engaged in corporate responsibility activities

Carbon Balancing World Land Trust

Carbon Balancing is where the carbon impacts of a product or service is prevented from being absorbed into the atmosphere. World Land Trust is a conservation charity that allows you to offer your customers an opportunity to offset their carbon emissions for a small additional fee per pallet of paper. They issue a certificate which displays the amount of C02 emissions balanced and the area of land protected. World Land Trust provides companies an affordable solution to meet and exceed environmental policies.

Eco-Friendly Products

Ink & Toner recycling programme

Toner cartridges are classified as a potential carcinogenic, so not disposing of them correctly has a damaging effect. Recycling cartridges, however, helps to conserve energy and natural resources, and saves 11 million gallons of oil in just seven months. Since 97 percent of the parts of cartridges can be recycled, it makes sense to do so. That is why we encourage you to check with your supplier of office supplies do they avail of an ink and toner recycling programme. In an effort to reduce waste we offer a FREE ink & toner recycling programme; this is to help reduce the waste that ends up in landfills by recycling used cartridges. To find out more about our ink and toner recycling programme get in contact with our team.

Recycling batteries & electrical appliances

Recycling waste batteries and electrical equipment allows valuable resources  to be recovered for further use in manufacturing, and ensures hazardous waste is disposed of safely.

Since the implementation of the WEEE Regulations and Battery Directive this programme has ensured that businesses and individuals can dispose of old appliances in a safe correct manner, reducing any harmful effects to the environment. 

If you are looking to dispose of appliances or batteries, there are nationwide collections points where you can recycle your old appliance for free, visit www.weeeireland.ie  for more info. All WEEE and waste batteries must be recycled and should not be placed in regular work bins.

Getting started

By following these guidelines and encouraging your business to get involved in these eco-friendly initiatives we can all help reduce the impact we have on the environment and slow the rate of climate change.