As more and more businesses across the UK have embraced the idea of recycling and reusing in innovating and exciting ways, the whole industry has changed to reflect that. Most businesses are highly interested in taking on the challenge of recycling because they want to be more eco-friendly or embrace the eco-friendly challenge as part of their business venture.
In today’s day, where IT equipment has become obsolete just about the second it’s released, it has given rise to a secondary and tertiary industry in as much as waste management is concerned. One would be shocked to find landfills full of old IT equipment – most of which could well be recycled and either used locally or exported to third world or developing countries.
However, before we even get to that stage, there are so many relatively easy ways for businesses to be eco-friendly, reuse and recycle and repurpose old IT equipment.
Top Ways to be more Eco Friendly
Here are the top 5 ways we found for you to make your business clean and green.
1. SAVE ENERGY
After all this time, we’ve learned this remains the one area in which far too many businesses are falling short. Things like turning out lights at the end of the day, using energy-efficient photocopy machines and computers that auto-sleep after a set amount of time. If you have not upgraded your equipment yet, then designate a rotational system where staff take turns at the end of each day, ensuring that all equipment is in sleep mode before leaving the office.
2. MAKE GOOD, GREEN CHOICES
When it comes to easy, eco-friendly choices, your business can make use of a green energy supplier. There is an increasing number of energy suppliers available who generate power from sustainable and renewable sources. These include solar, wind and hydro.
Some people provide a mix of energy sources, some of these guarantee 100% renewable energy, and as a bonus, most are highly cost-effective.
It doesn’t take much to “green up” your business, and a quick online search will help guide you to the partner that makes the most sense for you. The fact is, is that right now, it’s never been more critical and depending on the county you’re in, you may even be entitled to some rebates and assistance from your local government to get you there.
3. USE SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS
One of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint is simply changing your office’s products you usually use daily. Soap in your restrooms, paper towels, cleaning products, recyclable paper for your printers, light bulbs, and change your visitor check-in system from paper-based to computer-based.
These are all small changes that can easily be made without adding in huge amounts of cost.
4. REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
Hands down, the best way to keep anything from entering landfill is by preventing it from getting there in the first place. So if you’re able to repurpose boxes, filing cabinets etc. or pass them onto local charities or not for profit organisations then you’re more than doing your part. Some waste clearance companies will ensure this is done on your behalf.
5. IT RECYCLING
As old IT equipment becomes obsolete or is replaced by newer, faster and more efficient kit, it’s important to ensure that what you no longer need is dealt with properly. It’s not just a matter of adhering to legislation such as the WEEE directive, it also forms part of your bsuiensses ethos to do it’s best to reduce it’s carbon footprint.
By working with a company experienced and knowledgeable in the area of IT recycling, one that is fully licensed and insured, you can rest assured that your old IT waste will be reused or recycled wherever possible. That’s where Recycling Your IT come in, we offer full transparency and tracing to our clients who can receive all the necessary certifications to show that their e-waste has been looked after properly.
Solutions to the waste and climate crises require innovative and collaborative solutions and they can be done. Just look at Sweden, Iceland and the rest of Scandanavia where they’re repurposing plastic for building materials and burning waste for energy under carbon capture schemes. With a little creative thinking and some smart repurposing of existing material, you’d be amazed at what you could achieve.