A-Z of Waste Management Y- You

Pollution, resource depletion, the 6^th mass extinction, and the climate crisis are some of the big issues of our time. These crises are likely to be defining features in many people’s lives, especially in the next few decades. With the science behind these problems (and the many available solutions), starting to take centre stage, many people have begun thinking about how they can help. Questions such as “how can I prevent climate change?” and “can I ensure a sustainable home is provided for future generations?” are frequently on scientists’ minds. But have you started to think about your responsibilities to the planet and to future generations?

On an individual level, there is a huge number of things that you can choose to do to limit your environmental impacts:

• Reduce waste – shop second-hand; avoid fast fashion and short-lasting electronics by shopping smarter (buy things made to last, e.g. a Fair Phone instead of an iPhone); re-use items instead of buying single-use products
• Integrate more local, organic, and plant-based foods into your meals
• Lower transport emissions – swap the car for a bus, train, or bike; fly less by limiting the number of holidays you spend abroad; car-share
• At home changes – switch to a low-carbon energy provider; choose energy efficient appliances; turn down the heating and turn off the tap
• If you have a garden, use the space wisely – grow food, or swap the dull grass lawn for a biologically diverse patch of land, to help insects flourish and store more carbon
• Use your voice – start dialogues around the issues that worry you; vote with the planet in mind; join environmental groups and protests

There are countless resources providing plenty of tips for lowering your carbon footprint. With 100 companies responsible for 71% of ALL carbon emissions, there is an urgent need for a large-scale system change,

Whilst consumers do have an ethical responsibility to safeguard the environment wherever they can, it is governments and industries that hold the bulk of the power to change things. So how can industry professionals, SME’s, and local councils bring about more impactful change?

• Provide environmental training courses for staff/customers, & encourage staff to be pro-active in improving their work-place’s environmental commitments e.g. form a green team
• Implement effective targets (e.g. reach real zero emissions by 2030) with detailed plans
• Implement effective system changes, such as
  • Normalising regular working from home and virtual meetings
  • Switch to renewable energy sources and energy efficient appliances
  • Source ethical and sustainable input materials
  • Use circular thinking – reuse materials; improve production processes so more value can be extracted from inputs; find local uses for waste products
  • Use sustainable/responsible investment plans e.g. with employee pension schemes

The above is just a small example of the types of things organisations can do to become more ethical and sustainable – which is arguably an obligation of all companies. Realistically, the list of possible opportunities for an organisation to improve is huge. However, ensuring that your organisation is following the relevant environmental regulations, and that your team is clued up on all thing’s sustainability, is a great first step.

How can Albion Environmental help?

We offer environmental training courses tailored to your need, which can be conducted either in-person or virtually. To find out more click here.

We have also developed a course to provide a basic understanding of sustainability, and how to implement this at home and at work. This course can provide your staff with an overall appreciation sustainability and climate change, and how they can lower their environmental impacts. To find out how we can support your training needs, contact Kirstie@albion-environmental.co.uk.

For help with reviewing your corporate carbon footprint, or to discuss your carbon management plan and ways to become more sustainable within your business, please contact janebond@albion-environmental.co.uk