Tag: green business

How Waste Management Jobs Can Help Redesign the Energy Use of a Business

How companies manage waste is a core element of their entitlement to the ISO 14001 mark, which signifies a commitment to the development and maintenance of sustainable working processes. Waste management jobs are therefore a key part of the business’ ability to become consistently environmentally aware – a fact that bleeds over both into that business’ CSR and overall sustainability quotient.

The management of waste is a far more pressing problem than most readers would probably believe. Landfill sites, never much vaunted in the first place thanks to their unsightly nature, their ability to harbour serious diseases, and their potential production of noxious or toxic gases, are running out – and so with nowhere left to put the refuse we accrete, we’re having to start thinking of other means of dealing with the issue.

Waste management jobs are largely focused on getting as much of a company’s rubbish as possible either reused, recycled or turned into energy. Where none of these options are possible, the waste must be compacted to the smallest possible size – which is either done through incineration or through physical compaction.

waste management
Image: Sodexo USA / Flickr

Incineration must be properly managed in order for it to be both effective and environmentally sound. Obviously a by-product of waste management jobs in which incineration is a common practice, gas and ash both present pollution hazards – though properly managed they may also be used to provide various forms of energy, for example through heat or pressure.

Waste management where incineration is a legal requirement (crematoria, for example) comes with a whole load of subsidiary concerns. High temperature gas management is a skilled activity in its own right, requiring the design of a system capable of filtering hot gas to remove all contaminants before it finally passes into the air.

Waste management jobs require highly qualified and experienced candidates, who are able to determine the particular waste management needs of their industries and businesses. Every sector has its own materials and waste producing processes – so every waste manager must be capable of approaching the waste problem from a practical as well as a theoretical standpoint. It’s only by creating waste management procedures that answer the needs of the business as well as those of the law that any real progress can be made.

Waste management jobs are therefore carried out in concert with other environmental professionals – particularly ecologists, who are able to advise about the environmental impacts of different kinds of waste managing.

Part of the waste manager’s job, in concert with these other professionals, is to understand the potentials of the waste itself – both good and bad. Good waste potential includes the possibility that it may be turned into energy, or that it may be recycled and used in future manufacturing. Bad potential includes the possibility of lasting damage through “hard to kill” substances – like some aggressive dioxins, for instance, which can have serious consequences of the environment and which may be created as a by-product of trying to manage the waste in the first place.

About the Author: Lisa jane is a freelance copywriter and environmentalist. He’s currently working with Ends Job Search promoting a variety of jobs including waste management jobs and specialist jobs in the conservation sector.

How Recycling, Reducing and Reusing Can Increase Profitability of a Business

Many companies have made the dramatic discovery that going green makes cents. While exacting environmentally friendly practices, businesses can save money. Companies that make it a priority to recycle, reduce, and reuse earn reputations as responsible businesses that are also likely to attract consumers and clients who care about the green movement. The following tips are ways that businesses can transform into a greener company.

Recycling Tips

Use recycled products whenever possible. Recycled paper for printing and copying needs can easily be purchased and tends to be less expensive. Recycled ink cartridges should also be purchased for cost savings. Eco-friendly office supplies are widely available and cover the spectrum of office needs; supply chains sell everything from recycled Post-it Notes to paper towels for the staff room and bathrooms.

Many companies simply throw away outdated electronic and computer equipment. Instead of sending these items to the dump, call a company that buys this outmoded gear. Such companies are popping up everywhere and will often come and haul it away. If there isn’t a company in your area that will pay for the items, consider donating them to a library, school, or some other organization. This will increase the business’s popularity in the community and may also be reported as a tax write-off.

Reducing Tips

Going paperless or at least substantially reducing the amount of paper printed or copied is an increasing trend among businesses that care about the environment. Encourage employees to correspond over email and take pains to monitor the amount of paper used. Whether the company is large or small, set paper-reduction goals; when staff meets the reduction goal, have some rewards on hand—buy lunch, award gift certificates, etc…Not only will you save money buying less paper, you will increase staff morale—which is a great way to increase profitability, too. Staff can also decrease paper use by printing double-sided whenever possible.

Your company can reduce energy use by turning off equipment when it isn’t being used. All equipment should be turned off at night and over weekends to capitalize on this energy savings. Naturally, decreased energy usage translates into lower monthly energy bills. Also, be sure to turn off lights in the evening and reduce heat and air conditioning at night, too.

Encourage employees to share office supplies and equipment. It’s easier than ever to network printers and copiers. Staff can also share small items like pencil sharpeners and staplers at specially created “share stations” around the office.

When it comes to the staff room or company kitchen, encourage employees to reduce the need to buy plastic ware and paper plates. Keep dishes and silverware on hand. Be sure to have a place for employees to keep their coffee mugs and water bottles.

Reusing Tips

Packaging supplies can often be reused to reduce the cost of buying new materials—which can be quite expensive. Padded envelopes can be re-labeled and bubble wrap can be saved. Whenever your company receives reusable items in the mail, encourage them to keep them in the supply room instead of throwing them away.

Your staff can collectively save the business money by reusing various office supplies like paper clips, clip boards, and file folders. Instead of buying new office furniture, refurbish the items you have. Apply fixes to broken items instead of ordering new ones. This attention to reuse can definitely increase a business’s profitability.

Request an employee to make routing slips or note stacks from office scrap paper. This often simply involves a paper cutter and a bin of used paper.

Wrap-Up

None of these green practices can be construed as overly difficult. They simply require encouragement and commitment. Going green in the office is an earth-friendly policy that will also translate into increased profitability for the business.

Other green ideas for a company to consider include:

  • Purchasing green cleaning products
  • Doing businesses with other environmentally friendly companies
  • Encourage employees to car pool
  • Create a “green” committee to investigate new ways to keep the business green
  • Propose a green “Secret Santa” event for the holidays encouraging employees to give one another homemade items or used items from home.
  • Decrease the company mailing list and increase its email list.
  • Invite an environmentalist to speak at a staff meeting about more ways your company can go green.

About the Author: Guest post contributed by Kris Rayner, on behalf of GeneralWasteCollection.co.uk, specialists in the collection and disposal of general and recycling waste collection.