Feature
Issue No. 44 - December/January 2008
Zero Waste
Zero Waste SA has produced a Waste Management Guide for the Retail Industry, a useful document that has value for a broad range of business.
Organisations can pick up an action plan framework and hints on how to implement change in a way that should yield a return on investment and the kind of productivity dividend that’s being touted for green reform generally.
A useful management tool from this document is the waste management hierarchy, a priority list any business can use to identify and reduce waste.
There are seven levels. Avoiding waste in the first place is the best option, while disposing of it is the worst option.
Avoid
Ways to avoid waste might include removing components or packaging elements from production, or changing production processes to use less. Some examples:
• Plastic shrink wrap might be skipped.
• Suppliers could supply crates instead of pallets
• Suppliers could use less packaging
Reduce
Reducing waste involves analyzing a production or distribution process to identify potential economies. Most experts forecast steady increases in the cost of power due to Australia’s dependence on coal for power generation.
• Promote recyclable materials and discourage polystyrene packaging
• Save and re-use boxes for storage
• Encourage use of re-usable plates and cutlery in food areas
• Use signage to keep the waste reduction message in mind for st...
