Every workplace is a contributor to plastic consumption. Reports show that our plastic reliance has a negative impact not only on our environment but also on homes and companies. Plastic bottles are toxic when not recycled properly. It will take up a lot of landfill space and can take years to decompose.
But one thing is certain: If we don’t make a change, then we may not have a planet to call home in a few generations. So, Bottleless Nation is here to help you answer the question: Is plastic jug dependency holding back your company from achieving sustainability goals?
Plastic and the Workplace
It is undeniable that plastics are a major part of our everyday lives. But it has increased production and uses worldwide for over 50 years, and this trend is anticipated to remain. Unfortunately, workplaces play a large part in plastic pollution, which environmentalists call an epidemic.
Companies of all sizes can accumulate many plastic materials between bottles, bags, and wrapping. Even the general public uses plastic on a daily basis. Unfortunately, is just seems impossible to get away from, but that doesn’t mean we can’t try.
Effects of Plastic Pollution
Here are some adverse effects of Plastic Pollution on people, coastal waters, and the environment:
Threat to Human Health
Plastic products present specific health concerns to people at every step of its life cycle due to exposure to plastic particles and related substances. Many of the chemicals in plastics are endocrine disruptors, which can lead to hormonal imbalances, problems during pregnancy, and even cancer. On the other hand, microplastics tend to make it easier for toxins to go up the food chain, which can negatively impact human health and food safety.
Climate Change
Plastic production releases greenhouse gases, which are a factor in climate change. Climate change severely threatens people and species as we continue releasing more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. We’re seeing this all across the globe, from the wildfires in Canada, to rising sea levels, and melting ice caps. Climate change is accelerating and plastic production plays a major role.
Threat to Nonaquatic and Marine Environment
Plastic is a significant cause of both nonaquatic and aquatic pollution. If not disposed of properly, it may find its way into our rivers and oceans, affecting marine life. Plastic waste also winds up in landfills, where decomposition takes hundreds of year, further harming the natural landscape and wildlife habitats.
How Plastic Jug Dependency is Holding Back Your Company
Here are some issues brought about by plastic jug dependency in your company:
Reputational Risks
A company runs the risk of losing its license to do business if it is thought to be a source of plastic pollution. This reputational risk may also cause customers to lose interest and the company’s image to lose value. Leading companies are particularly prone to this risk because activists may use the business’s standing to focus public attention on its issues. The potential impact that social media campaigns can have raises the risk of being targeted. So, not only is your continued use of plastic harming the environment, it’s also making you a public target.
Physical Risks
Exposure to plastic pollution immediately impacts a particular group of sectors subject to this form of economic risk. Tourism is one of the businesses directly harmed by plastic pollution, especially in coastal areas where marine trash reduces tourist influx. Additionally, the bottled water business, which sells its product on the basis that it is pure and uncontaminated, is often found to contain contaminants that lead to in-jug algae growth and bacteria spread.
Liability Risks
Not only are those 5-gallon jugs and cases of bottled water heavy, but they’re also a liability risk. Employees who have to change the jugs or retrieve cases of water from stacks run the risk of injury while on the job. This puts your company at a greater risk for workers compensation claims as well as a reduced labor force due to recovery time. So, why even risk it? Jugs simply aren’t worth it!
Ways to Eliminate Plastic Jug Dependency in the Workplace
It’s time to break free from plastic jug dependency to lessen environmental impacts! By choosing more sustainable alternatives, you can help reduce your company’s carbon footprint and improve its image in the eyes of consumers. Here are ways to eliminate plastic jug dependency in the workplace:
Switch to Reusable Water Bottles
Every year, hundreds of plastic bottles of water may be avoided by taking a single, easy step, such as buying a reusable water bottle. By encouraging the use of reusable water bottles in the office, you lessen the trash in landfills and the greenhouse gases that come from creating plastic bottles.
Start an Office-Wide Recycling Program
A significant first step in lowering your carbon footprint is to place trash cans and encourage recycling among your workforce. PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is the most often recycled plastic in the world; therefore, have proper garbage collection systems. If you want to encourage recycling with this effort, consider offering incentives.
Put On a Company ‘Plastic-Free Day’
Set aside a day when disposable plastics are prohibited from usage and consumption at work. It is a great way to spread awareness of the matter and an opportunity for teamwork. Although it could take some getting used to at first, you’ll learn that it’s an excellent way to reduce waste in your company.
Build a Sustainable Company with Bottleless Nation!
Now you know how plastic jug dependency is holding back your company, it’s time to take your sustainability further. At Bottleless Nation, we are dedicated to meeting the needs of your business as well as the needs of your community. We work with bottleless water and ice dealers nationwide to promote sustainability and eco-friendly drinking water resources.
In addition to being business owners, we are also aware of our impact on the environment. So, we encourage you to join us in our mission to create a nation without plastic bottles, together with your bottleless water cooler company! Let us help you build a sustainable business with heart, health, and impact.
Contact us to get started!
Credits:
Photo by Pawel Chu on Unsplash
Photo by quokkabottles on Unsplash