Identify solutions

Now you’ve mapped out and quantified wastes, it’s time to look at how to cut them.

Prioritise. It’s in everyone’s best interest to target major sources of waste first, yielding early successes and savings. Look at the largest quantities going to waste. This could be effluent, or solid waste going to landfill.

Look at the highest net costs, for example waste disposal costs, or energy consumption.

Welcome ideas. Talk to the key people involved in handling and dealing with this waste, and be prepared to challenge and question existing practices. Ask:

• Has anyone looked at this as a problem before?
• Why is there so much waste?
• Is there a process that could be updated?
• What do you think could be done to cut waste?

Simply asking for ideas from those who work close to the problem can work wonders. The team, with expert contributions from those directly involved, should be able to come up with a list of actions to reduce or eliminate waste. If it helps, informally brainstorm for ideas.

• Action point — Wherever possible, project the costs and savings of your initiatives as accurately as you can.
• Action point — Divide your strategies into quick fixes and long-term solutions: both are vital for a successful programme.
• Action point — Devise an action plan for the short, medium and long term, with dates, costs and targets for each strategy.

Next - Going for it