South West businesses can reduce before they recycle

As households in the South West celebrate achieving a 5% increase on recycling targets this year¹, Envirowise is reminding business owners that reducing waste at source should always take priority over recycling.

This message comes as research by the British Standards Institute (BSI) shows that one in three companies surveyed did not have a formal environmental plan in place – suggesting there is significant scope for improvement.²

The key is for local businesses to embrace the 'three Rs' mantra – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – and by doing this they can significantly boost their resource efficiency and market competitiveness.

Paul Gilbert, Envirowise Regional Manager for the South West, said: "The idea behind the three R's is enormously simple and easy to implement - whatever the size of the business. By reducing unnecessary waste at the outset of any product or process, less energy and raw materials will be needed at every subsequent step."

For example, Envirowise recommends reviewing the following areas:

• Can you reduce your packaging requirements to minimise waste?
• Can you reduce the volume of water used in your daily processes?
• Can you reduce over-ordering in any areas?
• Can you reduce the waste being produced along your supply chain?
• Can you reduce the use of excess components in any of your products?

"When these opportunities for reduction have been exhausted – reuse and recycling should definitely then be explored. With figures showing the South West generates more than 5.5 million tonnes of commercial and industrial waste annually³, there is clearly much more we can do to reduce the collective environmental footprint of the region's businesses."

For free advice and support on becoming more resource efficient call the Envirowise Advice Line on 0800 585 794 or visit the Envirowise website.

-Ends-

Notes to Editors

1. GNN website:Recycling up and Landfill down - latest figures
2. BSI website:A third of UK business still not tackling environmental issues
3. Environment Agency, Commercial and Industrial Waste Survey 2002-3

Issued on behalf of Envirowise by Harrison Cowley. Media Contacts: Rod Dennis or Louise Harris at Harrison Cowley on 0117 929 2311

Envirowise delivers a valuable programme of confidential advice to UK businesses. This advice enables businesses to improve profitability and reduce environmental impact. Independent, practical and proven guidance is available through the Envirowise Advice Line, information resources and on site visits* delivered by a national team of expert advisors. Each solution is driven by the specific needs of individual firms to genuinely improve their business practices, profitability and competitiveness. Since 1994, Envirowise has helped UK industry save over £1 billion.

* Please note that different services are available in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales – please contact our Advice Line on 0800 585 794 for more information on whether you are eligible for a site visit.