Commuters will today come face to face with the excess of 2006 as Envirowise brings a visual reminder of the country's expanding waste line into the heart of the city.
Employees across the country are being asked to Make a Pledge for a leaner 2007, by leaving wasteful work practices behind and putting lost profits and the environment top of their agenda in the year ahead.
Starting at London Bridge, a series of sharp-suited resource efficiency champions will be pushing a taster of the types of waste generated each year right under our noses. Just a fraction of the total annual waste burden in the UK which is estimated to be:
- 390 million cubic metres of water
- 100 million tonnes of construction materials
- 10 million tonnes of packaging
- 8.6 million tonnes printing and writing paper
- 1 million tonnes of waste electrical and electronic equipment
To tackle the issue going into the New Year, employees are encouraged to log on to My Pledge and pledge one way that they will cut waste in 2007 - where they will also find tips on what can be done.
Commenting on the plea, Envirowise Programme Director Martin Gibson said: "We know that businesses right across the country have made significant progress in becoming far more resource efficient throughout 2006, but today's waste parade through London's streets sends out a stark message that there is plenty more that can - and must - be done.
"Taking action on waste is fast becoming a business imperative - the balance is tipping and 2007 has the potential to be the year that business is won and lost on the environmental performance of companies. By making a pledge for the New Year to address this issue, businesses are giving themselves the opportunity to gain that competitive edge."
Source of statistics:
Envirowise estimates that businesses can make savings on average of 30% through implementation of water minimisation measures. It is based on a total usage of 1.3billion cubic metres; WRAP; Environment Agency/Netregs/ Defra; Environment Agency.
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Issued on behalf of Envirowise by Harrison Cowley
Media Contacts: Kate Sturley or Rod Dennis at Harrison Cowley on 0117 929 2311.
Notes to Editors
About Envirowise
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.