With the last of Christmas cleared away and 2006 a distant memory, companies across Scotland are being asked to shed the excesses of last year and make a pledge for a leaner 2007.
This week a series of sharp-suited resource efficiency champions were seen pushing a taster of the types of waste generated annually under the noses of city workers, to draw attention to the need for local companies to develop a slimmer waste-line in the year ahead.
Their loaded wheelbarrows contain just a fraction of the total waste generated by companies across Scotland, which is estimated at almost 9 million tonnes each year* - equating to a lot of rubbish!
By visiting My Pledge, any employee in Scotland can commit to one way that they will aim to cut waste at work in 2007. And to help spur people into action at this sluggish time of year, a range of helpful tips from Envirowise is also on offer.
Commenting on the New Year plea, Envirowise Business Manager for Scotland, Alan Hendry said: "We know that businesses across the country have made significant progress in becoming far more resource efficient throughout 2006, but today's appeal is about sending 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."
Nationally, the total waste generated sums 500 million tonnes each year, comprising:
- 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
Pledges can be made via the Envirowise website at My Pledge. Envirowise offers tailored advice on resource efficiency for companies of all sizes and sectors, via a free Envirowise Advice Line (0800 585 794) and website.
*Source: Environment Agency, Commercial and Industrial Waste Survey 2002/3
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Issued on behalf of Envirowise by Trimedia Harrison Cowley
Media Contacts: Jenny Ingram or Laura McKenzie at Trimedia Harrison Cowley on 0131 226 2363.
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.