National waste initiative calls for a bin revolution.
Commuters on their way to work this morning were met by a 'jack-in-the-bin' to mark the launch of the UK's second annual Envirowise One Bin Day on February 21st.
The challenge aims to give a stark visual illustration of just how much waste one office can generate.
In paper alone, office workers in Scotland each get through an estimated 1,584 sheets in a whole month - enough collectively to stretch the length of the River Clyde more than 5,000 times.
This contributes to an annual 8.6 million tonnes of printing and writing paper entering the waste stream each year in the UK.
Staggering facts like these prompted Envirowise's launch of One Bin Day last year - an initiative to restrict availability of office bins for a full working day and spur people into action.
By removing desk bins and forcing people to walk to just one central bin, the programme says it increases the likelihood of them choosing recycling or re-use as an alternative - 2006 participants found that their bins overflowed within a matter of hours.
Scotmid, the Scottish supermarket chain which took part in last year's One Bin Day saw its 100 employees at Edinburgh's head office using only one bin in each department.
Malcolm Brown, Scotmid's Head of Corporate Communications, said: "At Scotmid we actively recycle materials including paper, cardboard, toners and PC's, but by taking part in One Bin Day we were able to realise the amount of waste generated each day and the simple ways in which we can start to cut down on this.
"By becoming more resource efficient in the workplace, not only can we cut down on office waste, but make significant cost savings at the same time. I think it's crucial that businesses give serious thought to putting in place some simple measures that can really make a difference and One Bin Day can be that starting point."
This year the initiative will take place again on the 21st February. Information on how to take part is available at the one bin day page, with companies being encouraged not just to participate in an online forum but also to gain recognition for their positive action. Top performers will be featured in the publicity on One Bin Day 2007 itself.
Alan Hendry, Envirowise Business Manager for Scotland says: "The staggering truth is that waste and inefficient use of resources cost many businesses up to 4% of their turnover. In addition it only adds to the growing commercial waste burden in Scotland – something brought into the spotlight by SEPAs recent publication of business waste statistics. It is hoped this event will help prompt increasing numbers of businesses to take action to cut waste in 2007.
"We would also like to see Scottish companies using One Bin Day as a first step. For example, targeting areas such as water usage can often reveal similar opportunities for cost savings, as well as help minimise a company's environmental impact."
Free advice and information on all aspects of resource efficiency is available at the one bin day page or by calling the confidential Advice Line on 0800 585 794.
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Issued on behalf of Envirowise by Trimedia Harrison Cowley. Media Contacts: Laura McKenzie or Jenny Ingram at Trimedia Harrison Cowley on 0131 226 2363.
Notes to Editors:
One Bin Day events also took place today in Cardiff, Glasgow, Birmingham and Leeds.
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.