Elizabeth Long
The global waste crisis isn’t going away. In fact, the pandemic has only compounded the problem, with Wuhan alone reporting to have seen a 370% increase in the amount of medical waste being produced. Even beyond the pandemic, the world’s growing appetite for everything from technology to food means more and more is being wasted, and unfortunately this is harming the planet and its valuable ecosystems.
With sustainability at the forefront of modern society’s thinking, more businesses are understanding the importance of adopting eco-conscious processes and practices. Everyone is aware of ways to reduce their carbon footprint, from using fewer fossil fuels, to eating more locally-grown produce. But how can we cut back on waste, and why is it so important to do so? Here, we shine a light on the reasons why all businesses should be prioritising a zero-waste policy, and discuss just how important it is that we all take urgent action to protect the future of our planet.
Investing in the Future
It’s clear that when it comes to zero-waste, any changes you make now will have a positive impact on your business and the world beyond further down the line. A large aspect of zero-waste concerns the quality of the materials you use. In theory, investing in higher quality products will mean items will need to be replaced less frequently, resulting in less waste. Economically, this could also result in major cost savings for your business, with reusable items more likely to stand the test of time.
Outside of your business, adopting a zero-waste strategy could provide far-reaching benefits for the environment. Not only will it contribute towards resource conservation, but cutting back on waste can even help in the fight against climate change. When solid waste is sent to landfill, harmful gases like carbon dioxide and methane are produced, which enter the atmosphere and accelerate the process of global warming. If everyone adopted zero-waste principles, we could see a major reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Appeals to Customers, Employees and Partners
In our modern eco-centric society, more and more businesses, consumers and employees are placing greater emphasis on sustainability when it comes to decision making. Research shows that the younger generation in particular have a strong eco-conscience, with 72% of young people stating they’d be willing to change key lifestyle habits to support the environment. This includes driving electric cars, eating less meat and paying a premium for eco-friendly products.
If your business is seen to be actively supporting the environment through policies and practices, this will likely appeal to a wider client base. Not only are you likely to attract more customers, but your business could also hold more authority and leverage within the job market, opening yourself up to a stronger pool of potential employees.
To Sum Up
A business’ approach to waste management plays a central role in the overall success of its sustainability measures. Though it can easily be overlooked, considering the principles of a circular economy will provide countless economic, social and environmental benefits. Making a change now will also help to future-proof your business against any legislation changes further down the line, as governments ramp up efforts to meet sustainability targets.