The 4R Method: Reducing Plastic in the Workplace

It’s no secret that plastic pollution is a major problem, both on land and in our oceans. In Australia alone, we produce a staggering 583 million plastic bottles of water yearly, contributing to the total 7 billion drink containers that end up in landfill and our oceans. However, there are steps we can take to fight against this environmental issue.

At Waterlogic, we believe in providing solutions that deliver great-tasting water while being as friendly as possible to our planet. That’s why we’ve created the 4R Method: Refuse, Reuse, Recycle, and Raising Awareness. By following these simple steps, you can reduce the amount of plastic you use at your workplace and help make a difference.

Refuse Plastics

The first step is to refuse to purchase or consume plastics whenever possible. This may be the hardest but most effective action you can take. Avoid using disposable plastic bottles, bags, straws, cups, and plates that cannot be reused over time. Instead, use more durable metal, glass, or paper products. For instance, try making your coffee at home and taking it to work in a flask rather than buying takeaway coffee.

In the best-case scenario, if your office installs a plumbed-in water cooler, you can enjoy fresh, purified hot and cold water in a way that is far more sustainable, removing the need for plastic or paper products.

Reuse Plastics

The second step is to use reusable items that can easily replace one-use plastic items. Purchasing more durable containers to store food and beverages that you can take to work is an excellent way to reduce how much plastic you use during the working day. Reusable canvas bags are also a much better alternative to carrying your items in to work and back home.

If you do have to buy a plastic bottle, try to reuse it as much as possible at work. One $2.50 600ml bottle can be refilled every day for five years with tap water before it would reach the original cost of what you forked out. If you use a bottleless water dispenser in your office, you’ll even be able to fill that bottle, or even better, a more durable drinking container with filtered water that is as high quality and great-tasting as what you can buy in a bottle originally.

Recycle Plastics

The third step is to recycle as much plastic as possible. One of the most effective actions you can take at your office is to implement specific and clearly labelled recycling bins. If you work in an office as part of a commercial centre, then spend some time with the building manager or receptionist to see what actions can be put in place to ensure recycling is compulsory. This will more easily help you to recycle paper, cardboard, and printer cartridges on a daily basis rather than these items ending up in landfill or our oceans.

Raise Awareness of Plastic Use

The fourth step is to raise awareness of the problem of plastic use. Informing co-workers, family, and friends how they can help and get involved can be a significant step in the right direction. Sharing and letting others know about Waterlogic’s 4R method is an easy way to help create a plastic-free workplace.

In conclusion, the 4R Method can be a simple and easy way to reduce the amount of plastic you use at your workplace. By refusing plastics whenever possible, using reusable items, recycling as much plastic as possible, and raising awareness of the problem, we can help make a difference and create a more sustainable future.