NEIA encouraging businesses in Newfoundland & Labrador to think about their garbage

For Immediate Release
October 24, 2013

ST. JOHN’S, NL – This week is Waste Reduction Week in Canada, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is encouraging businesses, governments, and other organizations to think twice about what they are throwing away.

“Per capita, Newfoundland and Labradorians produce more waste than most other provinces in the country,” said Ted Lomond, NEIA’s Executive Director.

Lomond says it is particularly critical for businesses and their employees to take responsibility for waste in the workplace. “60% of our waste is produced at work or at school,” he said. “Simple deviations in our daily routines and small changes in procurement could help significantly reduce the amount of waste going to our landfills.”

Some of the simplest changes recommended by NEIA that yield important waste reduction results include:

Managing the use of paper. Reducing the use of and recycling paper remains the most effective manner to reduce office waste. 67% of typical office building waste is recyclable paper.
Disposing of disposables. Paper or plastic plates, cups, and cutlery add up fast. Use real kitchenware.
Avoiding individually packaged condiments. Buy milk, salt, butter, etc. in larger quantities to stop generating waste with needlessly single-packaged items.
Changing the way coffee is drank. Encourage the use of reusable coffee mugs, while discouraging the use of single-cup machines.
Getting rid of garbage… bins. Studies show less office waste is generated when employees don’t each have a personal waste bin.
Involving everyone. Reducing waste in an office setting is a team effort and will only be a success if buy-in occurs across the board at all levels of a company.

“The average employee generates 1 tonne of loose garbage every year; that’s over 100 household garbage cans per person,” said Lomond. “We can do better.”

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the growth and development of the environmental industry in this province, offering a diverse range of expert knowledge and services in the business of mitigating and minimizing environmental damage for the protection and enhancement of the environment for present and future generations. NEIA has over 150 members.

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