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RECYCLING IDEAS
GVOC as an organisation is aiming to be more "environmentally friendly". If any of our member organisations are interested in following suit, here are a few ideas to consider:
• Circulate one memorandum or e-mail it to everyone to cut down on paper • Send internal minutes electronically • Proof read text on screen before printing • Use both sides of paper when printing/writing, especially shorthand notepads • Use scrap paper for notes • Set up office paper recycling scheme, recycled white paper is in huge demand! (Paper banks at local supermarkets) • Update mailing lists to cut down on wasted time, paper, envelopes, labels etc • Reduce paper mail out by encouraging groups/contacts to receive information via web/e-mail if possible • Re-use envelopes wherever possible ie internally (or recycle - plastic window part cannot be recycled)
Computers/Electrical Equipment
• Repair machines as much as possible • Re-format old floppy discs • Use unwanted CD ROMs as coasters • Recycle mobile phones. Some phone shops offer this service or try www.communityfonebak.com or telephone: 01727 202 603 - there is a registration form to fill out. Open to any organisation benefiting the community. • When buying any equipment look for energy efficiency label
• Try to use re-usable alternatives to plastic cutlery • Bulk buying reduces packaging waste • Have a can bank, most supermarkets have can banks • Gateshead Council can offer recycling advice telephone 0191 433 7418. Also try Gateshead Council's web-site http://www.gateshead.gov.uk/Environment%20and%20Waste/Waste/home.aspx • Save "old" carrier bags to re-use as waste bin liners • Composting of waste food • Tea, coffee, sugar etc should be kept in appropriate jugs, jars etc, to reduce spillage/waste
• Encourage staff into habits of recycling waste (then hopefully they will do it at home too) • Locations poster for paper, glass, cans and textiles to be distributed/on display • Devise a rota system for staff to take goods to recycle point • Toner cartridges for printers can be passed on (www.recyclingappeal.com or Accutecc UK Ltd Telephone: 01279 401409) • Excess furniture, give to local furniture recycling scheme (Foundations Furniture Scheme (Gateshead) on 0191 460 0978 or try www.crn.org.uk - the Community Recycling Network) • Contents of shredding machine/waste paper for shredding to be put in plastic bags to take to recycling point (again most supermarkets have banks for this. Companies such as Biffa 0191 469 1122 and Riverdale 0191 482 4271 also take shredding but there is a charge) • Certain charities can take used postage stamps (they need to have at least 1cm border around them)
• Try to encourage a "buy re-cycled" policy within your organisation • Start a free to a good home box • Encourage staff to use "car share schemes" • Encourage staff to use other forms of transport ie cycle, public transport etc by provision of cycle stands/flexible working hours etc • Organise events in accessible locations (GVOC hold a list in reception - 0191 478 4103) and at times that are accessible by public transport (Nexus Main Offices 0191 203 3333). Provide accurate details of how to get there by different modes of transport for all events • Maintain all working areas/public places as a pleasant, effective working space • Carry out an annual or bi-annual "tidy day" • Encourage the use of plants to help absorb office emissions • Publicise your organisation's environmental efforts and encourage other organisations to do the same, maybe by providing an "ideas information sheet" like this • Raise awareness of sustainability amongst staff and encourage environmental action
• Just fill kettle to required level • Turn off any dripping taps (a dripping tap wastes enough energy in one day to fill a bath!) • Defrost fridge/freezer regularly, leave door closed • Lack of cavity wall insulation can account for 33% heat loss (www.npower.com or telephone 0845 602 6363 provide an information pack, advice on energy efficiency) • Double glazing creates insulation, reduces noise and cuts heat loss through windows by 50% • Poorly insulated frames and single glazing could be accountable for a 20% heat loss • Fluorescent lighting is most energy efficient, tubes can be recycled www.lampcare.com or 0141 347 0077 (there is a charge for this facility) • Regular cleaning of reflectors and shades improves efficiency and output of lighting • Use water responsibly to keep waste to a minimum
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