Repair and Reuse Durable Goods

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We are in a climate emergency. Weather patterns are changing dramatically, animals face extinction across the world and the oceans and seas are inundated with our plastic mess.

We have to do something to combat our environmental impact and reduce our carbon dioxide output. We need to do this both individually and together. Starting in our workplace can bring about a huge difference to our carbon offset. Implementing simple ways to reduce our carbon emissions will ensure we operate in an environmentally friendly manner.

Offsetting 1 tonne of carbon = 1 less tonne of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

One simple but effective way of shrinking our carbon footprint is to look at what we are using and how we are using it. We need to ask ourselves how we can reduce the amount we think we need and how to make the best use of what we buy. When we no longer need an item, how can we dispose of it in a sustainable way?

When thinking about buying equipment, look at the durability of the product. How long is the warranty? Inspect regularly and ensure that staff using it report any issues immediately. Have a regular maintenance schedule to make sure that any problems are found early so that repairs can be made. This will mean that the product will be working at its most efficient for a much longer time.

Don’t be afraid to ask suppliers about their own sustainability programmes. They may have in place a recommended maintenance programme or a recycling policy for their older products. Working together with suppliers we can make sure that we get best and prolonged use of our equipment.

Energy

Consider getting your energy from a green supplier. They supply energy from sustainable sources like wind, sunlight, rain and geothermal heat. Sustainable means these sources will never run out.

When you purchase equipment for the clinic, make sure they have a high energy rating. All products are rated from G (being the least efficient), to A+++ which has the greatest energy efficiency. Although you may pay a little more for the most efficient appliances you will save money on your power bills as well as helping the environment. The same principles should be applied to your office equipment too.

Are lights left on in unoccupied workspaces at your practice? Make it the policy that lights are turned off when staff vacate them. Could there be areas where the use of LED lighting would be appropriate? Replacing a 50-watt halogen bulb with the equivalent brightness LED bulb will cut your energy costs alone by up to a massive £75 over the lifetime of the bulb. By making the switch you will also reduce your carbon emissions by 5kg.

Did you know that turning down heating by just 1 degree reduces the energy used by 13%!

These are just a few ideas to consider when reducing your carbon footprint – but it is a start. Open the conversation at work and you will be amazed at what ideas will come up for the many ways you can introduce innovative carbon offset policies specific to your workplace.