(Akiit.com) It is an unfortunate fact that most businesses waste much more than is necessary. With any business, a certain amount of wastage is to be expected. It cannot be avoided altogether. However, it is also the case that most businesses are not doing as much as they could to make waste history. The fact is, reducing waste is in everybody’s interest. It means a more lean operation within your business. It also means that as a business you cause less stress to the environment. Truly, taking some active steps towards waste production is a great thing to do for the world at large. What’s more, it will save you both time and money. Let’s take a look at some simple but effective ways to reduce waste in your business.
Keep Your Staff Informed
There is little that can be achieved without the ongoing help of your staff. With that in mind, be sure to keep them informed about how 
they can help to reduce waste. If everybody knows how they affect the waste figure on the whole, then they are more likely to take personal responsibility. This is necessary for successful waste production. It might be worth sending one or two members of staff on Six Sigma White Belt Training. Six Sigma has a strong focus on waste reduction, so this might be beneficial.
Reduce Your Usage
The first step towards less waste is to reduce how much you use in the first place. There is a lot to this first step, and it is the most important part. For example, only use paper when it is necessary. That way, you save it being used in the first place. This is preferable even to having to recycle it later. Do everything you can to reduce the usage of materials in your office.
Reuse
The second part of reducing waste is to reuse that which can be reused. You might be surprised at just how easily you can follow this rule of thumb in business. Paper which has been scrapped can be reused by making it into a notepad, for example. With a little creativity and original thought, you can soon find yourself reusing almost anything in a new interesting way.
Recycle
It goes without saying, of course, but it does need to be mentioned. If you are serious about making your business as eco-friendly as possible, then recycling is an absolute must. It is possible, depending on your location, that recycling is a legal responsibility. However, even if it isn’t, be sure to get involved. You could even set up a recycling scheme in your local area. This is good for the environment and your business.
Self-Audit
Big changes work best in business when you keep an eye on them. With that in mind, it might be a good idea to carry out a self-audit on your ecological duties now and then. Draw up a checklist of the things you should be doing, and ensure that they are being done. Make yourself accountable and take charge; that is how real change happens.
Staff Writer; Larry Baker