ISS aims to save more than 80,000 items from going into waste bins by issuing its third annual global ‘Zero Waste Challenge’ on World Environment Day (5 June).
The ‘ZWC’ is open to all individuals and organisations and is the brainchild of the Waste Services division at ISS UK.
The initiative asks all involved to reduce waste produced on the day, with activities as large or as small as each pledge can achieve.
In 2018, and 2017, a combined total of 28,500 people eliminated 143,000 items from waste on ZWC Day.
This year, the goal is to engage 25,000 pledgees who will undertake activities on the day and raise awareness of simple waste reduction behaviours going forward.
The top 10 countries by number of pledges include UK, Finland, USA, India, Netherlands, Australia, Mexico, Ireland, Lithuania and Spain.
ISS UK said the facilities management sector in particular is uniquely placed to pioneer and encourage best practice in efforts to reduce waste, thereby supporting client corporate responsibility sustainability goals.
By developing initiatives in all areas of workspace management – from waste management and technical services to food services – FM can help the wider public to introduce and continue their sustainable practices to provide a more environmentally balanced way of life.
On 5 June ISS will implement various activities including single-use items (such as coffee cups, straws, cutlery) on request only; sustainable menus to incorporate seasonal ingredients and plant-based options and new bin signage to improve waste segregation.
The UK division will also host ZWC Roadshows to increase awareness of waste issues and encourage employees and clients to take action to reduce waste.
ISS said its challenges its suppliers to provide more sustainable solutions as it sees an increased drive to deliver sustainable initiatives for clients, customers and our stakeholders.
In the longer term, ISS has programme of projects, which it says are designed to eliminate waste and promote a mindful approach to sustainability.
World Environment Day is a UN Environment-led global event, which takes place on June 5. It is an annual event that aims to be the biggest and most widely celebrated global day for positive environmental action. This year’s theme is “Beat Air Pollution”.
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