GENERAL TRAINING READING TEST B
RECYCLING AT WORK – HANDY HITS TO EMPLOYERS
It is estimated that avoidable waste costs UK businesses up to 4.5% of their annual revenue. Reducing waste in the workplace is about being efficient. By becoming more efficient, businesses not only increase profits but they also save natural resources.
On the island of Jersey, for example, the amount of waste produced each year has doubled since 1980. In 2004 it topped 100,000 tonnes – and 60% is generated by local businesses. A lot of waste for a small island!
SETTING UP A COMPANY SCHEME
Waste audit
Before starting a recycling scheme, perform an audit. This will make you aware of how much waste you are producing in the company.
Company policy
Consider switching your office waste contractor to one that provides a recycling service.
Buy recycled paper. Although this is sometimes more expensive, costs can be reduced by lowering consumption and using duplex printers.
Get everyone involved
• Raise awareness internally within the company, perhaps by putting up educational posters.
• Allocate a person to be the point of contact for anyone with queries.
There are also a couple of ways to increase motivation:
• Hold internal competitions between different departments. For example, see which can reduce their waste the most within a specific time period.
• Send out regular newsletters reporting on all waste improvements. Staff will then see the impact their actions are having.
WHAT TO RECYCLE AND HOW
Paper
According to a recent survey, 65% of waste produced is paper waste. The waste paper will inevitably be produced in the workplace, but it is not necessary to discard it. It can serve a variety of purposes before it is recycled, such as writing notes. Envelopes too can be re-used for internal mail.
Plastic cups
Rather than supplying disposable plastic cups in your workplace, get ceramic mugs that can be re-used. Not only do they make your tea taste better, but they can reduce your office waste by up to 1%!
Electrical equipment
Rather than giving up on any old electrical equipment and just throwing it away, why not try upgrading it? This reduces waste, as well as avoiding the need to manufacture a new machine – a process which creates a large amount of waste. You could also consider donating your old computers to charities when it comes to replacing them.
Questions 15-21
Answer the questions below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxed 15-21 on your answer sheet.
15. What does the writer think should be carried out in a company before it starts recycling?
16. What machines can help to cut the stationery budget?
17. What can be displayed in the workplace to publicise the recycling scheme?
18. What can be distributed to motivate staff to recycle more?
19. What can unwanted paper be used for in the office?
20. What can be bought to cut down on the waste produced by staff refreshments?
21. Where can unwanted PCs be sent?
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Answers:
15. audit// an audit// waste audit
16. (duplex) printers
17. (educational) posters
18. (regular) newsletters
19. (writing) notes
20. (ceramic) mugs
21. (to) charities
