A campaign to encourage large public and private sector organisations to recycle their waste and purchase more eco-friendly equipment has been unveiled by the Minister for Environment.
Mr Dick Roche says the Action at Work programme could divert substantial amounts of waste away from landfill and help Ireland reach its EU commitment of recycling 35 per cent of its waste by 2013.
Mr Roche
The programme, developed under the Race Against Waste campaign, is being issued to all government departments, hospitals, local authorities, prisons, Garda stations, universities and semi-state bodies, with a letter from Minister Roche urging them to change how they manage their waste.
A key element of the programme, Green Procurement, encourages purchasing managers to consider the environmental impacts when choosing equipment and supplies.
Organisations are being urged to opt for more energy-efficient computers, recycled paper, office equipment made from environmentally sustainable timber and energy from renewable resources.
The programme also provides detailed information on how to carry out a waste audit and how to appoint and work with a waste service provider.
Mr Roche said: "The Action at Work programme makes it easy for large organisations play their part in helping Ireland reduce its waste".
He said: "People at home are already composting and recycling and this practical programme is about getting people to bring their good recycling habits from home into the workplace."
The programme comprises of a practical 64-page manual, a CD and is available online at www.raceagainstwaste.ie.
