Implementing environmentally friendly practices as we transition to a new normal

Implementing environmentally friendly practices as we transition to a new normal

While restrictions on transport, trade, social practices, work and other factors of daily life have created a number of challenges for individuals and organisations worldwide, we have also seen short-term changes in the environment.

Adjustments to ‘business as usual’ activities – such as replacing interstate and overseas travel with conference calling and eliminating lengthy travel times by working from home – are only a few changes that have contributed to this environmental shift. While it is unrealistic to expect businesses to continue operating in this way long-term, there are many environmentally conscious practices we can adopt as we move into the ‘new normal’ that can make a significant difference.

 

Environmental observations as a result of COVID-19 restrictions

Here are just a few ways the environment has been affected as a result of travel and trade restrictions worldwide:

  • Local air and water quality have dramatically improved in several areas, emissions have dropped, and the worldwide demand for coal and oil has decreased – due in large part to the decline in demand from transport and slowdown in manufacturing.1
  • Ongoing observations of air quality at night have provided immediate examples of how the Earth is responding positively to changes in human behaviour. From space, NASA’s Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) and the European Space Agency’s TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) have recorded rapidlyfalling nitrogen dioxide levels around the world due to worldwide restrictions.2
  • According to Kimberley Nicholas, a sustainability science researcher at Lund University in Sweden, emissions have fallen in the short-term in countries where public health measures – such as keeping people in their homes – have reduced unnecessary travel. “Transport makes up 23% of global carbon emissions. Driving and aviation are key contributors to emissions from transport, contributing 72% and 11% of the transport sector’s greenhouse gas emissions respectively.”3
  • Compared to this time last year, levels of pollution in New York have reduced by nearly 50% due to measures put in place to contain the virus.4
  • In China, emissions fell 25% at the start of the year as people were instructed to stay at home. Coal use has fallen by 40% at China’s six largest power plants since the last quarter of 2019.5

 

Implementing environmentally friendly practices as we transition to a new normal

The response to COVID-19 has highlighted what can be done differently through human behaviour and business practice to make more environmentally responsible choices moving forward.

Restrictions on flights and travel for example, have caused a significant reduction in carbon emissions. “In future, we may see less unnecessary interstate and international travel after experiencing success with remote online meetings, conferences, and even court hearings.”6 By continuing to substitute travel with online connectivity, businesses can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and increase connectivity between teams.

Winc is committed to maintaining sustainable and ethical practices. Our 53,000sqm national distribution centre generates 87% of its on-site power from natural gas generators.

As a member of the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO), we are continuously working to reduce our contribution to waste. We have implemented waste reduction strategies to promote the use of re-usable boxes on deliveries and recycle products at end of life to create new products. We have also developed a Sustainable Transport Strategy to reduce the environmental impact of our delivery fleet.

 

Winc is committed to supporting your sustainability efforts

Our Winc Earth range has been designed with the most important specification in mind – the planet. Made from sustainable materials and ethically sourced, you can feel confident you’re making a greener choice for the environment and your workplace.

To help make it easier for our customers to identify greener options, we use the EarthSaver classification. All Winc Earth products carry this classification, and this extends across our partners’ products too.

In order for a product to qualify for the EarthSaver classification, one or more of the following criteria must be met:

  • Recycled content: contains 30% or more post-consumer recycled content.
  • Third party standards and certifications: adheres to a select group of third-party environmental standards and certifications.
  • Other environmental designs: contains 30% or more agricultural residues, rapidly renewable material or bio-based plastics.

Winc has already secured suppliers who can provide eco-conscious products and services, made improvements to sustainable packaging options, and optimised transport strategies.

Now all that’s left for you to do is choose sustainable.

Contact your Winc Account Manager or visit www.winc.com.au to explore our Winc Earth range and more, as you prepare to return to work.

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References

1Dr Schuijers, L. 2020. COVID-19  is an opportunity to reset our environmental future. Available at: https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/covid-19-is-an-opportunity-to-reset-our-environmental-future

2Goldbaum, E. 2020. NASA Probes Environment, COVID-19 Impacts, Possible Links. Available at: https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-probes-environment-covid-19-impacts-possible-links/

3Henriques, M. 2020. Will Covid-19 have a lasting impact on the environment? Available at: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200326-covid-19-the-impact-of-coronavirus-on-the-environment

4Henriques, M. 2020. Will Covid-19 have a lasting impact on the environment? Available at: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200326-covid-19-the-impact-of-coronavirus-on-the-environment

5Henriques, M. 2020. Will Covid-19 have a lasting impact on the environment? Available at: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200326-covid-19-the-impact-of-coronavirus-on-the-environment

6Dr Schuijers, L. 2020. COVID-19  is an opportunity to reset our environmental future. Available at: https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/covid-19-is-an-opportunity-to-reset-our-environmental-future