3 minute read
Ethical Waste Management for Township Traders
from Spotong Issue 23
by 3S Media
ETHICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT FOR TOWNSHIP TRADERS WASTE MANAGEMENT Do your bit to reduce waste
The “three Rs” – reduce, reuse and recycle – all help to cut down on the amount of waste we throw away. This conserves natural resources, landfill space and energy. According to a report by the World Bank in 2016, South Africa produces 54 425 tonnes of trash every day – the 15th highest in the world. We all have to do our bit to live a more environmentally responsible life. So, how do you do it? By implementing a simple waste reduction programme, of course! A review of daily work practices and a little bit of resourcefulness will go a long away. Let’s show you how you can achieve this.
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Waste reduction and management tips
• Don’t overpurchase. This leads to spoilage and waste. You can eliminate this by taking inventory frequently and adjusting your orders according to your business needs. • Avoid spoilage by storing your food appropriately and eliminating air in containers. Use storage containers that can be reused. • When purchasing stock, store the items in the order that you purchase them and always use older items first. Immediately place the newer purchases at the back of the shelves.
N.B. Train your staff on this method. • When buying in bulk and if you have the storage space available, purchase products that have a long shelf life. • In the case of food that is served to your customers, review your menu so that you use up all your food products to avoid wastage and spoilage. • In taverns and shebeens, make sure that your stock purchases match your individual circumstances, especially the volume of customers that you service. • Set up a cardboard and/or glass recycling programme with your local garbage collectors.
Appliances and equipment
Kitchen equipment and appliances will last longer and operate better when they are properly maintained. The bigger cost associated with improper maintenance is downtime due to the malfunctions and failure of equipment and appliances.
Tips:
• All refrigeration and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) equipment should have regular schedules for cleaning and maintenance. All coils and filters should be cleaned on a regular basis. • Check for air loss coming from refrigerator doors and freezers, and make sure they close tightly. • Check the temperature calibration of oven equipment on a periodic basis. • Be sure to clean fryers and filter the oil every day (this will help extend the life of fryers and oil).
Paper and supplies
• Use paper products made from recycled materials. Many recycled paper products are readily available.
Some examples are napkins, paper towels, toilet paper and bags. • Don’t use Styrofoam if possible.
Styrofoam takes up more room in both storage and disposal than paper/cardboard products. Almost everything available in Styrofoam is available in a paper equivalent. • Use washable and reusable dinnerware and table linens. • Use black bags made of recyclable material. They are much more environmentally and cost friendly. • Purchase cleaning supplies in concentrate, rather than in ready-touse form. • Use environmentally friendly cleaners. Cleaners that can be used for multiple surfaces are better than job-specific cleaners.
Don’t forget your e-waste!
What is e-waste?
E-waste comprises of any unwanted electrical or electronic equipment (either running on batteries or electricity) such as computers, TVs, VCRs and DVD players, consumer electronics, kettles, printers, fax machines, cellphones, toasters, microwaves and/or direct parts thereof. Also included are “consumables” such as cartridges or batteries. E-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream in South Africa. With the rapid advances in new technology, many everyday items that we use in our homes or businesses have been made redundant.
Care when recycling your e-waste
E-waste can be hazardous and toxic, due to the chemical elements and heavy metals that are contained in most electric and electronic goods. If these items are not disposed of properly, they can cause serious health and environmental pollution problems. The hazardous components from mismanaged e-waste can contaminate soil and water, as well as pollute the air with toxic fumes, if burnt. Always consult a professional if you are unsure of how to dispose of your e-waste.
