Ambitious Australian eco-friendly start up Zero Co is calling on workplaces across the country to join their sustainability mission to end single-use plastic (SUP).
The Work Waste Challenge gained momentum with ANZ, Australia Post and LinkedIn joining alongside Aussie favourites Gumtree, Arnotts and Koala who have also jumped on board.
Inspiration for Zero Co’s Work Waste Challenge
Right now, there are almost 2.5 million businesses in Australia buying and throwing away SUP bottles like communal hand wash and dishwashing liquid every week.
Even with the correct office recycling system, the National Waste Report 2020 shows that a shocking 85% of plastic put into recycling bins actually ends up in landfill.
That’s 200 Olympic swimming pools of single-use plastic going to landfill every single year.
Zero Co, who produce Aussie made, zero-waste personal care and home cleaning products, is asking all businesses, large and small, to make a pledge to take action against SUP at their workplace and encourage employees to go SUP free at home too.
The Founder, Mike Smith, highlights the impact of businesses on the plastic problem and believes that the Work Waste Challenge is an opportunity for employees to tackle this issue.
“Businesses make a plastic-free pledge on our website, we share a staff discount code and set them up with an office starter pack with hand wash, multi-purpose cleaner and liquid soap.”
“Their business will be placed on our leader board to show how many SUP bottles they’re diverting from landfill and their staff sign up to join our mission throughout the month.”
Comments on Zero Co’s Work Waste Challenge
Gumtree spokesperson, Eleni Gavalas, was among the first to make a pledge, “We’re really excited to have pledged our support and to have joined the Work Waste Challenge.”
“For over 14 years, we have helped Australians to trade on the Gumtree platform and embrace sustainable living by giving many items the opportunity of a new life.”
“Gumtree’s pledge to support Zero Co’s Work Waste Challenge marks a step further in our ongoing commitment to encourage Australians to share more and waste less.”
Joining the challenge means businesses will reduce their office waste, and fund local ocean clean-ups using eco-friendly products that get delivered carbon negative.
“This is the kind of immediate action we need from businesses around Australia,” says Smith.
“If we can get workplaces involved in tackling the plastic problem, it sets a great example for employees to take similar action in their homes too”.
With over 90 businesses already on board, Zero Co hopes to inspire 1,000 Aussie brands to join their SUP free mission before the end of Plastic Free July.
