Production manager Paul Edmunds said the introduction of recycling had halved the amount of rubbish collected by the district council, saving the Bowness firm at least £100 a month.
Badger Press has set targets, including recycling all waste paper generated in production, 80 per cent of plastics and 90 per cent of waste metal, including printing plates, whereas previously all waste paper was just thrown in the bin.
In addition, most cardboard packaging is recycled, and waste ink and other chemicals are collected by registered waste handlers.
The firm has recycled more than 33 tonnes of waste paper in the past year alone, sparing 569 trees from the axe. It has also replaced its delivery vehicle with a smaller one that saves on fuel and makes fewer CO2 emissions.
Even relatively minor measures, such as not using polystyrene drink cups and replacing plastic spoons with wooden stirrers, can make a surprising difference. The firm has also introduced management systems to monitor monthly waste levels and ensure it is maintaining high standards.
Now the business is turning its attention to use of resources, from using low energy light bulbs, to checking the environmental credentials of suppliers.
Mr Edmunds said good environ-mental practices would soon become commonplace for all businesses, and by acting now Badger Press was saving money, garnering some good public relations, and gaining a competitive edge.
The firm, which has been operating for more than 20 years and has a dozen-strong workforce, produces a wide range of products, from books and brochures, to letter heads and leaflets, as well as large format print work.
More information on Cumbria Business Environment Network can be found on their new website which is at http://www.cumbriaben.com
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