Bytes Document Solutions' green campaign drives environmental awareness

Bytes Document Solutions has awarded its first Xerox Global Services (XGS) Environmental Award to the First National Bank Print Room, at Bank City, in Johannesburg.

The competition was launched by Bytes Document Solutions in September 2011, as part of a broader 'Go Green' awareness campaign, and will be held annually. It involves the majority of XGS site print rooms in Johannesburg and Pretoria.

“In South Africa, we have major challenges when it comes to environmental sustainability and we have to become more aware of how to use our precious natural resources,” says Eddy Gordon, manager for Digital Solutions and MEA Training at Bytes Document Solutions.

“Paper is crucial to commerce and everyday life, and we need to be smart about how we use the many natural resources involved in creating that paper. By focusing on sustainability, we can help to ensure that these resources will be available for generations to come.

“Our 'Go Green' drive is a fun and engaging way to make both our employees and our clients more aware of how to run an environmentally-friendly business and reduce the impact on our world by containing our carbon footprints.”

He adds that Bytes Document Solutions aims to meet customers' current needs without compromising the planet for the future. The company encourages clients to collect used paper so the fibre can be used again. Recycling the fibre saves trees, reduces energy and water use, requires fewer chemicals, and keeps paper out of landfills. Other ways to reduce paper consumption include printing what you need when you need it.

Each participating site was evaluated by Bytes Document Solutions' “green team” members according to five criteria: neatness, safety, environmental awareness, recycling techniques and staff enthusiasm. The award-winning FNB Print Room team, led by Terry-Anne Grove, best fulfilled all these requirements, winning a unique floating trophy made from used Xerox printer parts, as well as a gift voucher for the team and a certificate of accomplishment.

“The competition was launched to help make a positive difference to our world and to highlight Bytes Documents Solutions' drive to be an environmentally-friendly company,” says Gordon.

The competition is an initiative being undertaken by Bytes Document Solutions to reduce the company's carbon footprint. Employees are encouraged to bring in their old electronic equipment on 'eWaste' days.

The company is also helping to keep the area around its head office clean and is planting trees on unused municipal land to beautify the environment. This is in addition to a formal paper and Styrofoam recycling policy.

“We believe that if every company does its bit to promote sustainability, we can educate people and help to promote environmentally sound paper practices,” says Gordon. “We're now helping our customers minimise their impact on the environment, while meeting their business needs.”