Sam Lawrence, General Manager at BM Caterers, orchestrates a whirlwind operation at one of the biggest global law firms in London, looking after over 900 customers daily with a dedicated team of 53. We've partnered with BM Caterers on the latest iteration of our “Heroes” campaign not only because of their affinity for our products but also because we value collaborating with businesses that, like us, are committed to sustainability.
Our founder and CEO, Mark Jankovich, sat down with Sam where she shared that her journey to becoming more environmentally conscious started when she joined BM Caterers. Following her joining, the pandemic reinforced the fragility of our planet, inspiring her to increase her positive impact.
Thanks to Sam's leadership and the BM team's dedication, they introduced fantastic processes like carbon labelling and championing the 'Say No To Dispo' initiative, a movement to replace all disposable plastic with ceramic reusable dinnerware. By using a platform called Nutritics, they were able to identify the carbon footprint of each meal, introducing labelling to empower both staff and customers to make more informed choices. For example, swapping the carbon-heavy beef lasagna for the vegetarian mushroom option massively reduces the meal's impact.
Sam also revealed her hands-on approach to waste management at work. Through these efforts, food waste at Freshfields plummeted from 26% to 8%! This achievement, with 900 customers a day, shows that the scale of this reduction has a real impact. Plus, the supply chain operations, featuring electric deliveries and planned schedules, means that they can cut their carbon footprint even further. These initiatives really demonstrate the commitment and determination at BM to implement sustainability at every level of their operations.
What’s even more impressive, is that Sam brings this level of commitment into her home. She’s become a “food waste warrior, and she’s even convinced her "bleach-obsessed husband" to give our retail products a try. Now he's completely converted.
So, from commercial kitchens to family dinner tables, Sam chooses Delphis Eco as her preferred cleaning partner because she can do her bit for the planet both at work and at home.
To learn more about Sam and BM Caterers, don't miss our exclusive interview with our Founder and CEO, Mark Jankovich.
Watch the full interview here.
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Globally, only 9% of plastics are recycled each year. So, what happens to the plastic that is not recycled? Did you know that Europe consumes 4-6% of its oil and gas resources in the production of plastics? According to WRAP, it takes a whopping 75% less energy to make a plastic bottle from recycled materials compared to producing it from scratch. But what would happen if we increase our recycling efforts and build a circular economy to reduce plastic waste?
Wait… What's the Buzz About a Circular Economy?
Imagine a world where nothing goes to waste! That's the magic of a circular economy. It's a regenerative system that aims to keep resources in use for as long as possible, extracting maximum value while minimising waste generation. When it comes to plastic waste, a circular economy focuses on creating a closed-loop system where plastic is recycled, reused, or repurposed instead of ending up in landfills or polluting our beautiful oceans. And that is exactly what we do at Delphis Eco. Did you know that so far, in 2023, we have saved a whopping 19,709kg of virgin plastic from being produced? Not only this but through using recycled plastic material, we have avoided an outstanding 30 tonnes of CO2 from being emitted. **
The Plastic Problem
Plastic waste is like a villain threatening our environment. Huge amounts of it end up in landfills, and sadly, many find their way into our oceans. This pollution harms our beloved marine life, disrupts delicate ecosystems, and contributes to the global environmental crisis. Embracing a circular economy for plastic is the key to breaking this harmful cycle.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
In a circular economy, we can do our bit by reducing our plastic consumption. By making mindful choices and opting for sustainable alternatives, we can minimise the amount of plastic waste generated in the first place. And when plastic waste does come knocking, recycling swoops in to save the day!
Innovations in Plastic Recycling
To make the circular economy for plastic a reality, we need cutting-edge recycling technologies and infrastructure. Think advanced sorting systems, high-tech recycling processes, and brilliant innovations that turn old plastic into new treasures. These superpowers help us transform discarded plastics into raw materials for new products, reducing the demand for virgin materials and the environmental impact of plastic production.
Rethinking Consumption and Design
A circular economy inspires us to rethink how we consume and design products. Manufacturers play a key role by creating easily recyclable items, using recycled content, or exploring fantastic biodegradable materials. By supporting these eco-friendly products, we ignite the growth of a circular economy and reduce plastic waste in style.
So this Plastic-Free July, let's rethink our consumption of plastic and opt to buy PCR plastic, just like our Delphis bottles, made from recycled milk bottles, which are 100% recyclable. By recycling plastic waste, reducing our plastic consumption, and redesigning products with recyclability in mind, we can steer clear of landfills and protect our breathtaking oceans. Let's join forces, spread the word, and create a future where plastic waste is minimised. Together, we can make a lasting impact for generations to come. Let the adventure begin!
** Disclaimer: Our calculations have been independently verified by Climate Partner.
Continue readingToday, we're here to talk about an important day that deserves all our attention and action—Environment Day! 🌍✨ On environment day, our team were joined by BM caterers on an organised litter pick at Vauxhall pleasure gardens in London to raise awareness and clean up the park. But why is picking up your litter important for our environment?
You might be thinking, "Come on, picking up a little bit of trash won't make a difference." But it does! Let's dive into why it's so crucial to be mindful of our rubbish and how it can harm our beloved aquatic life. 🐠🐢🦀.
When we leave our rubbish either in a park, on the street or at the beach, it eventually finds its way into the ocean, creating a treacherous cycle. Sea creatures mistake our trash for food or get tangled up in it, leading to injury, suffocation, and even death.
But here's the good news: each one of us has the power to make a change! By simply picking up our own rubbish and encouraging others to do the same, we can prevent this environmental catastrophe. It's time to become litter-picking superheroes!
Next time you're at the beach, in a park, or anywhere in nature, take a moment to pause and look around. If you spot some litter, be the hero who picks it up and tosses it into the nearest bin. You'll not only be saving the environment but also setting a great example for others to follow.
So, let's make a pledge to be responsible and do our part in keeping our planet clean. Spread the word, organise litter-picking events, and share the importance of disposing of rubbish properly. So let's clean up and save the sea, one piece of litter at a time! 🌊🌍
Continue readingAs a proud Royal Warrant holder, we are honoured to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III and with the coronation of King Charles just around the corner, it's more important than ever that we focus on sustainability. As millions of people around the world gather to watch the coronation, let's set a positive example for sustainability. By simply using eco-friendly cleaning products, we can reduce our environmental impact and show the world that we're serious about promoting sustainable practices. The future Monarch, King Charles, has been a long-time champion for environmental protection and sustainability, so it's important that we support his efforts by caring more about our environment.
And what better way to do that than by using eco-friendly cleaning products to tidy up after those street parties? To celebrate, we are introducing our brand new Street Party Bundle that's perfect for your post-party clean-up. And the best part? It's eco-friendly, so you can feel good about making a positive impact on the environment while you clean up.
Our street party bundle includes a range of eco-friendly cleaning products that are tough on dirt and grime but gentle on the planet. From multi-surface cleaners to glass cleaners to disinfectant sprays, our bundle has everything you need to get your streets looking spick and span again after a wild party.
But it's not all about the coronation and street parties– sustainability is important for the long haul. As an ambassador for sustainable practices, King Charles will encourage positive change in areas like renewable energy, waste reduction, and conservation. By using eco-friendly cleaning products, we can all support these efforts and create a better, more sustainable world. So let's all do our part to promote sustainability, protect the environment, and create a healthier world for ourselves and future generations.
So whether you are hosting a street party, a house party or you want to celebrate by becoming more sustainable, let's make a positive impact on the environment while we clean up after our epic street parties!
This January, we have listed our top tips to make your new year more eco-friendly. By simply swapping some of your day-to-day habits and purchases, you will be well on your way to a planet conscious 2023.
It all starts at home.
When cleaning after the holidays, our products are the ones to choose to stop the nasty chemicals from getting into the environment, impacting your health and the health of aquatic life. But what a great way to go that one step further and switch your cleaning equipment to compostable alternatives, like Seep's ones. Seep offer a range of compostable gloves, sponges and even bine liners to help you keep on top of your eco-cleaning and ensure that no micro-plastics go out into the environment.
Planning a holiday?
This year choose a conscious stay away with the planet in mind. Room2 by The Lamington group is the world's first hometel brand moving to fully net zero. We are delighted to support their business in becoming more sustainable by providing them with our planet-friendly range of cleaning products!
Skin and Beauty
Switch your skin and beauty products to products with natural ingredients and recycled packaging like the ones offered by Grumm! They even provide a razor cartridge recycling scheme, taking care of the recycling for you. From purifying Facial cleansing bars to Beard Wash bars, they have all your necessities to leave you fresh this January without compromising.
Dining out!
We know this month's focus is mainly on your health, so why not treat yourself to delicious and healthy food at the Apricity restaurant in London? Apricity is a sustainable restaurant offering a conscious dining experience from its menu to its dishes; they have the environment in mind.
Giving back
With the cost of living at an all-time low this January, families around the country are struggling to eat. So this January, why not give back to charities like The Felix Project? The Felix Project is a charity that distributes surplus food to vulnerable people in the UK and is a great way to give back this January.
Need more inspiration for an eco-friendly 2023? Why not try the 'In Good Company' app? Wherever you are in the UK, this app finds you trusted and reviewed shops- from social enterprise coffee shops and sustainable restaurants to zero-waste shops and even eco hair salons. All your options at the click of a button! To download, please click here.
Christmas… A time for families to come together, exchange gifts and eat to their heart's content. But what impact does our overindulgence and shopping habits have on the environment? During the holiday season our carbon footprint is 6% more than the rest of the year, so how can we make our Christmas a little bit greener? Every pound you spend this Christmas is a vote for the world you want to create, so here are Delphis Eco's top tips for a Christmas that doesn't cost the Earth.
Should you go for the real tree or get the plastic one out of the loft?
Every year there is a debate about whether people should ditch their real tree and go for a fake one. Or ditch the Christmas tree altogether. Research has found seven million trees are thrown out every year in the UK, releasing copious amounts of methane into the atmosphere. Artificial trees can be reused on average 7-20 times, which is better for the environment as it saves fresh trees from being chopped down and can save you money!
But if you want to buy a real tree, know that the carbon footprint is lower than that of an artificial one. A popular alternative is opting for potted trees, which can be reused and replanted. Another option is replanting your Christmas tree in your garden or converting your old tree into beneficial woodchip mulch by putting it through a shredder which can reduce its carbon footprint by up to 80%. It's a win-win!
Spread the Christmas magic
At Christmas, we know the pressure is on to buy the perfect present for your nearest and dearest, but just under a half of us Brits admit that we have received gifts we don't or will never use. But the only good can come from buying gifts from small businesses, being mindful of sustainability and going for gifts with less packaging.
According to Gov.uk we use enough card packaging (and material) at Christmas to cover Big Ben nearly 260,000 times. That is mind-boggling! Were you aware that to make 1 tonne of paper, around 24 trees must be cut down? So why not get creative by making e-cards to send your Christmas wishes by text if you want to give a great gift to the planet?
The main event
Christmas is the ultimate time to overindulge by eating our body weight in pigs in blankets or stuffing. But all that overindulgence means that around 270,000 tonnes of food are thrown away at Christmas every year. That's five million Christmas puddings, seventy-four million mince pies and two million turkeys, according to the Big Issue. And if that statistic doesn't make you want to spit out your eggnog, the government reckons that the number of poultry we throw away yearly is enough to make eight hundred million Boxing Day curries. Unbelievably, a herd of 636,000 reindeer weighs the same carrots thrown away by UK households annually.
Fareshare is a charity network focused on reliving food poverty and food waste in the UK, was awarded 1.9 million pounds in 2019 from Defra. With the funding, Fareshare could redistribute even more food to those who need it. Their work also prevented 2,000 frozen turkeys from Gressingham Foods from going to waste in 2019, almost double the number redistributed the year before. So why not donate some of your leftovers to them?
What actions are we taking to do our bit?
Around 114,000 tonnes of plastic packaging will be thrown away and not recycled in the UK this Christmas – which is more than the weight of 3.3 million Emperor penguins. One way to lower your contribution to the plastic plight is to buy products made of post-consumer recycled content. Ultimately you can only purchase the products available to you, and here at Delphis Eco, we offer refills on a range of our products so that you will be all kitted out for the festive season.
Here are our top ten Green Christmas tips:
Written by Ellie Meredith
Continue readingAs COP27 ends, we reflect on the discussions surrounding the global climate change conference and what we can take away to tackle this global fight. The annual conference presents opportunities for all stakeholders, government leaders and activists to discuss strategies to reduce climate change. The international conference gives global leaders and shareholders the platform to discuss ways to minimise the effects of climate change and the potential impact it could have on the planet.
COP27 highlighted a solution-focused approach to minimise global surface temperature. Unlike the most recent Climate Week held in New York, which emphasised the ongoing global climate issues.
Now climate change specialists are urging global leaders to develop strategies to mitigate the global warming effects on the planet. There is an emphasis on governments working with businesses to accomplish this. Connecting with countries globally to work together is paramount, and this needs to happen with everyone in the same room.
Previous COPs emphasised businesses were moving together at the same pace, working together to deliver environmental change. However, with global temperatures reaching record-breaking highs, the race is on, and there has been a shift to urge companies and countries to act as fast as they can.
COP27 bought speculation concerning whether the COPs are the best way to direct positive action against climate change. One word that circled COP27 was ‘greenwashing’ (deceiving customers by falsely advertising natural, green and eco-friendly products). The growing demand for sustainable products in the market means that everyday brands are renaming, rebranding and repackaging products to keep up to date with customers’ needs, but without holding sustainable values at the core of the business. COP27 presented the opportunity to mitigate greenwashing and bring awareness to the issues at stake when deceiving consumers. The conference reminded us that we each have the responsibility to make conscious decisions, an integral part of our lives to make a significant change.
We at Delphis Eco are proud to have sustainability at the forefront of our business values, and as a certified B-corp, we make all business decisions with the planet in mind.