Set your targets
The targets you set should be based on the results of your plastic waste measurement and reflects want you want to achieve. You can start with quick wins (starting with those products that are easy to avoid) or with the Top 5 products in terms of consumption.
Your targets should be SMART
SPECIFIC
Targets that are specific have a significantly greater chance of being accomplished. Thus, your targets should be well defined, clear and unambiguous.
To define a specific targets, the five “W” questions should be considered:
- WHO is involved in this goal?
- WHAT do I want to accomplish?
- WHERE is this goal to be achieved?
- WHEN do I want to achieve this goal?
- WHY do I want to achieve this goal?
Example: Instead of saying “We want to reduce single-use plastic products used in our business” a specific target can be “We want to reduce the amount of single-use plastic bottles by 50% by the end of the year”.
MEASURABLE
Your SMART target should have criteria for measuring the progress in order to be able to determine your progress and if you are on track to reach your goal.
To define a measurable target, ask yourself:
- How many/much?
- How do I know if I have reached my goal?
- What is my indicator of progress?
Example: Instead of saying “We want to reduce single-use plastic products used in our business” a measurable target can be “We want to reduce the amount of single-use plastic bottles by 50%”.
ACHIEVABLE
Your targets should be attainable and not impossible to achieve. It can be stretched to make you feel challenged but defined well enough that you can actually achieve it.
Ask yourself:
- Do I have the resources and capabilities to achieve the goal?
- If not, what am I missing?
- Who can support?
Example: Instead of saying “We want to reduce all single-use plastic products used in our business” an achievable target can be “We want to reduce the amount of single-use plastic bottles by 50%”.
REALISTIC
Your target should realistic and within reach so that it can be realistically achieved given the available resources and time. If you believe you can achieve it, you are on the right track.
Ask yourself:
- Is the goal realistic and within reach?
- Is the goal reachable, given the time and resources?
- Are you able to commit to achieving the goal?
Example: Instead of saying “We want to reduce all single-use plastic bottles used in our business” a realistic target can be “We want to reduce the amount of single-use plastic bottles by 50%”.
TIMELY
The purpose of a timely target is to create urgency so everyone is motivated to achieve it. Thus, your target should have a clearly defined timeline, including a starting date and finish date.
Ask yourself:
- Does my target have a deadline?
- By when do I want to achieve my target?
Example: Instead of saying “We want to reduce all single-use plastic bottles used in our business” a time-bound target can be “We want to reduce the amount of single-use plastic bottles by 50% by the end of the year”.
