Recycling is a great reclamation for our planet and for the environment. But can recycling alone solve our waste problems in America? The answer is a simple “no”. There are many reasons why recycling alone will not be able to resolve all our waste problems. If producers and manufacturers are not working cooperatively with consumers and partnering with waste management facilities to ensure there is a reasonable and accessible method for consumers to recycle the products sold to them, then it significantly reduces the chances that the products will be properly recycled at all. We have to tackle waste problems at their source and so it is the corporations that produce the products that must play the biggest role in reducing the waste problems in our country and our world.
The Texas Campaign For The Environment (TCE), a non-profit, has recently brought this issue to center stage. TCE basically says that manufacturers have to take responsibility for the full life cycle of their products. They emphasize our current system of “produce it, consume it, toss it out” must be redesigned to reduce and eliminate waste at its source. If you think about it, it makes so much sense. It is almost as if manufacturers get a “free pass” in our current system, leaving the responsibility for recycling largely in the hands of consumers. Now of course, you would think consumers will always be ultimately responsible for recycling, since producers cannot force someone to recycle their products. However, TCE points out that there are many “Zero Waste’ proponents who are pushing environmental laws for landfills which will create “producer take-back” programs. This would force manufacturers to work with waste management companies and government agencies to recover and recycle their products. When it comes to long-term progress in reducing the harmful effects of landfills on the environment, this approach may make the most sense.
In the absence of “producer take-back” laws, TCE is doing everything they can to be a great tool for consumers. TexasTakeBack.org (funded by TCE), is a great guide to recycle just about anything from glass, styrofoam, household chemicals, pharmaceuticals and so much more. Considering TCE (a non-profit organization), is making such a valiant effort to resolve our country’s waste management issues, it is time for the “for-profit” corporations to step up.
What is your company or organization doing to ensure your products are recycled after consumption? In this time of great change in our world, and from a public relations stand point, it is imperative that your company clearly stands out as a green ambassador. You can’t wait until you’re in the midst of an environmental controversy to begin your path as a green company (see BP). It just doesn’t’ work that way. You can’t run away from this issue. Your company must start now to do everything in its power to ensure you’re going green in all phases.
This is especially true with your products, which often have your company’s brand name on them, and which will be easily identified when wasted. To begin with, ask yourself if your consumers will easily be able to recycle your product. Ask for feedback from your customers, blog about it and show the world you are actively working towards a solution to making sure all your products are recycled.
Another great method to show the world your commitment to go green is through giving out eco promotional products like eco friendly pens, lanyards, custom promotional bags and recycled bags with your brand name on them. These kinds of products are truly eco friendly and will not harm the environment if wasted. Create a reoccurring community service event with your employees and plant some trees or pick up trash around town for a few hours on a monthly basis.
These are just a few small examples of the kinds of efforts companies and organizations can make in order to help ensure the continuity and success of the green movement. When it comes to going green, consumer consciousness is at an all time high in our country and in the world, especially after the recent Gulf Oil Disaster. Stay ahead of the tide, and take some advice from TCE by making sure you and your company are going green now.
Recycling is a great reclamation for our planet and for the environment. But can recycling alone solve our waste problems in America? The answer is a simple “no”. There are many reasons why recycling alone will not be able to resolve all our waste problems. If producers and manufacturers are not working cooperatively with consumers and partnering with waste management facilities to ensure there is a reasonable and accessible method for consumers to recycle the products sold to them, then it significantly reduces the chances that the products will be properly recycled at all. We have to tackle waste problems at their source and so it is the corporations that produce the products that must play the biggest role in reducing the waste problems in our country and our world.
The Texas Campaign For The Environment (TCE), a non-profit, has recently brought this issue to center stage. TCE basically says that manufacturers have to take responsibility for the full life cycle of their products. They emphasize our current system of “produce it, consume it, toss it out” must be redesigned to reduce and eliminate waste at its source. If you think about it, it makes so much sense. It is almost as if manufacturers get a “free pass” in our current system, leaving the responsibility for recycling largely in the hands of consumers. Now of course, you would think consumers will always be ultimately responsible for recycling, since producers cannot force someone to recycle their products. However, TCE points out that there are many “Zero Waste’ proponents who are pushing environmental laws for landfills which will create “producer take-back” programs. This would force manufacturers to work with waste management companies and government agencies to recover and recycle their products. When it comes to long-term progress in reducing the harmful effects of landfills on the environment, this approach may make the most sense.
In the absence of “producer take-back” laws, TCE is doing everything they can to be a great tool for consumers. TexasTakeBack.org (funded by TCE), is a great guide to recycle just about anything from glass, styrofoam, household chemicals, pharmaceuticals and so much more. Considering TCE (a non-profit organization), is making such a valiant effort to resolve our country’s waste management issues, it is time for the “for-profit” corporations to step up.
What is your company or organization doing to ensure your products are recycled after consumption? In this time of great change in our world, and from a public relations stand point, it is imperative that your company clearly stands out as a green ambassador. You can’t wait until you’re in the midst of an environmental controversy to begin your path as a green company (see BP). It just doesn’t’ work that way. You can’t run away from this issue. Your company must start now to do everything in its power to ensure you’re going green in all phases.
This is especially true with your products, which often have your company’s brand name on them, and which will be easily identified when wasted. To begin with, ask yourself if your consumers will easily be able to recycle your product. Ask for feedback from your customers, blog about it and show the world you are actively working towards a solution to making sure all your products are recycled.
Another great method to show the world your commitment to go green is through giving out eco promotional products like eco friendly pens, eco lanyards, custom promotional bags and wholesale recycled bags with your brand name on them. These kinds of products are truly eco friendly and will not harm the environment if wasted. Create a reoccurring community service event with your employees and plant some trees or pick up trash around town for a few hours on a monthly basis.
These are just a few small examples of the kinds of efforts companies and organizations can make in order to help ensure the continuity and success of the green movement. When it comes to going green, consumer consciousness is at an all time high in our country and in the world, especially after the recent Gulf Oil Disaster. Stay ahead of the tide, and take some advice from TCE by making sure you and your company are going green now.
