When it comes to helping our planet and the environment, most of us know that recycling is one of the best things we can do. But will the remedy for our waste problems in America come about through recycling alone? The answer is a simple “no”. There are many reasons why recycling alone will not be able to resolve all our waste problems. Producers and manufacturers have an obligation to their customers and the world to absolutely ensure their products are being recycled by doing things such as partnering and working in concert with waste management institutions. This is the only way real change will take effect to the degree that our planet’s environmental waste crisis demands it. 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. Corporations must take full responsibility for the entire life cycle of their products according to TCE. TCE believes we must eliminate waste beginning with the source (the producer), and that this requires a complete renovation of the current system of “produce it, consume it, toss it out”. This is completely logical if you really think about it. The current system, for the most part, leaves the responsibility for recycling in the hands of consumers and basically gives manufacturers a free pass. Of course, since producers can’t force their customers to recycle, you would think consumers would always be ultimately responsible. But with the recent momentum of “producer take-back” programs that are mandated by environmental laws and pushed by “Zero Waste” proponents, things are really changing. “Producer take-back” laws already exist in some areas and with certain industries and products, and they require producers to work with waste management companies and government agencies to ensure products are recycled after consumption. This approach may make the most sense when it comes to ensuring long-term remedies for reducing the harmful effects of landfills on the environment.
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.
Are your company’s products recycled after consumption? It is essential that your company is a leader in the Green Movement during this time of great change in our world, and from a public relations perspective. As BP learned (the hard way), you cannot wait until you’re right in the middle of an environmental crisis to start on your journey as a green company. It just doesn’t’ work that way. If you retreat and hide from it now, problems will find you later. Your company must start now to do everything in its power to ensure you’re going green in all phases.
Your brand name is at stake in this era of environmental disasters, the public will grow increasingly impatient with companies that are not doing everything they can to help heal this planet. The question of “how” and “where” your products can be recycled is something that should be easily answered by your customers as a result of the resources and tools your provide for them. 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.
You can even go beyond your own products and remember to consider eco friendly supplies like sustainable pens and lanyards and eco promotional items like custom promotional bags for trade shows and job fairs or eco friendly shopping bags for your retail customers. This soft marketing tactic will definitely help show the world your commitment to go green. These kinds of products are truly eco friendly and will not harm the eco system if wasted. Center your community service events around the idea of doing things to help the environment like planting trees or picking up trash in the community on a reoccurring 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. Consumer eco consciousness is at an all-time high due to so many recent environmental disasters, which means you can’t afford complacency. Be a leader in your industry and take TCE’s advice to go green in all phases today.
Albert Jefferson is a highly experienced author conversing about green and sustainability dilemmas in addition to dispersing the knowledge to businesses to employ biodegradable bags to market their trademark and increase awareness for the environmental issues our world is facing.