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 can recycling alone solve our waste problems in America? The answer is a simple “no”. The reasons why recycling alone will not solve all our waste problems are many. If producers and manufacturers do not provide reasonable and accessible methods for consumers to recycle their products, the chances of the products being recycled is significantly reduced. Companies must be working cooperatively with consumers and partnering with waste management facilities to ensure success. Corporations play the most vital role in reducing the world’s waste problems because they are the only ones who can help tackle waste problems and plan for solutions at the source (even before distribution and consumption).
This issue has, in recent months and years, been effectively brought into the discussion by a non-profit organization called TCE (Texas Campaign For The Environment) along with other green ambassadors. Corporations must take full responsibility for the entire life cycle of their products according to TCE. They emphasize our current system of “produce it, consume it, toss it out” must be redesigned to reduce and eliminate waste at its source. This is completely logical if you really think about it. There is no real accountability in our current system, as so many producers leave the responsibility for recycling in the hands of consumers. You might think that it’s impossible for producers to be completely responsible for making sure their products are recycled. But this all changes with the rise of “producer take-back” programs, which are environmental laws for landfills that are being pushed by “Zero Waste” proponents like TCE. Waste management institutions and government agencies would require manufacturers to recover and recycle their products after consumption. These types of laws already exist in some industries and with some types of 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.
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. 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. There is no retreating from this issue. Taking action and going green in all phases of your company and doing everything in your power to protect the environment must begin right now.
Considering your products often have your brand name on them and can easily be identified when wasted, it is creates even more of a sense of urgency to take action. To begin with, ask yourself if your consumers will easily be able to recycle your product. Get feedback from your customers with tools like Twitter and Facebook or on a blog and show the world you are doing everything possible to make sure your customers can easily recycle your products.
You can even go beyond your own products and remember to consider eco friendly promotional products like sustainable pens and lanyards and eco promotional items like promotional bags and wholesale eco bags. This soft marketing tactic will definitely help show the world your commitment to go green. These types of products are truly eco friendly and will not hurt the environment if trashed. 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.
It is these kinds of small things that can really build momentum for the green movement. Companies can have such a great impact on this world’s eco system if they choose to make the right choice today. Consumer eco consciousness is at an all-time high due to so many recent environmental disasters, which means you can’t afford complacency. Take a lesson from TCE by going green now, and exemplify true leadership in your industry, no matter the state of the economy.
