Winning the Environmental Stewardship War

Within the next 30 years, there could be more pieces of plastic in the ocean than fish in the sea. Already, there are five plastic accumulation zones in the world’s oceans while an estimated two million tons of plastic floats down rivers annually. Additionally, in the United States alone, there are more than 13,000 landfills. Not only are these landfills taking up space, they often release hazardous gases and contaminants runoff into ground water. If we are in a war to protect the earth because it is the only one that we have to live on. It will take everyone working together to win the environmental stewardship war.

Goal Setting

As with any project, it is important that goals be set so that everyone knows how the world is doing. Talk with your team about setting goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timely. When enough companies ban together to recycle, then it really will make a difference.

Sustainable Procurement

Consider implementing a policy in your company for sustainable procurement. These policies must consider the cost of a product, but they also take into account the environmental and societal impact of those purchases. Those in top leadership positions need to take the lead role in making sure that recycling programs work by making sure that each product purchased is needed and accounting for the end-of-life disposal costs when accepting bids. Furthermore, they should ensure that products move up and down the supply chain as efficiently as possible. Supporting companies with innovative ideas encourages everyone to get onboard with recycling.

Waste Vendor Due Diligence

It is also important that CEOs exercise due diligence when choosing their waste vendor. Under the 1976 Resource Conservation and Recovery Act companies producing hazardous waste can be fined for what happens to their product from the time it is made until it disappears from the earth. If a waste disposal facility is no longer in operation and there are no funds to clean up a hazardous site, then the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act says that manufacturers can be held responsible for the cost of that cleanup. While it may cost a company plenty to clean up waste facilities, it may pale in comparison to damage that can be done to brand reputation if your products are found illegally dumped even if you paid a waste vendor to dispose of products correctly.

Recycling

Recycling is an essential part of environmental stewardship. Contact Orlando Recycling to meet all your recycling needs. They will help you develop a program, and they have the compactors necessary to make it a success. This recycling center in Orlando can also help you introduce the idea to your employees or help you streamline the process allowing you to recycle more. Give this recycling center in Orlando a call today at (407)872-1595 to get started with more efficient recycling in the Orlando area.