By: Joshua Finley
Do you recycle? If so, how often do you recycle? You were probably taught about the importance of recycling in school or by your local community, but did you know that it has a real impact on the environment? Studies have shown that recycling has a direct effect on the state of our planet because it not only helps minimize the amount of waste created but it also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which slows down climate change. Recycling might feel like a time consuming task, but really it’s easier than you realize. Both manufacturing companies, government bodies, and people at home can make little changes to help protect the planet.
Now is more important than ever to get started on every level. November 15th is America Recycles Day, and it’s a time to highlight the importance of recycling and encourage people to implement more sustainable practices into their daily lives. Currently, the United States only has a recycling rate of 32%, with the goal of reaching 50% by 2030. This means there are only five years left to hit that goal before time runs out.
“Increasing the recycling rate to 50% is a team effort. Both CPG companies and consumers at home can make positive changes to their routines to help keep the environment clean. It’s all about implementing recycling practices that will help make the recycling process as efficient as possible,” says JD Ambati, Founder & CEO of EverestLabs.
The easiest way to ramp up recycling at each level is to be proactive and make small changes. When it comes to Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) companies, the biggest way to make positive change is switching to more sustainable packaging and investing in technology that innovates the recycling process. By using biodegradable materials, they can break down easier which saves energy and greenhouse gas emissions. Not only do these materials have a direct impact on the environment, but when people at the household level purchase them, they are also practicing sustainability.
Investing in technology is another great way to increase recycling. Newly advanced AI robotic technology has made the whole recycling process more efficient and accurate. This type of technology has become so advanced that it can adapt to new materials so that nothing gets left behind. Having a more efficient recycling system means less waste will be produced.
However, people at the household level can make changes to help increase recycling. The first step is to do research and understand the recycling rules and regulations in their area. Not only will this give them helpful steps on how to recycle, but it will tell them what things can or cannot be recycled. Instead of just throwing things away, taking little steps to educate themselves on recycling and why it’s so important is an easy step to take.
“For consumers, understanding what can and cannot be recycled is essential to keeping recyclables out of landfills and contaminants out of the recycling system. CPG companies can adopt technologies like AI and robotics to optimize packaging design and improve recovery rates in recycling facilities, advancing a circular economy for their packaging. On the governmental level, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws can expand consumer access to recycling and promote higher recovery rates. Every stakeholder plays a part in recycling, and by working together, we can achieve that 50% goal,” Ambati says.
Governments also have a responsibility to enact EPR laws to promote sustainability for businesses, but it’s necessary to focus on this at every level. When governments and manufacturing companies work together to practice healthier habits for the planet, it will create a chain reaction of sustainability all the way down to the household level.
Making small investments of money or time goes a long way in protecting the environment. In order to reach that 50% recycling rate, America as a whole needs to prioritize recycling more than just one day a year.
Published by: Josh Tatunay
