Just about everything we purchase and consume creates waste. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), each person creates about 4.3 pounds of waste per day. In 2009 alone, nearly 243 million tons of waste was generated in the United States. And while the EPA estimates that 75 percent of solid waste is recyclable, only about 30 percent actually is recycled.
A Holistic View of Recycling
Recycling takes a material that would normally be thrown away, such as paper, plastic and aluminum and converts it into reusable material, giving it a new life. Additionally, recycling also allows us to conserve natural resources like water, minerals and trees and reduces the amount of space needed for landfills.
SCA Tissue uses more than 750,000 tons of recycled paper annually, manufactures paper from 100 percent recycled fiber, and designs innovative dispenser systems which empower their customers to reduce consumption. SCA is also the first away-from-home paper products manufacturer to attain certification on its line of napkins from the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI), one of the largest independent compost certification groups in North America. More than 120 of SCA’s products are also third-party certified by Green Seal™ and EcoLogo™, two of the world’s most well-respected environmental standardization programs. As a result, each year SCA’s efforts help save 5.2 billion gallons of water, 3.0 billion kilowatts of energy, and 2.25 million cubic yards of landfill space.
Bottom line Recycling Benefits
Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of recycling and sustainability and they are looking for the businesses they patronize to do the same. Of more than 2,200 American adults surveyed for the Tork Report: Healthy People, Healthy Planet™, nearly two-thirds of respondents have noticed additional green efforts around them, with 40 percent noticing additional green efforts specifically from local businesses. Of further note, 61 percent of American adults surveyed are more likely to patronize a company or business that follows green practices.
Delivering environmentally responsible messages and putting those claims into action will encourage customers to continue their patronage and make them feel good about where they choose to spend their dollars.
A business can become more sustainable and environmentally responsible by reducing its resource consumption. This can be achieved not only through recycling, but also conservation, package reduction and switching to products made from recycled materials. Here are a few simple tips to follow:
- Recycle as much as possible. Businesses that recycle are meeting the needs of today’s environmentally conscious customers and aiding in the conservation of natural resources. As an added bonus, some cities offer incentives for organizations with recycling programs.
- Purchase items made from recycled materials. The benefits of purchasing green products include a reduction in waste, lower cost-in-use and, of course, developing client and employee loyalty and retention. Review third-party certifications such as Green Seal™ or EcoLogo™ to help identify sustainable products. You can also “boast” to your customers that you are utilizing third-party certified, environmentally responsible products.
- Find ways to buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste. For instance, instead of purchasing a few small bottles of cleaning solution, buy one or two larger, economy-sized bottles and refill the smaller ones for easy use. Be sure to recycle what you can from the packaging and inform your employees of the change.
- Think holistically. When approaching sustainability, these changes will not only affect the way customers view your business, but make a positive impact on your bottom line and the environment.