Today’s post is by Mark Davis; Vice President of Operations and CTO at SafeSourcing. Mark asks "Where do Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rebuy fit into Waste Disposal landscape?"
There has long been the concept of the three (and now four) Rs of preventing waste, and some argue that there may be a couple more you could add to that list (i.e. recover, replenish, rethink). Next week will begin a 5 part series on the Four Rs, but today we are going to focus on how this concept applies to corporate waste disposal and how sourcing professionals can learn more about what some companies are doing in these areas to make a “greener” planet.
With so much trash being generated in the U.S. every day, it is increasingly important that business owners begin to look at what can be done to offset this trend and become more “green.”
Composting – Several Solid Waste Management Departments throughout the nation have introduced compost programs allowing companies and residents the chance to take their green waste (grass, leaves, brush) and have them converted into compost that is then used in the city parks and other city facilities. These programs not only save landfill space in the process, but also help maximize the soil nutrient value and conserves water needed to maintain these areas.
Biomass energy – A few weeks ago we did a series on new green energies such as biomass energy, the processing of organic material to create energy, are how they are being embraced by the large waste disposal companies. Waste Management, a leader in the waste disposal industry, has introduced several steps to increase creation of this new energy by supplying residents with recycling bags for them to fill with yard waste that will be turned into energy.
Education – As we move further into a new “green” millennium, it is ever more important for individuals and companies to get more educated on what they can do to become more observant of waste and what it means for our planet. Companies such as Rumpke, are committed to this process by providing training sessions, videos and other material to help educate the public on what they can do to begin the “green” transition in their homes and businesses.
This list could go on, but the important thing is that there are companies that are serious about the long-term affects solid waste has on the environment and are committed to helping change the mindset and culture to begin protecting our planet.
For more information on SafeSourcing and how we can assist your company with sourcing with companies with this commitment, please contact a Customer Service Representative.
We hope you have enjoyed this week’s series and look forward to and appreciate your comments.
