BPEC still working to boost recycling
Recycling is more than placing bottles, cans and paper in a bin at the curb. It's a complex industrial system that affects how natural resources are extracted; how consumer products are designed, manufactured and disposed of; and how waste from homes and businesses are managed at their end of life. Key factors that have affected recycling the last few years include the economy and the rapidly changing collection infrastructure, combined with lifestyle changes that affect where recycling systems are needed.
The National Recycling Coalition has been building relationships within and between sectors in our coalition to strengthen recycling's changing infrastructure, while opening communication channels between diverse sectors. By opening dialogues and creating partnerships with various groups - recycling professionals, government, the business community, consumers, the media - we are capitalizing on the coalition's internal strength to advance recycling.
Last year a group of leading beverage manufacturers came together to focus on opportunities to advance responsible waste- management practices. Forming under NRC, the Beverage Packaging Environmental Council initiated a process to enhance industry coordination and engagement on recycling. Central to this work is an absolute commitment to constructive dialogue and collaboration with stakeholders.
NRC - more specifically myself as executive director - was invited early on to facilitate meetings and provide a third-party perspective. I have welcomed this opportunity and remain extremely encouraged by the thoughtful engagement process under way.
Far from abandoning the organization, BPEC members are more focused and energized than ever to develop shared solutions for increasing recycling. I expect great things will come from the work of BPEC and encourage the recycling community to continue to collaborate to increase recycling across the country.
Kate Krebs
National Recycling Coalition
Washington
Conservation works in British Columbia
All want a level playing field, sloped in their favor if humanly possible. Few want or need over-regulation. Most are prepared to implement bans, especially when toxicity is involved or sustainable management is ignored.
Yes, some politicians favor taxes, often to disburse as they please. Thankfully, many thinking folks strive for sustainable conservation, as it has evolved in British Columbia through the Extended Producer Responsibility policy.
British Columbia is not perfect, but we strive for ``zero underutilized resource'' in a sustainable manner before the world visits for the 2010 Winter Olympic games.
There will be winners and losers, but enlightened losers will move on or perish. If after a lifetime in the rubber and plastic industry I did not truly feel that plastics managed responsibly are more part of the solution than the problem, I would have found another vocation for my retirement years.
Jim Cairns
West Vancouver, British Columbia