mika.lepisto.com

• Published:February 8th, 2007
• Comments:1 Comment
• Category:Save the World, That Pisses Me Off

I think this kind of stuff is a joke! We all need to step up and recycle more, and those of us who own companies need to focus on being the most effective and efficient because as a whole companies have much more impact than one individual does. Recycling should not be a commodity market. I would be a proponent of no-flexibility for the companies and requiring them to comply, with the exception of allowing for an average of recycled materials used in all their containers rather than requiring each and every one to have that percentage of recycled material. I think we should also raise the percentage to 35% if feasible, and have a tiered structure that increments the required recycled content up in the future.

Also the government needs to do their part by stepping up their efficiency, and minimize waste both with finances and recovery of materials. But let’s face it - without our laws, most companies would not step up to the plate since the business economy is very price driven. We need the government to set the rules we as individuals push / vote for, and make sure the companies comply.

Another thing the government needs to improve is the placement of recycling containers for general public use. Remember when Portland Parks removed all but one garbage can from each park due to lack of funding? Ridiculous. When I was in Berlin there were 4-container recycling bins everywhere. As a consumer I could dispose of my aluminum, paper, plastic and trash all in one convenient location. I’m surprised that at least Portland doesn’t have something like this in place. We need to make it easy, not difficult for everyone to be able to recycle and the easier we make it, the higher the recovery percentage will be.

So who’s fault / responsibility is it? Each one of ours, as individuals, consumers, company owners, voters and government workers. We all need to set the level of responsibility and accountability for ourselves and what we can have impact on. Re-using what we can just makes sense, and we should not struggle with trying to improve that but embrace it.