Saturday, March 18th, 2023 is Global Recycling Day, a worldwide initiative to not only bring awareness to the climate emergency we find ourselves in, but to invite us all to do something about it. As illustrated on the official website, "Global Recycling Day was created in 2018 to help recognise, and celebrate, the importance recycling plays in preserving our precious primary resources and securing the future of our planet." Their mission is twofold: urging world leaders to recognize the importance of recycling as an international issue that requires a joint effort, and to ask the people of the world to "think resource, not waste" regarding their consumption and everyday practices. In this day and age, issues like pollution, deforestation, and squandering of precious natural resources are a bigger threat than ever, so we as a global community have a responsibility to do our part to mitigate the fallout from these disastrous effects.
Now, there are some hard truths we have to face: recycling efforts in the US are not up to snuff. Despite people's best efforts, the items the average person puts out for recycling oftentimes end up in landfills and incinerators. There are pretty stringent rules about what can and can't be recycled, and the average person is unaware of those parameters. This results in batches of legitimately recyclable products being disregarded because of cross contamination or being disposed of along with non-recyclables. This is a widespread issue, which, sadly adds up to a reality where standard recycling is not as effective as other means of conservation.
Despite this grim realization, there are other types of recycling that are much more effective that we all can engage in. Responsibly recycling products like appliances, electronics, batteries, and even clothing can make a meaningful difference. It takes some extra effort to properly dispose of these things, but there are resources (links are provided for each of the examples we just mentioned) and our efforts can go a long way.
One of Common Good's main missions is to be a sustainable partner with the Earth. We understand our inherent duty not only as a company, but as humans to offer products that will have the least impact on the environment as possible. One way in which we focus our sustainability efforts is by offering "forever" products meant for refilling so as to avoid the need to recycle whenever possible. We also developed our Closed Loop Program, which takes empty refill liners back from consumers and retailers, cleans and refills them with product, and then sells them again. These efforts make a meaningful difference by eliminating waste and instead promoting eco-friendly alternatives.
There are lots of things you can do not only on Global Recycling Day, but every day, to lessen your personal impact on the planet. These suggestions are just a start! Rest assured, we're here for you in your efforts to live responsibly and sustainably. The Earth sure appreciates it.