The word “recycle” stirs up a variety of emotions in people. From an enthusiastic desire to save the environment to questions about how and where to recycle, at least everyone has an interest in where to dispose of waste. And while it may not be surprising that people get tired of hearing recycling slogans, there are reasons we should keep shouting them.
Recycling Revolution gives us many sobering facts about waste. Are you aware that an aluminum can will still be that same can 500 years from now, if not recycled? Or that, according to Guardian UK, we will need two more earth-size planets to house our population by 2050? Additionally, the EPA warns that the amount of toxic waste and dump sites in the U.S. alone exceeds 1,200, and companies like Sevenson Environmental can’t seem to remediate them fast enough. When you look at the number of disposable products we use and the impact they will have on the environment if they aren’t recycled, it’s clear that every person and company should try to make some effort to recycle.
Where Does a Business Begin?
For business owners and executives, it’s important to do what you can for the environment and be a good corporate citizen. That means more than just finding good recycling services and sending them a check. To incorporate environmental awareness into a corporate culture requires the employees to buy-in, but it is sometimes difficult to get all of a company’s employees on the recycling bandwagon. Begin by reducing the amount of outbound paper by marketing with email campaigns and through social media. Also, a good slogan can help to not only motivate employees, but also give them a convenient reminder to recycle when it is not necessarily the first thing on their mind.
According to the Recycling Facts Guide, these are some of the most effective recycling slogans:
- “Don’t be Trashy. Recycle.”
- “Wipe Out Waste.”
- “Don’t waste our future, recycle.”
- “People who recycle do it over, and over, and over.”
- “Once is not enough, recycle.”
- “Recycling Works.”
- “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.”
- “I pity the fool who don’t recycle.”
- “Eat, Sleep, Recycle.”
Your slogan can range from simple to comical to thought-provoking, depending on the niche your company represents.
Of course, just having a good slogan isn’t good enough to get people to recycle effectively. They need to know what, exactly, they can recycle. The EPA reports that just 25 percent of America’s dumped garbage is actually regular trash. That means 75 percent can be recycled. People have a tendency to sort materials incorrectly, which can lead to added costs and recyclable items being discarded. Failing to prepare recyclable materials correctly, like forgetting to rinse jars or plastic bottles, is another issue.
Educate the People
One good way to ensure your employees know how to recycle is to post a visual chart showing what is recyclable and what is not. Do your research and get down to detail. For example, The Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers is spreading the word that with the advancements in recycling collection and processing technology, caps are now to be attached to their bottles and jars before they are sent off to the centers, contrary to the rules of the past. The caps-on recycling message is just one that can get people interested in the how and why of recycling. Small steps can create big awakenings.
Our society produces a lot of waste, and it is important that everyone do what they can to reuse and recycle what they have. Companies can get their employees to help by using catchy slogans and educating them about the proper ways to recycle. With a concerted effort, let’s declutter the Earth for future generations.
GENERAL
