Resolutions for a packaging addict
As both packaging professionals and consumers, we live lives dominated by packaging and its science. When we pick up a product at the grocery store or order something new online, we think about what the item itself is packaged in, how it was or will be sent to its destination, and what will happen to it after we use it. What are the possibilities? What are the limitations? 2012 brings an entire new year of searching for packaging solutions and creating new options for consumers and the eco-minded.
Because we’re both producers and users of packaging, we see both sides of the problem: the science and the facts, and the problems consumers face in choosing a product with eco-friendly packaging, and employing the solutions available for that packaging. For 2012, I have four packaging resolutions for TerraCycle and five packaging resolutions for myself-something to think about as we head into the New Year.
TerraCycle Resolutions
1. Work on the packaging of our own products, and solutions for the products themselves. As we evaluate and change our own habits and science, we can improve our processes and packaging along with the recycling solutions available to the consumer.
2. Help support the compostable packaging movement. In order for consumers to appreciate compostable packaging and compost it correctly, they need to understand how the packaging can be eco-friendly and learn to overlook the potentially noisy side effects.
3. Develop a TerraCycle composting solution for our partners. Some people aren’t interested in composting, even if their product packaging is compostable. Hopefully, the movement will grow, and we can support it by offering composting solutions for our partners in addition to our traditional TerraCycle processes.
4. Brainstorm new products to be made from the packaging we collect. The possibilities are endless, and we’re always excited about new ideas.
My Personal Packaging Resolutions
1. Consider packaging more thoroughly as part of a purchasing decision. Sometimes when we make purchases in haste, we don’t spend a lot of time considering the packaging, even though we should. Is there another way to get this with less packaging or more eco-friendly packaging?
2. Consider whether buying is necessary. Do I need this?
3. Never use plastic bags at the store. It’s easier to forget reusable bags, but having a few extra on hand in the car could be helpful in the long run.
4. Don’t use plastic or styrofoam from restaurants, etc. Not over-ordering so you can eat your whole main meal goes a long way. I find that most food taken home from a restaurant gets thrown out anyway, so why bother using that extra plastic or styrofoam wasted?
5. Stay more up-to-date on recycling news AND environmental news. One of my favorite sites for this is earth911.com, because I can get information about both consumer recycling and other environmental bits. If I want to keep up my own recycling resolutions, it’s important for me to keep up with the news and the extra efforts I can be making.
What are your company’s resolutions for 2012? Your personal packaging resolutions? Please share your ideas and concerns–I’d love to hear them.
Sahr commented:
Great Quote. I bet you could mraket these pictures and quotes and they would end up in some therapy office somewhere. Hope you and Katie had a great Holiday and hope to see you next time your in Denver ..
Hana commented:
I love this quote Chris!! Its awalys been one of my favorites. Stephen Covey is definitely one of my favorite inspirations. I'm reading his The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People right now and it is soooooo good. Happy New year to you and Katie Chris! I got your guys holiday card. You look so great!! Thanks!
Allison Tyldesley commented:
Tom, thanks for all the great tips and information! At the start of 2012 all staff in my office were given a small round garbage pail (the size of a coffee canister)in place of a normal size garbage bin. The idea is to ‘rethink our waste’ and boy did that hit home when I found my garbage pail filling up almost daily! Now that we’re a month into this new system, I am emptying that tiny garbage pail once a week! Like you said, it’s the simple decision making skills that need to kick in - I often ask myself “do I really need this?” and “is there a better way to reduce my waste?”
In January, we wrote a similar blog on environmentally friendly resolutions, please check it out I’d love your feedback!
Allison Tyldesley
Landfill Technician
Halton Region
twitter- @haltonrecycles
blog- www.haltonrecycles.ca
Reusable Crates commented:
Tom, we are really have success with our reusable crates. They save a ton of plywood (trees)and are quicker and safer (no nails). Lot’s of industries are starting to see the light! Keep up the good work and check out our site. www.snapcrates.com Thanks!
C Mendez commented:
I purchased reusable fold up plastic wear that fits easily in my purse to take home restaurant left overs - as I will eat them later. I keep these in my car so as not to forget
P. Moller, Lithowerks commented:
Tom,
The packaging industry needs to get behind this. I signed up today, have forwarded it to the school board of high schools in my area so they can perhaps start a “BOX TOPS” like situation. Lithowerks, my company has developed a method of printing directly on rigid plastic used in thermo forming, virtually eliminating he label or overwrap. Now these products can be recycled. For more information,
pmoller@lithowerks.com or diret at 323-365-2040
Mike Harkey commented:
Tom, We applaude your efforts! Through “Precycling” McKernan Packaging Clearing House has assiting Companies keep their surplus and obsolete packaging components out of our landfills. Precycling involves the re-purposing unused packaging. See more www.mckernan.com.
