Sustainability Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of source reduction?
Using less material during manufacture means that we are saving natural resources. We are also reducing cost throughout the supply chain – less material means less waste to haul away. For more benefits visit http://www.epa.gov/msw/sourcred.htm.
What is source reduction?
Source reduction is minimizing the use of materials during manufacturing. According to the EPA website, “Waste prevention, also know as "source reduction," is the practice of designing, manufacturing, purchasing, or using materials (such as products and packaging) in ways that reduce the amount or toxicity of trash created.”
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What does the chasing arrows symbol with a number inside on the bottom of most containers stand for?
These numbers are the resin identification codes. This coding system was developed by the Society of the Plastics Industry in 1988. The purpose of the resin I.D. is to facilitate recycling through clear identification of the different plastic resins. The numbers do not designate that any one plastic is more recycled than another – they are purely for I.D. purposes. Recyclability is ultimately determined by the local governing ordnances concerning what materials are collected for recycling. According to the SPI website, “As of January 1995, 39 states: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin have adopted legislation regarding the use of the resin identification codes on bottles of 16 ounces or more and rigid containers of 8 ounces or more consistent with the SPI code. (Wisconsin requires use of the code on bottles of 8 ounces or more.)”
The resin codes are many times thought to mean that a package is recycled or that it is made from recycled content – this is not the case. There are several symbols that designate recycled content including the following
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What is sustainability?
Although there are many definitions of sustainability, Berry likes to go back to the 1987 report by the Brundtland Commission that defines sustainable development as development that "meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." There are three legs to sustainability: economical, environmental and social. Without meeting all three of these needs, something cannot be deemed sustainable.
What are the benefits of source reduction?
Using less material during manufacture means that we are saving natural resources. We are also reducing cost throughout the supply chain – less material means less waste to haul away. For more benefits visit http://www.epa.gov/msw/sourcred.htm.
What is source reduction?
Source reduction is minimizing the use of materials during manufacturing. According to the EPA website, “Waste prevention, also know as "source reduction," is the practice of designing, manufacturing, purchasing, or using materials (such as products and packaging) in ways that reduce the amount or toxicity of trash created.”
Links:
What does the chasing arrows symbol with a number inside on the bottom of most containers stand for?
These numbers are the resin identification codes. This coding system was developed by the Society of the Plastics Industry in 1988. The purpose of the resin I.D. is to facilitate recycling through clear identification of the different plastic resins. The numbers do not designate that any one plastic is more recycled than another – they are purely for I.D. purposes. Recyclability is ultimately determined by the local governing ordnances concerning what materials are collected for recycling. According to the SPI website, “As of January 1995, 39 states: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin have adopted legislation regarding the use of the resin identification codes on bottles of 16 ounces or more and rigid containers of 8 ounces or more consistent with the SPI code. (Wisconsin requires use of the code on bottles of 8 ounces or more.)”
The resin codes are many times thought to mean that a package is recycled or that it is made from recycled content – this is not the case. There are several symbols that designate recycled content including the following
Links: