As consumers wait with bated breath for new routines to resemble normalcy, the needs of the environment have not changed during this challenging time. Good recycling practices are still of paramount importance to help ensure waste does not end up in the environment.

The Ellen MacArthur foundation has helped shed light on the necessity of a circular economy. Businesses and governments have responded by signing their New Plastics Economy Global Commitment. We added our signature to this valuable environmental commitment. Even with these reassuring steps, the world still needs citizens to do their part. According to the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, “80% of ocean plastic comes from land-based sources.”

This is why regional recycling programs have become so important. Collaborating with organizations like The Recycling Partnership, we are witnessing the measurable impact behind community programming. The solution to plastic waste extends beyond the efforts of corporations and their allies; the solution also exists at home.

Regional recycling organizations, such as the Indiana Recycling Coalition, provide educational resources for teachers and students to learn more about waste reduction and recycling practices. The Recycling Partnership works to improve upon existing systems. In addition, the organization provides helpful resources. In their recent article “Recycling While Social Distancing-How to Commit to Sustainability at Home,” sustainable practices can begin with an understanding of what is and is not recyclable.

In an effort to encourage recycling and build upon our commitment to sustainability, we created an education hub on our sustainability website. Newly updated, this resource helps equip our customers, their consumers, and our employees with the valuable knowledge they need to help take care of our environment for years to come.