Mid-size businesses are playing a crucial role in helping to clean up our communities of various forms of litter, trash, and debris. These businesses are taking proactive measures to reduce waste and promote sustainable practices, making a positive impact on the environment and our communities.
According to a 2020 report by the World Bank, global waste is projected to increase by 70% by 2050, reaching 3.4 billion tons per year. This increase in waste is not only overwhelming landfills, but it is also harming wildlife, polluting our oceans and rivers, and contributing to climate change.
Another report by the World Economic Forum in 2019, states that plastic waste alone is expected to reach a staggering 1,124 million tons per year by 2050. Plastic waste not only takes hundreds of years to decompose but also harms marine life and can have a devastating impact on ocean ecosystems.
Some businesses, however, are taking steps to address these issues and reduce their environmental impact. One example is Patagonia, a mid-size clothing company that has implemented a comprehensive recycling program for its products. Customers can bring in old Patagonia gear, regardless of the brand, to be recycled into new products. This program not only keeps clothing out of landfills but also reduces the need for new resources to be used in production.
Another example is New Belgium Brewing, a mid-size craft brewery, that has made a commitment to becoming a zero-waste facility by 2020. To achieve this goal, the company has implemented a variety of practices, including recycling and composting, and sourcing materials and energy from renewable sources. As of 2019, the brewery has diverted 99.9% of its waste from landfills.
Similarly, Eileen Fisher, a mid-size fashion company, has launched a take-back program for its clothing. Customers can return gently worn Eileen Fisher clothing to be cleaned, repaired, and resold or recycled into new fibers. This program not only reduces waste but also promotes a circular economy.
Some businesses are not only reducing waste but also raising awareness about the importance of sustainable practices. Litter and trash not only harm our planet by polluting our oceans, rivers, and land but also affect human health and wildlife.
According to a study by the Marine Conservation Society, litter on beaches can harm or kill marine animals, birds, and fish through entanglement or ingestion. Moreover, a report by the World Health Organization, states that litter can also transmit diseases and parasites to humans, and can also attract insects and vermin, which can pose health risks.
By implementing sustainable practices and promoting recycling and composting, some businesses are reducing their environmental impact and helping to keep our planet clean. It is important for consumers to support these businesses and their efforts to make a positive impact on our planet.
Sources:
- “What a Waste 2.0: A Global Snapshot of Solid Waste Management to 2050” World Bank (2020)
- “Plastic waste: environmental and economic costs” World Economic Forum (2019)
- “Marine Litter and Microplastics” Marine Conservation Society (2019)
- “Litter and waste in the urban environment” World Health Organization (2018)
- “Patagonia’s recycling program keeps clothes out of landfills” GreenBiz (2018)
- “New Belgium Brewing: Zero Waste Facility by 2020” GreenBiz (2016)
- “Eileen Fisher Launches Take-Back Program for Clothing” GreenBiz (2017)
Danny Theriault 
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