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Monday, December 8, 2008

Hot Topic (Believe It or Not!)


In the spirit of way-too-much-to-do-and-not-enough-time (you know, December!), Sustainable Dunwoody is going to feature much shorter commentary for the next week before taking a break for the holidays.

Today, I'd like to point out this recycling bin at Publix. First reaction? "Oh, good, they recycle that foam." Second reaction? "Why do they use it in the first place?"

This is the question more and more people are asking manufacturers and retailers in an attempt to reduce and improve packaging at the point of purchase, and to require "producer responsibility" for end-of-life reuse of materials. In fact, when Judy of Peachtree Corners and I were at a large, well-attended panel discussion about recycling at Enviro Expo downtown a few weeks ago, a few college-age attendees were downright heated about this topic. I thought there might even be a little riot!

So, question packaging. Reduce what you can. Recycle what you can. And demand producer responsibility. It's a hot topic, especially with the younger generation. You know, the ones who are going to inherit this mess.

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