More and more, individuals and businesses are recognising the footprint we leave behind on our earth must be lighter if we want future generations to inhabit the same world we have today.
This is why recycling is so important to our future. Many Australian businesses and governments have recognised this challenge and the importance of buying recycled and this has stimulated significant efforts to promote buying recycled products. But more must be done.
Many of us take the extra effort to sort our recyclables and place them out for collection, but the responsibility does not end there. We have still not completely recycled until that material has been reprocessed into new and useful products or materials and then sold again.
Step 1 - Sorting and collecting recyclables
Step 2 - Reprocessing collected recyclables into new products and materials, and
Step 3 - The sale and purchase of those new products and materials
"Closing the recycling loop" is the term used to ensure that recycling successfully meets its environmental, social and economic benefits. Closing the loop through buying recycled represents the greatest challenge for our future.
The economics of the Australian recycling system will not work unless businesses and consumers are buying recycled content products (RCPs) and materials.
Creating demand for recycled content creates a "pull" that complements the "push" from supply side collection.
When businesses choose RCPs over virgin products they create a demand and therefore incentive for manufacturers and suppliers to market recycled rather than virgin products. Creating a demand also reduces the cost of the materials.
The Buy Recycled Business Alliance (BRBA), through its programs, activities and services, represents the commitment of the business community to direct their purchasing power to ensure preference is given to RCPs and materials.
Corporate Express is a Foundation Member of the BRBA and takes part in closing the loop through creating demand by both sourcing and supplying RCPs.
The paper it sources from Australian Paper is produced from renewable sources and can be recycled. Every sheet of Australian Made recycled office paper helps to cut down on landfill in this country.
In partnership with Cartridge Rescue, Corporate Express encourages customers to participate in the Toner Cartridge Recycling Program, which involves the collection, disposal and recycling of toner cartridges in an environmentally-responsible fashion.
Also, all Corporate Express products that carry the EarthSaver logo status contain a specific percentage of recycled materials in the original manufacture, must be manufactured using environmentally friendly practices and procedures and be biodegradable or recyclable at the end of their life.
The BRBA is a non profit pro-Sustainability alliance of businesses that are united by a commitment to promote the purchase and use of recycled content products and materials.
For more information about the BRBA or how to obtain membership, go to www.brba.com.au or call 1300 662 593
