May 2, 2017
Like so many things in our nation, recycling has succumbed to the “it’s all about the economics” message. What we so often hear about recycling these days boils down to single-stream—“how do we clean it up”—and—“markets bite”—our recycling program is losing money. Clearly, these are important issues for the industry to address.
However, it seems to me that over the past several years we have failed to include in our messaging the true value of recycling; that is, the importance of taking “waste” materials and turning them into new products. A process that saves virgin materials for future generations, reduces energy use and pollution, and yes, creates jobs through recycling and manufacturing. Moreover, using recovered materials has become a vital component of the manufacturing process for many industries.
I was recently reminded of the value of this message by Ray Dube, the Sustainability Manager for Coca Cola Bottling Company of Northern New England's (CCNNE), a NERC Advisory Member. Ray worked his way up in CCNNE from route jumper, delivery truck driver, and merchandiser, to his current position. I ran into Ray twice last week, first at the Maine Resource Recovery Association (MRRA) Conference and again later in the week at the Vermont Retailers and Grocers Association Convention and Expo.
Ray brings his traveling display of products made from recycled materials to hundreds of conferences, schools, businesses, and events each year. And whether it’s before an assembly of school children or at his booth in an exhibit hall, Ray expertly presents his message of the importance of recycling, reusing these resources in manufacturing new products, and buying recycled.
Ray’s message is not only used to inform the public about the importance of closing the loop, but also sends a message about what CCNNE has done about reducing waste. He conveys this message to inspire other businesses to adopt similar sustainability practices.
CCNNE’s processing facility in Londonderry, New Hampshire, bottles and packages 26 million cases of product each year, shipped to seven Northeast states. The facility boasts a 96% recycling rate, including PET plastics, strapping, other plastics, shrink wrap, cardboard, and aluminum. These materials are then sold to companies such as Foss Manufacturing in Hampton, New Hampshire, for manufacturing into fleece jackets, automotive products, and other items. The company switched from wooden pallets to reusable plastic pallets, as well as reusable plastic trays for shipping instead of cardboard boxes. The company's “Energy Management System” coolers are used in convenience stores, delis, restaurants, and other businesses that market its products, helping its clients reduce energy costs.
Ray’s proud to discuss his company’s triple-bottom line message as being important for the environment and communities, and because it’s good for CCNNE’s bottom line.
The “Just One Thing” Campaign, sponsored by the New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility, challenges businesses to consider incorporating sustainability initiatives into their operations. Companies can celebrate their achievements and inspire others by sharing their stories on the campaign’s webpage.CCNNE has been featured by the Campaign twice. Once for its “experiential education program,” which invites students from local schools and colleges to intern with the company or participate in school projects to learn about the real-life triple bottom line benefits for businesses engaging in sustainable practices; the other for its goal to be “landfill free.”
I still have my recycled products “dog and pony” show I use for school presentations and public events. And I know many communities and solid waste districts also promote the value of recycling for manufacturing into new products. I applaud Ray and CCNNE for its corporate promotion of this message. Let us all reinvigorate the recycling message by presenting similar positive images and reminding everyone of the role that recycling has in conserving resources and providing valuable commodities for manufacturing.
By Athena Lee Bradley
To see more of Ray’s work, check out CCNNE’s YouTube channel.
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