From Guest Blogger Sonya Harris: Three Things You Didn’t Know About Recycling (But You Should)

Did you realize that nearly 90% of American businesses participate in some form of recycling? For most business owners, recycling is something they do to reduce the carbon footprint their business has. The key to having success with a companywide recycling program is getting the entire team on board. This will take some time and effort, but it will be worth it considering the amount of waste you can help to eliminate.

If you are new to the world of recycling, you may be unsure about how to get this process started. There are a number of things already known about recycling. However, there are also a number of recycling facts you probably don’t know. Read below for some helpful information on recycling and why focusing on the conservation of resources is so important.

1. The Problem With Most Product Packaging

When most business owners think about recycled materials, they immediately assume that paper goods are the most common type of materials in landfills. In reality, over 30% of the waste produced by Americans is from product packaging and containers. Only around half of these materials are recyclable, which causes a lot of harm to the environment. As a business owner, you need to be mindful of the packaging that is on the products you use.

Ideally, you need to only use products that come in recyclable packaging. If you produce items that are sold to the general public, you need to make sure the packaging is eco-friendly. Getting an inspection performed that is in accordance with Phase I ESA is a good idea. With some professional help, you can pinpoint problems within your organization and address them quickly.

2. Your Location Determines What is Recyclable

As you start to develop your companywide recycling plan, you need to gather some pertinent information. One of the main things you need to focus on is exactly what you can recycle. Making this decision will require you to find out more about your state and local recycling capabilities. Contacting the company that picks up your waste and recycling is crucial when trying to get this important information.

The materials these companies are able to recycle depends solely on the type of technology they have in place. For instance, not all recycling and waste management services are able to dispose of things like electronics or items with batteries. Before you figure out what materials you want to collect and recycle, be sure tocontact your local recycling center. Seeking out information about what a particular recycling center can handle will help you develop a comprehensive recycling plan for your business.

3. Get to Know Local Recycling Rules

Another important thing you need to get familiar with when trying to create a recycling plan for your business is the rules your local recycling facility abides by. Generally, recycling facilities will refuse any metallic wrappers and some thicker plastic containers. This is due in part to the fact that these materials are a bit difficult to recycle.

Ignoring the need for information about your local recycling facility and what they can handle will lead to a lot of mistakes being made. Rather than dealing with the problems these mistakes can cause, you need to get all of your ducks in a row before starting a recycling program. Seeking out the guidance of eco-friendly business owners can be helpful during this planning process.

4. You Can Actually Recycle Some Weird Things

Here to change the way we think about pet waste is Natusan, an eco-friendly cat litter subscription service that recycles and composts soiled litter. Once subscribed, cat owners can wave goodbye to routine trips of carrying around heavy, dusty litter as Natusan delivers the litter and kit directly to your door, collects the waste, and provides you with a fresh supply.

By uniquely contributing to the circular economy with its service, Natusan makes it simple for cat owners to take part in protecting the planet. Every element from the litter tray, scoop, the litter and outside packaging are recyclable and the litter, collection bags and litter swap tray are also compostable. 

Convenience and cleanliness is key for maintaining a happy feline of any age. Natusan is organic, dust free, and forms small, easily disposable clumps when coming into contact with liquid. Many cat owners are familiar with the hassle of cleaning up mess caused by a cat’s burying, but the technology of Natusan’s clumping litter means that only sanitary and dry parts are left in the tray. 

Why is a cat litter brand so concerned with composting? You might wonder. The benefits to mother nature from composting range from enriching soil health, to water conservation.

Compost made from organic matter, like Natusan’s litter, retains gallons of water meaning that plants do not need to be watered so often. Waste in landfill sites is also reduced, which naturally lowers toxic greenhouses gases that are released into the atmosphere.

Natusan is equally passionate about giving back to communities – from tray to tree. In partnership with the UK charity, Trees for Cities, Natusan is committed to plant 1,000 trees in London this year.

Swapping to a sustainable cat litter is not only a step forward in reducing pet waste and creating eco-friendlier households, but also helps to improve lives by nurturing the precious green spaces in our communities. 

Improving your cat’s impact on the environment is not limited to its litter type. Buying toys and comforts made of naturally sourced materials, as well as grooming products free of harmful chemicals, are some other ways cat owners can create an eco-friendlier place.

Don’t Wait to Start a Recycling Program

The longer you wait to get the ball rolling on a recycling program, the more waste your business will ultimately create. A comprehensive recycling program will not only help the environment, it can also help your business.