As easy as closing the loop through recycling sounds, there have been failures. Even to the point where some cities have stopped recycling and programmes have been ended.
However, while action must be taken to reinforce recycling this is not a time for despair. Failure is normal, and necessary. In nature only the fittest survive, those that perish become a source of food for other organisms, their ecological niche becomes the new home, and the stronger species moves right in. In business, failure provides an equally important function as:
In fact, ecologically and economically, failure is a healthy and normal part of life. However, failure is not the preferred path for man or beast.
So, how can we better manage the process of closing the loop?
As part of Consumers Glass Product Stewardship Process, this question is one that has been continually addressed.
Why? We recognized in 1990 that our efforts must be ongoing to enable us to manage the fluctuations of the market place, and there have been changes of all kinds.
Some activities brought out to support recycling have worked well. These have become hidden by habit. They have blended in to become common practice.
However, good news does not tend to capture the attention of many or for a long period or time. Bad news, on the other hand, although frustrating, tends to provide focus. Just look, for example, at the magnitude of press time on O.J. Simpson. Now if we could just give the same amount of attention and effort to making recycling work, can you imagine how much further ahead we'd all be? Let's give it a whirl.
I challenge readers of Glass Works to respond to the ideas in this issue. Share with me your thoughts by answering:
How would Mother Nature's Resource Checkpoints be applied to build a Biological Business Plan for recycling glass?
Send your plans to Glass Works/ Recy-Verre by April 30, 1997. Highlights will be shared in the next issue.
Doug Symington is Director of Public Affairs for Consumers Glass. He is available at 416-232-3214 or by fax at 416-232-3274.
Glass Works is a publication of Consumers Glass
Copyright © 1997 Glass Works