Earth Day 2009

As we celebrated our 39th Earth Day, many of us thought about how we can do our part to improve our world for today and tomorrow. Paper recycling is a valuable reminder of how communities, businesses and environmentalists can do great things by working together.

In 1990 the paper recycling industry established its first goal of recovery. Last year roughly 56% of all paper consumed in this country was recovered for recycling. This was a growth rate of 85% since 1990. Our goal for 2012 is 60%. Each percentage point increase toward this goal makes a huge difference, equating to one million tons, enough to fill more than 14,000 rail cars. Recycling paper is a valuable commodity in making new paper products, but it also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions from avoided methane emissions from landfills.

America must maintain its efforts to accomplish the recovery goals in spite of the economic downturn which threatens our recycling efforts. We must strive to not only capture more paper for recycling, but continue our efforts to find alternative uses for these recovered products.

Positive or Negative?

Wow, April already and so much uncertainty exists in our industry. We are unable to get through a day without hearing about another paper mill laying off people or shutting down. The box manufacturers are obviously in the same boat, cutting back production, lying off employees when necessary or in some instances, closing all together.

The plastic industry isn’t much better, as all of this is consumer driven, and in today’s economy it is tough to go out and look at unnecessary purchasing when so many of us struggle to just make ends meet.

So, what are our companies doing during these times? We are growing, and intend to continue along those paths. The country did not come to a stop. People still shop, buy things, eat, go to movies and have popcorn, get out and enjoy Spring, and yes, even buy or need a lot of consumer goods. Sure, we are all a lot smarter with our spending, but we are spending, and when we do, we generate waste paper and scrap plastics, items we recycle.

Too many recyclers and consumers are hurting, in part because they took advantage of higher priced export pricing over the last few years, now only to find our domestic partners are supporting those of us who supported them. Fortunately, our companies are in the latter group, and because of that, we are seeking out new accounts, additional volumes to recycle and opportunities of working with all of the available institutions, companies, communities, etc. who still need and want to recycle.

We all have a choice, that being to think positive or negative. We are a very positive company and are looking for positive partners.