Managing Plastics in the Workplace

This is the report from one Surfrider San Diego member who instituted an industrial plastics and glass recycling program at the biotech company where he works. It's a great example of the how one person can take action to Rise Above Plastics!

"The recycling committee at my work is having a happy hour on 11/30 for the company employees. We are giving out ceramic mugs with the company logo that say ‘Wash It, Don’t Toss It’ to encourage people to reuse their mug instead of using disposable cups. Employees can Christen their new mugs with draft beer, spring water from a dispenser, or wine from glass bottles as we show them ways that they can reduce, reuse, and recycle.

We are paying for part of it with money that we got paid for recycling glass. We may also be buying and handing out some reusable water bottles. We are also going to have samples of compostable and alternative material utensils and cups for people to try as we are introducing them to the lunch and break rooms at the same time.

It is far better of an outcome than I ever expected to have for this program. I have some materials from Surfrider and will print some from Algalita and will have them out for the attendees."

One Person Rises Above Plastics

Since I couldn't figure out how to add this as a link on the right of the page, here is the link to a blog documenting one woman's fight against plastic. http://www.fakeplasticfish.com/

Plastic, Plastic Everywhere

Living on Earth radio show: "Plastic, Plastic Everywhere" with Captain Moore

aired June 29, 2007

http://www.loe.org/shows/segments.htm?programID=07-P13-00026&segmentID=7

Plastics In Asia

I recently visited India and Bhutan and was astonished to see the efforts there to curb plastic litter. In Delhi, India, there is a public campaign to avoid the use of plastic bags (see photo from outside a subway station in Delhi). In Darjeeling, India, and in the Kingdom of Bhutan plastic bags have been banned! (Bhutan also has completely banned smoking in 18 of its 20 districts). I noticed many public service messages about plastic (see photo from the Darjeeling Zoo). If cities in Asia can recognize the need to ban plastic to curb plastic litter, surely those in the U.S. can too! I also was interested to learn of a program by a businessman in Kurseong, India who runs an organic tea plantation. Every Sunday he buys plastic litter, by the kilo, from local children. This encourages them to clean up the town and allows them to earn a but of extra money. It's a great idea for Rise Above Plastics!

Elizabeth Willes