As I commented on the past post, I will present to you a brief case about RECYCLE BANK (RB) that changed the perspective about recycling with very good results in some US cities (probably other companies did the same in other parts of the world but I will refer to RB as representative of them all). It is important to remind the reader that when I mention “sustainability” in the blog it refers to a broader concept than just recycling, nevertheless, it is important to mention this case because some points may be extrapolable.
Before the RB concept, recycling was for romantics in the sense that the average family with three kids and both parents having a day job didn’t have time to think about it. So if you asked people that recycled why did they do it, the common answers mentioned the environment or future generations; something really deep and important, but definitively not for everyone. But there is a more important question. If you ask people that do NOT recycle the following question: “If I pay you a reasonable amount to recycle, would you recycle?” more than 90% say yes. As a consequence of this undeniable fact, RB acts as a link between four important players in this game. The city, that reduces garbage related costs and the recurrent trouble of waste disposal places. The treating plants, that increase their flux of product. Local businesses willing to enhance their environmental friendly image and people willing to get discounts in these businesses.
So, the system is pretty simple: depending on how much each household recycles, they get points to use as discounts in the businesses engaged. And the company gets money sharing the earnings with the city and with the treating plants. It’s easy, clear and people are getting paid to recycle.
How can the same thing be done towards true sustainability?
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