72 Percent of Americans ‘Overwhelmed’ by Sustainability: Waste Report – WWD

Waste management – from employees’ innovative new recycled uniforms to sustainability-first hires and famous visionary events – looks more and more fashionable by the day.

“If you look back 25 years, the waste industry was a collection and treatment model. Today, the industry has evolved – and WM is at the forefront of circular solutions for our customers,” said Tara Hemmer, Sustainability Manager at Waste Management.

The implementation of cutting-edge technologies such as volumetric scanners (for weighing heavy loads), optical sorters (for sorting) and robotics (for every other need imaginable) is one of the greatest advancements in the world. the company’s recent set.

“WM manages more post-consumer recycling than any other company in North America,” says Hemmer. “As you would expect, the types of materials we manage are changing due to consumer behavioreducation and law in the United States and globally. ”

The organization unveiled its latest “Sustainability Green Index” survey on Thursday, conducted in conjunction with global intelligence firm, Morning Consult. The survey looks at the latest sustainability perceptions and expectations among US adults, starting with the statistic that today 72% of Americans are “overwhelmed” by sustainability.

To be fair, half of adults don’t compost food and more than half, or 56 percent, of adults say they equate sustainability with recycling – that is, cyclical elements like reuse and repair are obscure solutions.

While three-quarters of adults say they feel confident knowing what can and cannot be recycled, there is still confusion around what to recycle for first-timers (sometimes called “covenant cycling” where each person puts their stuff in a designated recycling bin and hopes for the best).

The origins of renewable energy are another thorny issue of conversation.

“The most important takeaway from the WM Sustainability Green Index survey data is that there is still a lot of work to be done as consumers understand what they can do to make an impact around things like recycling. properly prepared, properly disposed of food waste and more,” says Hemmer. “However, consumers care. They want to make sustainable choices when it comes to the products they buy and the way they live their daily lives. WM Sustainability Green Index data shows they are looking to governments, corporations and individuals to take action, and they expect brands to commit to a range of sustainability initiatives that can meaningful. It’s encouraging to see consumers wanting to be part of the solution when it comes to sustainability. “

As consumers join, WM also has an eye on its sustainability event, which will be held digitally on February 9, with no entry fee. Speakers include sustainability “visionary” Paul Polman, formerly of Unilever, and circular economist George Bandy, to name just a few.

“A session that I am very excited about will highlight the next generation of innovators committed to creating a circular economy,” said Hemmer. “The session will feature work from the WM Design Challenge, including an interview with a designer. Powered by Slow Factory, the WM Design Challenge gave six individuals/groups the opportunity to create design solutions for products, materials and/or systems that adopt renewable approaches. Participants also receive funding to develop their ideas and are mentored by industry leaders in the textile recycling supply chain, education and marketing sectors. ”