Corporate Responsibility

On a recent trip to Northern California, we decided to take a hike in the Redwoods. One of the first things we noticed as we entered the park was a flattened Starbucks cup. This could have been a paper or plastic cup (or other item) from any company, it just happened that it was from Starbucks. In fact, Starbucks says they are concerned about the environment and has quite a bit of information on their website on responsibility and even on cups.

It was disheartening to see this litter in one of California's most treasured places and it got us thinking about corporate responsibility.

How can we ensure that what we create does not add to landfill? Or end up in our parks, forests, or anywhere else other than in the appropriate recycling receptacle?

I thought of Ownership and Robert thought of Reverence. What can we do to capture the attention of those who are not recycling or using their own mug so they understand (and hopefully care about) the impact of their actions?

4 biggies: Fast food industry, coffee industry, tobacco industry, and plastic bags from retail industry.

Ideas:

1. Cities/Counties should not be responsible for a company's waste: A company that creates a lot of trash should pay for it. As El Cerrito residents we do not want to pay extra because so and so creates a lot of waste.
   
2. Create eco trainings for the "general public."
3. Companies support community litter clean up or pay employees to pick up their litter.
4. Create awareness, lead by example, pick it up even if it's not your litter...

Tell us your  ideas.

Stay Green!

Sarah & Robert