Look around you. How many things do you see that are made of plastic around you? Perhaps a plastic straw in your morning iced coffee. Or maybe a bottle of water. See neither? Maybe at first glance it is not so obvious, but plastic can also be found literally everywhere – from the keys of the keyboard to the mouse of your computer… even the frame of your monitor screen!
Plastic has become omnipresent. And even the best recyclers may discover that not everything can be reclaimed. That’s why sustainability has become so important.
What is Sustainability?
“Sustainability is based on a simple principle: Everything that we need for our survival and well-being depends, either directly or indirectly, on our natural environment. To pursue sustainability is to create and maintain the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony to support present and future generations.” – United States Environmental Protection Agency
Beyond just protecting the planet – from the oceans to wildlife – as well as maintaining the Earth for future generations, sustainable businesses can also benefit along the way toward going green. If you look at different businesses who practice sustainability, they are typically the ones that are the most innovative. Instead of remaining stagnant and accepting the status quo, they are perpetually looking at how they can do and make things better. From reviewing processes to identifying new solutions. Along their journey of continuous improvement and the search for toward being more eco-conscious, often ingenuity arises – a win, win for all!
Why plastic?
As an avid recycler myself, I am always saddened to learn when others don’t have the same diligence as myself. In the United States, we have so much plastic waste that we have to ship some of it overseas to be recycled. However, for the bulk of our plastic waste, most ends up in landfills or waterways.
Here are some astounding facts and figures surrounding plastic:
- 95% of plastic that is produced is never recovered
- In the Los Angeles area, ten metric tons of plastic fragments (e.g. straws, soda bottles, grocery bags, etc.) is carried into the Pacific Ocean each and every day
- Plastic will outnumber fish by the year 2050
- It takes 500 – 1,000 years for plastic to decompose
- 50% of plastic is only ever used once before it is thrown away
What is Handicare doing?
At Handicare, environmental resources are used responsibly and carefully. We constantly strive to conduct our business in an environmentally sustainable way. For example, we continually look to improve efficiencies or invest in sustainable products, services and technologies. Ideas from employees that reduce the environmental impact of Handicare’s activities are supported and encouraged.
Recognizing the health and environmental impacts that plastic is having on our planet (e.g. did you know we use 20 times more plastic today than we did 50 years ago?), Handicare has banned all single-use plastics in all Handicare offices and manufacturing facilities across the globe. Examples include plastic coffee cups, cutlery, plates and straws.
As Handicare continues to expand its sustainable practices, we hope you will join us!
Want to learn more about Handicare? Speak to one of our mobility experts today! Call 888-637-8155 or request a callback.
