"It is important to recycle, but we must remember that recycling is the third choice. We should consider reducing and reusing before recycling." Rhonda Sherman Extension Solid Waste Specialist, North Carolina State University
"Reduce, reuse, recycle" are three powerful words that drive our efforts to tackle packaging waste, preventing single-use plastic and carton containers, especially, from ending up in landfills and contaminating our air, water, and food. The consideration of packaging and end-of-life products, specifically reusing, is gaining momentum among food, clothing, and bottled water brands.
Reduce
Reducing and reusing are essential priorities in waste management. Some circular economy experts even suggest eliminating recycling as an option because emphasizing recycling can still enable the generation of single-use waste. Instead, these experts advocate for prioritizing innovative packaging solutions that focus on reduction through reuse. When brands move beyond designing packaging solely for recycling, they are compelled to adopt strategies that rethink, repair, retain, refurbish, recover, and regenerate. Each of these steps is crucial to minimizing our environmental footprint.
Reducing the consumption of new packaging directly lessens the demand for new resources and the volume of waste produced. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American generates about 4.9 pounds of trash daily, so when brands focus on creating packaging that reduces the need for single-use, this helps reduce waste from a manufacturer’s level, where waste starts from.
Reuse
Reusing items conserves resources and cuts emissions associated with the production of new items. When brands adopt reuse as a practice, they can significantly reduce emissions. For example, extending the life of clothing by nine months can reduce the fashion industry's carbon footprint by up to 30%.
For the bottled water industry, prioritizing bottled water packaging that reduces waste and concentrates on reusing can help reduce the environmental impacts single-use bottled water poses. When we focus on packaging that is intended to be recycled, for instance, single-use cans and bottles, though it turns waste back into another resource and saves energy versus landfilling, it is also seen as a last resort because of the high energy needed for recycling, and, in some cases, the finite number of times certain materials can be recycled.
Why PATH bottles are made to prioritize reuse over recycling
​​PATH bottles are designed with the highest priority of reducing waste through reuse. They are built from durable materials to maximize reuse and crafted with aluminum to ensure recyclability when their journey finally ends. This approach aligns with the core principles of "reduce, reuse, recycle," reinforcing that while recycling is essential, it's the most effective last step. By prioritizing reducing and reusing bottled water, PATH and people that love PATH are supporting a more circular economy for the bottled water industry.
What is America Recycles Day?
America Recycles Day is celebrated on November 15 as a national initiative for promoting recycling. It was founded by the National Recycling Coalition in 1997 and educates people on the impacts of recycling on the environment and the economy.
The day is set aside for individuals, schools, businesses, and communities across the country to participate in events that educate the public about how to recycle effectively and reduce waste. Many organizations host events where people can learn more about the recycling process and the importance of sorting materials properly to avoid contamination, one of the major reasons China stopped accepting U.S. recyclables. The day also educates on reducing landfill use and buying reusable products made from recyclable materials, thereby supporting the circular economy. You can find local events on the Keep American Beautiful website. Â
What is the America Recycles Day pledge?
It’s a commitment that individuals can make to perfect their recycling habits. By taking the pledge, participants commit to taking specific actions to reduce waste and support better recycling practices. The core commitments of the pledge often include the following.
Recycling Correctly – A promise to recycle the right materials and avoid contamination by separating out non-recyclables.
Reducing Waste – A commitment to implementing waste-reduction strategies such as reusing items, choosing products with less packaging, and being mindful of overall consumption.
Buying Recycled – Choosing products with the most recyclable contents whenever possible to support the recycling market and close the loop on recyclable materials.
Encouraging Others – Spreading awareness by talking to people about reducing waste and recycling. Inspiring family, friends, and community members to adopt sustainable recycling and waste reduction practices.
What cities in the U.S. recycle the most?
We’re proud to say the Bay Area has the highest recycling rates, with San Francisco topping the U.S. at 80%.
- San Francisco, CA: 80%
- Los Angeles, CA: 76.4%
- San Jose, CA: 75%
- Portland, OR: 70%
- San Diego, CA: 68%
As we celebrate America Recycles Day, reach for your PATH and #refillit many times because it is the step that can make a powerful impact before you recycle. America Recycles Day reminds us of this important hierarchy: reduce, reuse, and then recycle. PATH bottles embody this approach by being built for resilience and reuse, with aluminum for a final, impactful step through recycling.Â
Resources
https://www.wastedive.com/news/which-us-cities-are-recycling-champions/403347/
https://www.census.gov/newsroom/stories/america-recycles-day.html