Simply recycling is so 2008. Well, perhaps not quite. But, if innovators like Jason Warnock, Managing Partner of DMD Green have their way, the bar may soon be much higher than just the "three R's" (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) we know today.
Until now the focus for producing more sustainable products has been on increasing recycled content or recyclability. The "holy grail," of course has been products with high percentages of both. But, what about products that are not suitable for current recycling methods? At the moment, most of those products simply end up being discarded at the end of their useful life.
According to Warnock, SocialCyclingTM "re-introduces the human elements of sustainability and looks to create real-world uses for materials often destined for a landfill." What does that mean? Simply put, SocialCycling is a process for putting materials that are difficult or impossible to recycle in the hands of communities to convert into usable products.
For example, certain vinyl coated fabrics are difficult and expensive to recycle. Those same materials delivered to workrooms in developing countries can be turned into backpacks or book bags for local school children. Cost effective products, produced locally for local use, but with global implications.
As Warnock explains it, "the SocialCycling Certification process documents chain of custody, converters, and ultimate material usage to create transparency and accountability for companies engaged in SocialCycling."
This certification process enables organizations and individual consumers to identify and do business with suppliers and partners who participate in SocialCycling. With several pilot programs under way and more companies slated to join the certification process in the coming months, SocialCycling is definitely a trend to watch.
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