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Waste Reduction Awards Program (WRAP) WRAP Talk 2003 |
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Download this WRAP Talk
2003 as a PDF.
The Waste Reduction Awards Program (WRAP), established by the California Integrated Waste Management Board in 1993 to recognize private organizations that develop innovative and aggressive programs to reduce their generation of solid waste, has bestowed honors on more than 8,700 California businesses and nonprofit organizations. WRAP recipients are vital participants in their communities' efforts to achieve the State mandate on cities and counties to cut trash in half. Progress and ChallengeTwelve years ago, precedent-setting California legislation established one of the most ambitious waste management goals in the country—50 percent diversion for the Golden State. Thanks in great part to the innovative, resource-efficient business practices of WRAP winning businesses, California is now averaging 48 percent diversion statewide. In a state that generates 72 million tons of waste each year, this success represents a staggering amount of material. Last year, the CIWMB recognized 2,154 organizations statewide with the WRAP 2002 awards. WRAP winners reported they cumulatively saved more than $73 million dollars. The businesses also diverted approximately 4.1 million tons of waste from California landfills. Clearly, this is progress. California now faces a daunting economic challenge, with State and local government reeling under diminishing revenues and rising costs. The business community is striving to regain a robust footing. The question could be asked, "How important is waste reduction and recycling now?" The definitive answer is, "More important than ever." Apart from the obvious business benefits of preventing waste through wise resource use, recent economic studies conducted by University of California demonstrate that managing discards in a manner other than disposal is good for California's economy. Recycling has much more positive economic impact than throwing away reusable material. Recycling creates jobs and tax revenue. In fact, it creates twice as many jobs in local communities—per ton of material—than does disposal. The CIWMB is committed to assisting both the business community and local government to find economic opportunities through the implementation of the waste management hierarchy and the Board's 2001 Strategic Plan. With goals ranging from increasing conservation and product stewardship to expanding sustainable markets and public education, to regulating facilities, ensuring environmental justice, and promoting a zero-waste California, the CIWMB's work is far-reaching. The sustainable building program is a priority effort already well underway. Staff is working in conjunction with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System to minimize the negative impacts of continuing development. This overlaps with efforts to promote the adoption of environmentally preferred procurement (EPP) policies by both government and private organizations to increase the purchasing of recycled-content products. Organic materials remain the most significant portion of the waste stream by weight. CIWMB efforts to advocate composting, grasscycling, and xeriscaping are increasingly focused on minimizing food waste and supporting food banks and food rescue programs. Novel approaches to education include promoting vermicomposting in schools to teach ecology and conservation. Advances in information technology have also created the emerging challenge of electronic discards, or e-waste. Communities are faced with spiraling costs to safely manage obsolete computers, monitors, televisions, cell phones, and other high-tech gadgets. CIWMB is working cooperatively with stakeholders to explore the concepts of product stewardship and shared responsibility, so that the costs of end-of-life handling can be built into the supply chain. Clearly, diverting 48 percent of 72 million tons annually is an astounding achievement. The next challenge is the remaining waste. With the ongoing efforts of WRAP participating businesses, California will continue to make progress toward its goal of a zero-waste state. A Toast to the "WRAP of the Year" 2002 WinnersEach year, 10 outstanding businesses are acknowledged as industry leaders for their successful implementation of resource-efficient practices and aggressive waste reduction, reuse, and recycling programs.
Perfect ParticipationMore than simple luck has driven 13 forward-looking businesses to win WRAP honors each and every year since the program began 10 years ago. In recent comments, CIWMB Chair Linda Moulton-Patterson acknowledged this accomplishment. "The State is proud that these businesses have chosen to operate here," Moulton-Patterson said. "They are an asset to their communities, and their commitment to California's environment is confirmed by a full decade of WRAP awards." The following organizations deserve special acknowledgement for perfect winning records:
How Has Your Business Used the WRAP Logo?Many WRAP winners incorporate the WRAP logo into their public image, attesting to their success as an environmentally concerned enterprise.
Application Tips For WRAP 2003The WRAP application period is open annually from April 1 through June 30. No late applications will be accepted. California businesses and private nonprofits are eligible to apply. It is essential that all questions on the application be answered completely. All applications will be evaluated as received. The most common errors applicants make, which will result in a lower (and possibly disqualifying) score, include:
Applicants are encouraged to use the WRAP 2003 resource guide, a companion document to the application. It will be available through the WRAP Web site along with the 2003 application. The WRAP program appreciates your efforts to provide complete information regarding your outstanding waste reduction practices. Having Trouble Buying Recycled? It's Easier Than Ever to "Close the Loop!"
Green Building Makes Business SenseThe green building and energy efficiency measures at the Cal/EPA building result in a savings of $478,000 on utility bills each year. That money represents six jobs. By purchasing recycled carpet instead of the standard, $160,000 was saved which could create two more jobs. The State of California's East End Complex in Sacramento incorporated 110 green enhancements and will save the State an estimated $185,000 annually. East End is a great example of a building that cost no more to build, yet is expected to exceed Title 24 energy standards by 40 percent. Waste Reduction Resources for California BusinessesThe California Integrated Waste Management Board maintains a vast collection of resources to assist organizations prevent waste, recycle more, and purchase products with recycled content. Most of this information is just a few mouse clicks away on the Board's easy-to-use Web site. Are you throwing away surplus materials that you know others could
use? Buried in office paper? Looking for ways to buy recycled? You can also visit the Buy Recycled Program's Web site to learn more about the benefits of buying recycled, which include diverting waste from landfills, reducing manufacturing waste and pollution, reducing energy consumption, and improving markets for recycled products. Buying recycled is good for the environment and is good for business. Do you manufacture products that use recycled feedstocks? What is the latest on e-waste management? Looking for ways to reduce food waste? Why Build Sustainable? How can your business benefit from sustainable landscaping? Interested in saving your business money?
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Last updated: March 03, 2008 Waste Reduction Awards Program (WRAP) http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/WRAP/ Cindi Rumenapp, wrap@ciwmb.ca.gov (916) 341-6604 |