Dear Friend,
As the Covid-19 pandemic persists and mask mandates become more common, you’ve likely started to see an increase in discarded PPE along streets and in parking lots. These items are also starting to wash up on beaches around the globe, contributing to the existing problem of ocean plastics.
What’s the environmental impact of all these masks and gloves?
As you can imagine, it’s not good.
Discarded masks and gloves are considered contaminants and are not recyclable through local recyclers, which means they’re headed to landfills.
A small but powerful partnership between Subaru* and TerraCycle is helping Subaru employees and customers recycle this PPE instead.
Building on an existing partnership, Subaru customers and employees can use TerraCycle’s Zero Waste Boxes to collect disposable masks and gloves across more than 20 offices nationwide and at participating Subaru dealerships.
When full, the boxes are returned to TerraCycle and the collected PPE will be used to make new products. Disposable masks are typically made from #5 polypropylene plastic and can be turned into a variety of items ranging from reusable shipping pallets to plastic lumber applications. Rubberized disposable gloves can be used for products such as matting.
To learn more about this inspiring partnership, tune into this week’s episode of Cause Talk Radio to hear more from Kyle Riggs, North American Account Director, Zero Waste for TerraCycle and Amy Strawbridge, Brand Partnerships & Experiential Marketing Manager for Subaru.
Twenty-twenty is certainly giving us all a run for our money, but this initiative helps restore our faith that purposeful partnerships can make a positive impact, even amidst a seemingly-endless global pandemic.
Sincerely,
David Hessekiel
President
Engage for Good
P.S. Last month’s learning club on the Future of Retail was jam-packed! It was so successful that we’re doing another Learning Club with our friend Joe Waters of SelfishGiving.com – this time on Personal Branding and Social Impact Career Growth. Register today (it’s FREE!).
P.P.S. We’re looking for a social media intern. Know anyone who’s a recent college grad or between jobs? Share this post or send them our way!
*Engage for Good Corporate Member
