In early autumn we read that Sita UK’s chief executive David Palmer-Jones was calling for the waste and recycling industry to appoint a “Lord Coe equivalent”, to champion growth and investment within our exciting sector.
This is a suggestion we support entirely.
We’ve heard that Zero Waste Champions are being encouraged to step forward in communities in Scotland, in a bid to strengthen the ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’ commitment amongst households across the country.
Considering the average person reportedly throws away seven times their own body weight of ‘waste’ per year, such initiatives will hopefully improve this statistic and support the UK’s progress. Indeed, the approach could undoubtedly also add value to workplace practices too, which is especially when considering research findings unveiled in May 2012.
The industry certainly needs an array of supporters to ensure the UK continues to make progress, which is why at Riverside we pass on our knowledge and advice at every possible opportunity. But as a nation we have the potential to further boost our waste processing capabilities if only the infrastructure was in place. David Palmer-Jones therefore makes a strong point that a single inspiring leader, with the right level of energy and focus, would help us enhance and achieve our vision.
Now it’s just a case of finding that person. However when you consider the number of inspirational seminars that are delivered at industry events and conferences such as RWM and Sustainability Live, I have every confidence that the perfect candidate is there to be discovered.
