The blame game.

No one enjoys taking responsibility when things go wrong. We are all eager to determine why a failure doesn't lie solely on our shoulders or why it's not our fault at all. Blame shifting is a common practice and phrase thrown around in our home. 

"Well, if she didn't ...then I wouldn't have ... " 

"If he wasn't didn't say ... then I wouldn't have said ..." 

Although the blame-shifting technique is prohibited in our family, it still finds its way into many unfortunate situations. 

Why does it matter? Taking personal responsibility helps to ensure the same thing doesn't happen again (and again and again). Situations usually have multiple actors that could all play essential parts in prevention, but what's important is that each player knows their role and how they can personally correct it. You are only able to control yourself, and sometimes, that proves difficult. 

This is such a basic and juvenile conversation that it would seem more on point if my children were toddlers, but they're not. So, if this juvenile conversation seems like such common sense, why do we have the same conversations in our personal lives as adults and in the workplace, and why am I writing about it currently related to recycling and the article below? 

The article is related to EPR, an acronym that you will likely hear a lot about if you produce products for sale. What does it mean, and how does it relate to the lead in the above?  

EPR—Extended Producer Responsibility is a great thing overall. It is helpful to have the producers focus on the best packaging and process to assist in recyclability and reduce the negative environmental impact on our planet. The idea that they want to increase the recycled content in production rather than purchasing new material is lovely. Still, it doesn't come without some pain and challenges in philosophy change. 

The producer can only carry the environmental impact until the person responsible changes. Each segment must own (and successfully complete) its role and responsibility. 

The manufacturer (producer) - sustainably sourced raw materials manufactured and designed with recyclability and end-of-life solutions in mind. Market with real numbers and data to provide a clear picture of the company and product's environmental impact. 

The transporter - ensures that the product arrives safely at the production and end markets without litter or waste. 

The retailer - Select products that embody the consumer's needs and desires and ensure they are properly marketed with clear and factual details. 

The consumer - shops with a focus on a product's environmental impact, understands the product's lifecycle and knows how to ensure that the products (packaging and/or item) are most sustainably handled. When recycling, it is essential that they follow bin labels and recycle with care, never litter, and not throw recycling items in the trash. 

The recycler (MRF) - Receives only material it is qualified and prepared to recycle. It removes contamination and quality sort and segregates raw material to be processed into something new. It employs educated team members and technology to provide the best raw material with the least residual outthrows.

The processor - Utilize the MRF's raw material to create the most eco-minded product possible to address the manufacturer's needs.  

The circle continues. We all have important roles; if one falls short, we all fail. 

Too often, consumers look to blame the manufacturer for all the litter, filling landfills, and missed recycling bins, and it seems like others are willing to jump on board with that idea.  Manufacturers can only ensure they design a product or packaging that can be universally recycled and utilize that recycled material to create a new item. The manufacturer then hands responsibility off to the next party, and their collection role is limited. The idea that it is a manufacturer's fault that a person decided to litter their (very easily) recyclable bottle into the waterway is silly (to me), but again, I am not a fan of blameshifting.