In his most recent newsletter, David Suzuki discusses the idea of ERP, extended producer responsibility.

The ERP concept is simple and if it was the law, manufacturers, importers, retailers, and packagers would be responsible for the products they produce after their useful life. Like what is already standard with beer bottles, They would have to take back products and reuse or recycle the components instead of leaving their customers with a product that must eventually be thrown out.

If we can do it with beer bottles, there’s no reason why it can’t be done with paper products, electronics, and plastics. Even cars can be designed to be recyclable. EPR is already having an effect in Europe, where it’s the law. Manufacturers are designing products and packaging to be completely recyclable.

Learn more about ERP here.